“Everyone had a great time, and commented on how useful and enjoyable a day it was. They also really liked the top tips on supplies as we are all small museums with no money!”

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Having trained and worked in paper conservation for several years, I specialised in photographs, recognising a growing client need and following my own keen interest. A founding committee member of the Photographic Materials Conservation Group, I became ICON Group Chair. As an Accredited Conservator I led care of photography collections at the National Trust for 30 years, also providing consultancy, support, and training for other organisations. Upholding the highest ethical and technical standards I have extensive experience in handling diverse collections, offering surveys, prioritising conservation, finding and implementing storage solutions, and guiding sustainable use for public enjoyment.

Museum staff practising identification of photographs

Measuring acetate film deterioration, “vinegar syndrome,” in a ciné film collection

Experience

Teaching collection: examples of photographic processes and formats

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Delivering a training day for military museums in Winchester

Training Courses

Holding Qualified Teacher Status from Reading University, I deliver online and in-person training to heritage staff and volunteers to help them care for their photography collections. Using a wide resource of different photographic processes and formats I provide tailored sessions, covering topics such as safe handling, identification of materials and processes, storage planning, preparation for digitisation and display, and managing the varied requirements of large or mixed collections. Deeply committed to supporting the next generation of conservators, I tutor students, have run placements, and am proud to see former students and ICON interns forging successful conservation careers in this fascinating subject area.

Students on a 3-day Preservation of Photographs course

PowerPoint slide from training - reasons to improve storage of photographs

It is vital to recognise and identify deteriorated cellulose nitrate film

Advice / Guidance

Photography collections can be vast and complex, encompassing different formats and materials – some of which can be hazardous. Yet even deteriorated photographs may be needed to support institutional activities. I provide specialist expertise, providing advice and guidance to find solutions. Taking a pragmatic approach, I aim for long-term preservation of whole collections. Collaborating with clients I help prioritise conservation recommendations balanced with institutional need. An on-site collection overview can often be conducted in one day. A subsequent overview report details condition and stability, areas of concern, treatment priorities, and recommended actions.

Delivering public engagement with The Hardmans’ conservation team at Speke Hall

Before and after, in-situ care and cleaning of a small, framed albumen print