Books and Library Materials

The environment and workshops at West Dean are unique, providing the facilities to equip students with advanced practical skills. Tutors practise at the highest level in their field and the small group of students, usually 9 in total, means a high degree of personal tuition. You will work on historical books and collaborate through projects and work placements with professionals from the library, museum and private sectors. Practical treatments are the prime focus of the course, they are carried out in conjunction with the development of other essential skills, including the preparation of condition and treatment reports, historical and theoretical studies, and materials science.

You will study the standards of ethical practice of national and international heritage organisations. There is a programme of visits to libraries and book conservation departments within and beyond the UK, work placements, and a series of visiting lecturers who are experts in their fields. The study of materials science will give you the theoretical know-how to test materials and to undertake research and practical work.

The books and library materials diplomas are part of a related group of conservation diplomas at West Dean and students are encouraged to work in an interdisciplinary way across the diploma programmes. Established in 1972, the programmes are recognised by leading public and private sector organisations worldwide. The current course structure was established in 2002.

The tutors

• Programme tutor: David Dorning
• Assistant tutor: Elizabeth Neville

Click to view the tutor profiles

The facilities

The Book and Library Materials programme is delivered in the bindery where you will have your own workbench with its own power source, an individual task light and storage for personal tools and equipment. The department has specialist areas dedicated to paper conservation, finishing, sharpening, woodwork and metalwork. A new dedicated science laboratory is equipped with analytical tools for scientific and materials research. IT facilities are available within the books workshop, including a scanner, digital camera and Internet access. Computers are also sited within the college library and IT suite. All basic tools and materials are provided at the beginning of the programme as well as some specialist equipment. Students are encouraged to build up their own set of tools

Programme advisor

CLARE PRINCE: private book conservator.
SABINA PUGH: book conservator, Bodleian Library.

Lecturers include:

CAROLINE BENDIX: private book conservator, Consultant to the National Trust.
FRED BEARMAN: Private book conservator.