Sepiolite: An Ethiopian Incense Burner
MA Conservation Studies: Ceramics and Related Materials student Andriani discusses the recent conservation of an Ethiopian incense burner.
MA Conservation Studies: Ceramics and Related Materials student Andriani discusses the recent conservation of an Ethiopian incense burner.
David Howell is a tutor on the MA Collection Care and Conservation Management part-time course. His latest publication Conservation Research in Libraries (Current Topics in Library and Information Practice), looks at examples of techniques available for use in libraries, or on library materials; which can be a useful reference point for future conservation research. We are delighted to share an excerpt from David's book in this blog post.
MA Conservation Studies alumni Dale Sardeson talks us through the final year practical project he completed in Summer 2019; the conservation of a singing bird cage automaton from the Edward James Foundation Collection.
MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student Lena Krämer discusses her reconstruction attempt on an unusual Gothic endband from Chichester Cathedral Library.
As part of his studies, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies student David Edwards has been working on the conservation of a Thonet ‘No.28’ chair, which is owned by the Edward James Foundation.
Historic Building Conservation and Repair
Graffiti removal is an important aspect of Masonry Cleaning especially when it relates to a delicate historic surface such as this example; plasterwork within a C12th monastic ruin, part of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. Add some bats in the vaults beneath and a running flood in the adjacent river – how should we tackle this and safeguard the fabric and ecology? Read more in this blog post by Building Conservation Masterclasses tutor Jamie Fairchild.
Read Lena Krämer's, MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student, blog post about a book with an eye-catching Gothic Endband she found on a trip to Chichester Cathedral Library.
MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student Emma Lau writes about learning the principles of sharpening and using basic machineries to produce an English paring knife, and how this lead her to modify a spokeshave for paring leather.
Earlier in 2019, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation were contacted about conserving a selection of painted plaster figures from a Nativity scene. Potentially dating from the Nineteenth Century, the figures had been residing in local church, St Mary The Virgin, Upwaltham (West Sussex).
Peter Grimwood is one of just two Orrery makers in the country and he recently spent a day (on November 21st) at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation explaining how to make an Orrery to students.