Metalwork

The programme

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 8 in total, means a high degree of personal tuition. You will collaborate with organisations such as the British Museum and the Royal Armouries, through work placements, and with programme advisers from the museum and private sectors who help to evaluate your progress.

You will learn new skills and develop a deep knowledge and understanding of conservation and restoration by working on objects of historical importance from museums and private collections. Experts in the field will teach you how to produce condition and conservation reports for the artefacts and
objects placed in your care, and to fully document the work and treatments carried out. Historical and theoretical studies will help you to place objects in their original context.

You will study the standards of ethical practice of national and international heritage organisations. A materials science programme will give you the theoretical know-how to test materials and to undertake research and practical work. The metalwork 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 programme is supported by the British
Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA).

The tutor

• Jon Privett

Click to view the tutor profile

The facilities

The programme is delivered in the purpose-built metalwork conservation workshop where you will have your own workstation with a personal cupboard for your tools and equipment. There are also specialist areas for soldering, brazing and welding, a tool room, a departmental laboratory and a machine shop with a selection of power tools. A new dedicated science laboratory is equipped with analytical tools for scientific and materials research. IT facilities are available within the metalwork workshop, including a scanner, digital camera and Internet access. Computers are also sited within the college library and IT suite. All necessary materials and tools are supplied though students are encouraged and advised how to build and make up their own sets of tools.

Programme advisors

CHARLES TRUMAN: BADA Member specialist in precious metalwork.
RICHARD ROGERS: Richard Rogers Conservation Ltd.
HAZEL NEWEY: Head of Conservation, Science Museum.

Lecturers

A full list is available on request, which includes:
BOB CHILD: Head of Conservation, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
KEVIN SMITH: MD Plowden & Smith Ltd.
ANTHONY NORTH: Former Curator, Metalwork, V&A Museum.
CATIA VIEGAS-WESOLOWSKA - Metalwork conservator, V&A Museum.