LSHH Conservation staff reflect on a recent industry event showcasing student projects and the professional connections that help to prepare graduates for successful careers in conservation and heritage.
On 28 March 2025, conservation and heritage experts from around the UK came together at the University of Lincoln, to recognise and support students on the MA Conservation of Cultural Heritage programme and their final-year BA(Hons) peers at an industry networking event.
The afternoon is organised annually as part of a module focused on supporting students to transition into the workplace after graduation. This year we welcomed a range of guests drawn from the professional networks of Conservation subject staff, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Conservation (Icon), the International Institute for Conservation’s Executive Director, accredited members of Icon working in the National Trust and university museums, as well as representatives of national, regional, and local heritage sites, National Lottery Heritage-funded projects, and private conservation practices. We’re very grateful to all our guests for giving their time so generously, to support our students in building the network of industry contacts that will be so crucial to them as they move into the conservation and heritage community as work-ready professionals.
Sector Collaborations
After registration and a chance for a refreshing drink, the event began with a short welcome from Senior Lecturer in Conservation, Leah Warriner-Wood, who shared some news of the Conservation department’s sector collaborations over the past twelve months. Projects included: identification of an Anglo Saxon buckle plate inlaid with precious metal for Lincolnshire’s Finds Liaison Officer; research into novel alternatives to stone biocides for Historic England; and supporting partners around the world with their conservation, visitor interpretation, and training needs on subjects as diverse as climate heritage, preventive conservation, and the digital recording of vulnerable manuscripts – including a charter of King John from the collection of Lincoln’s Historic Guildhall, that will celebrate its 825th birthday this month!
Mastering Specialist Techniques
Leah’s update was followed by two presentations by MA Conservation students Rebecca Goddard and Catherine Hovell, who each spoke about a project they’ve been involved in during their studies. Rebecca spoke about an opportunity she had to develop her skills in the workplace, through a placement at the National Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation Conservation studio at Knole, which was funded through a partnership between the Conservation subject team at Lincoln, the Counties Heritage Foundation, and the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust. Through working on an East Asian lacquer table cabinet and screen from Ham House, Rebecca developed her knowledge, skills, and confidence in specialist conservation techniques such as the shimbari clamping technique, which used flexible rods to apply gentle pressure to flaking areas of lacquer. After completing her placement Rebecca was invited to return to the National Trust studio as a freelance conservator, to continue working on the Ham House screen – and may even be featured in an episode of the BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust later this year!
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Catherine shared a project she completed in the University’s purpose-built conservation labs, as part of her practical conservation module. Working on a set of early 18th century horse trappings[1] belonging to the Museum of the Horse – and which had once been used in the Lord Mayor of London’s annual parade – Catherine blended traditional conservation processes with modern digital imaging and replication techniques. For example, the fragile leather and silk making up the trappings’ structure were supported with adhesives and the application of dyed or tinted supports in preparation for display, while in-house digital scanning, modelling, and 3D printing techniques were used to reproduce some of the missing decorative roundels – which were originally made of brass, and gilded using 24 carat gold to make them glimmer and impress all those who saw them! – and give an impression of what the trappings would have looked like when in use.
(credit: Kirsty Metcalf / Catherine Hovell).
Fantastic Feedback
After the presentations there was a chance for guests and students to chat over drinks and biscuits. Many interesting conversations were had, and the feedback for the students was overwhelmingly positive, with one guest commenting that Rebecca and Catherine’s presentations were on a par with those given at Icon’s annual Accredited Conservator-Restorer conference. The afternoon finished with a tour of the University’s conservation labs, and a chance for delegates to talk with more students about the objects they’re treating this semester.
Final Thoughts: Showcasing Lincoln’s Industry-led Approach to Conservation Training
The presentations by Leah, Rebecca, and Catherine, and the presence of so many influential people from within the conservation and heritage community perfectly highlighted some of the things that make studying conservation at Lincoln so special: the blend of classroom- and work-based learning opportunities that mean students develop skills that are in everyday use within the conservation sector, and the strong industry networks that mean staff can offer these experiences to build students’ readiness to enter the workforce.
The Conservation subject team would like to extend their grateful thanks to everyone who supported the event, and hope that you’ll join us again in the future. Particular thanks go to Emma Jhita, CEO of Icon, for generously sharing her photographs from the afternoon.
[1] Decorative items that are attached to a horse’s harness, bridle, or saddle to enhance their appearance and sometimes indicate the rider’s status.