The marine chronometer signed by John Lilley & son from 1929 has shown evidences of a failure of one of its major components. The helical hairspring which is co-regulating the frequency of the balance (factor determining the rate of the mechanism) was broken by fracture near its lower attachment point. The aim of the project was to provide a replacement spring for the chronometer which would possess the required mechanical properties (toughness, elasticity, shape, composition …).

In early spring the West Dean College of Arts and Conservation musical instruments students and tutors went to Paris for a short study trip.

Step-by-step instructions for a herringbone endband-with a video!

MFA student Lester Korzilius answers questions about Ascension, his exciting installation in the atrium of the Minerva Theatre at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Among the various nineteenth century case bindings that rest on the shelves in the West Dean Books department awaiting treatment was one that was different to the rest. It was particularly appealing as its binding was completely covered in pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and it was therefore an interesting challenge to take on for a beginning book conservation student.