A word from our Supporters ...
All conservation programmes at West Dean benefit from the practical input of the antiques trade, represented by BADA. A few words from Mark Dodgson, Secretary General of British Antique Dealers Association.
“Whilst some students will proceed to careers in the museum sector some will establish their own independent workshops, or work with others who already have, as part of the vibrant community of professionals servicing the UK’s art market and museums. The British Antique Dealers' Association, in concert with West Dean tutors encourages students to be aware of the commercial issues that may have an impact upon the practice of those in the field of historic object preservation.
“The United Kingdom art and antiques market is the second largest in the world. It employs tens of thousands of people, not just dealers and auctioneers, but also specialist shippers, packers and restorers. The existence of a large body of conservators and restorers to service both this and the museum sector, is of vital importance to the market and of course the well being of the artefacts themselves. Projects such as the restoration of Windsor Castle, following the fire in 1992, would not have been possible without the involvement of a myriad of independent workshops, which counted among their staff former students of the College.
“This is why we are so keen to support a West Dean student each year through our BADA, Joan Eyles annual scholarship.”
website: The British Antique Dealers' Association
West Dean is proud to have the Pilgrim Trust as partners to ‘promote access to conservation studies for those who would otherwise not consider this career path.’
The Pilgrim Trust is generously providing one scholarship per year to support a student on a conservation programme. This scholarship is to widen participation in conservation.
In a recent Demos report (November 2008), “It’s a Material World – caring for the public realm” (Jones & Holden), it is highlighted that conservation studies is currently suffering from an increasingly low public profile and that the current status of conservation does not work in favour of widening access to this field of study. West Dean’s partnership with the Pilgrim Trust seeks to promote conservation to potential applicants from non-traditional routes, for example, by welcoming students who may not have a first degree but can demonstrate a combination of academic competence and professional experience onto our Graduate Diploma.
website: The Pilgrim Trust
