Books and Library Materials

Graduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

Postgraduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

MA Conservation Studies
University of Sussex Award
1 calendar year

ENQUIRIES:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Applying for these programmes?

Link to more information on our application process

Link to downloadable application and referees forms

Link to request or download a West Dean College prospectus

David Dorning worked at Warwick County Archives and Coventry City Archives, gaining a BA (Hons) at the Open University, before joining West Dean where he achieved an MA in Conservation Studies from the University of Sussex. David is a specialist in Book and Paper Conservation, which he teaches alongside his research subject, materials science, both at West Dean and other institutions. He is an accredited member of ICON and a Fellow of IIC.

Elizabeth Neville

Students on the Book and Library Materials programme have their personal workbench situated in the Bindery. In addition the department has areas for paper conservation, washing, science, finishing, sharpening and secure storage; and there is a range of conservation and bookbinding equipment. Basic tools are provided at the beginning of the course, but students are encouraged and given advice towards building up their personal set of tools. A separate laboratory is available as a College-wide resource, containing analytical and microscopy equipment. Direct and wireless internet access is available in the department, and there is a computer suite in the College.

Programme Content

Practical Work

• Treatment of books
• Familiarisation with tools and materials
• Condition reports
• Developing treatment strategies

Library/Archive Collections and their materials

• Visits to various types of collections and study of their conservation requirements.

History of Papermaking

• Contextual studies
• Practical Papermaking

Materials Science

• Materials science in conservation seminar series.
• Materials evaluation and analysis.
• Science in the workshop.

Storage and Environmental Issues

• Environmental Monitoring
• Book protection systems
• Evaluation of exhibition materials

Leather and Image materials

• Methods of leather production
• Manuscript and printing inks
• Treatment of images

Exhibition of Work

• An important celebration of your work, supported by your portfolio.

Historical Book Structures

• In-depth study and presentation

Practical Work and Exhibition Issues

• Treatment of books, book cradles and light sources for exhibitions

Metal Components of Books

• Production of metal components
• Principles of metal corrosion and control

Paper Conservation

• Paper treatments

Disaster Response

• Skills applicable to disasters in libraries and book collections

Work Placement

• A six-week period in a public institution or a private workshop.

Materials Science

• Science in the workshop. Application to practical problems.
• Lighting systems. Air quality and monitoring of exhibition environments.

Exhibition of Work

• An important celebration and showcase of your research and professional practice.

PROGRAMME ADVISORS

Clare Prince: private book conservator.
Sabina Pugh: book conservator, Bodleian Library.

VISITING LECTURERS include:

Caroline Bendix: private book conservator, Consultant to the National Trust.
Fred Bearman: Private book conservator.

ENQUIRIES
T +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301 E diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Student Profiles

Lucy Cheng, Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas progressing to MA in Conservation Studies, 2007-2008.

After earning degrees in Art History and Library Science, I worked briefly as a librarian before becoming a tour operator. My love of books and the desire to train in a practical field eventually led me to book conservation. I still remember that first view of West Dean College when I came for a brief visit: it really was like walking on to a movie set. More than two years since that day, I’ve come to know West Dean in a less superficial way. When I leave, I’ll remember the well-rounded and individualised tuition I’ve received, the confidence I’ve gained through intense practical and academic studies and the relationships I’ve formed here with students and staff - and last but not least, the laughter shared with friends over meals and tea breaks, in front of the open fire in the Oak Hall, late in the workshop and on walks around the Estate. West Dean has given me a solid foundation to begin my career as a book conservator, where I can continue to learn and practice in this profession that unfailingly inspires me to strive for excellence.

Edward Cheese, Book Conservator, Cambridge Colleges’ Conservation Consortium, Studied Postgraduate Diploma Books and Library Materials.

I came to West Dean from an academic background.Having enjoyed restoration work in my spare time for many years, I wanted to combine my practical skills with my academic interest in books. West Dean College was a tremendously exciting college at which to study: enthusiastic experts as teachers were fully engaged in the students' interests and were on hand to provide the means to develop them. The well-equipped workshops which were open for long hours, the creative atmosphere in such a beautiful setting, and the ethos of excellence in craft work were deeply inspiring and have left a long-lasting determination in me to strive always for the best I can do. West Dean gave me the time, space, and practical support to immerse myself in the study of historic book structures and their conservation, and the opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary to start my career as a conservator working on the Parker Library Manuscript collection at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.