Current (2011-13) HLF Interns

Read about the Interns appointed in Year 6 of the HLF Scheme plus our Externally Funded (EFP) interns

Photography Conservation - National Galleries of Scotland Ioannis has a bachelor degree in conservation of Antiquities and works of art from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens(2009) and a Master's degree in paper and photographs conservation from Camberwell College of Arts, London(2012). Before he came to London he did an internship in Paris and another in Athens, both focusing in photographs conservation. During his studies at Camberwell, he focused on photographic material and he completed his major project on the preservation of Polaroid prints. At the same time he did a short placement at the Victoria and Albert Museum and he was volunteering at the Stanley Kubrick Archive. When he applied for this internship he was working for a small project included Polaroid prints at the BFI National Archive. He is really excited having being offered this Icon internship funded by the Clothworkers Foundation: ''This internship is an great opportunity to fully develop my skills in photographs conservation and work on a vast collection that covers all photographic processes''. Back to top

Ethnographic Conservation - Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. In 2009, I graduated from University College Cork with a BA (Hons) in History of Art with English. Looking for the next step, I became interested in conservation and so applied to attend the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln. Completing this, I stayed on at Lincoln to study for the MA in Conservation of Historic Objects, which I am now almost finished. During that time I also undertook a 3-month internship in the National Museum of Ireland’s conservation department, reinforcing my interest in the material heritage of different cultures.

Now, at the Pitt Rivers’, I have the chance to further develop this interest, working with a diverse range of ethnographic materials from around the world. Back to top

Architectural Conservation: Stone & Plasterwork, Hirst Conservation: Following her undergraduate degree in Process and Chemical Engineering from University College Cork, Rachel completed a postgraduate diploma in Building Conservation and Repair at Trinity College Dublin. Whilst here, she developed an interest in materials, stone and plaster in particular, completing a research dissertation investigating the thermal conductivity of renders.

Rachel went on to spend two years working as an assistant historic building surveyor in Shropshire. During this time, she also worked as a volunteer Buildings-at-Risk surveyor for Shropshire Council and was a committee member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings regional group. Rachel really loves early twentieth century architecture, with buildings from the European Jugendstil movement being amongst her favourites.

Rachel hopes her building pathology experience will enable her to take a more integrated approach to architectural conservation. She intends to use this wonderful opportunity with Hirst to apply and enhance her theoretical knowledge and develop her practical conservation skills. She believes this internship is the perfect opportunity to combine her scientific and architectural, historic and artistic interests, whilst bringing her closer to her dream of becoming an accredited conservator working to conserve Britain’s glorious architectural legacy. For more info read Rachel's blog : click here Back to top

I graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MPhil in Textile Conservation in 2012 where I learned the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to become a textile conservator. Over the years I have obtained a diverse range of conservation experience: I also hold a PGDip in Paper Conservation from Camberwell College of Arts, and have completed textile conservation work placements at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and at RAMM, plus working with ethnographic textiles at Te Papa Tongarewa in New Zealand. I am looking forward to my internship at RAMM, as it will provide me with the opportunity to improve my ability to work with costume, which is a personal interest of mine. I will also be conserving textiles from an eighteenth-century sedan chair, which will be a challenging and lengthy project, alongside assisting with conservation tasks within the museum, such as exhibition planning, installation, preparing loans and general collections care. Back to top

Philippa undertook a BA Honours in Fine Art at Bath Spa University College, graduating in 2000. During a work placement at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy she developed an interest in conservation that led to a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln. For several years after Philippa worked at National Museums Liverpool in the Sculpture Conservation department until 2010. She completed a Masters in Heritage Studies at Salford University in 2011 and has since worked freelance on projects including restoration workshops for adults effected by substance misuse and hand finishing replica objects for museum use. Philippa’s ICON internship is based on Collections Care and Management with Halahan Associates, an opportunity that will enable her to develop preventive conservation skills and experience a wide range of collections care activities to benefit future practice.

I obtained a first degree in History of Art and History, and subsequently a Masters in History of Art, from the University of Geneva between 2005 and 2010. I then completed an MA in Conservation of Fine Art at Northumbria University in 2012, with a specialism in easel painting conservation. While on the course, I undertook two summer work placements at the studios of Gillian M H Walker (Sheffield) and Kiffy Stainer-Hutchins & Co (Norfolk). After finishing my MA, I carried out an internship at Julia Nagle Conservation Ltd (London) and another work placement at the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford).

Due to this HLF funded ICON internship at the Old Royal Naval College (Greenwich), I have the chance to participate to one of the most important conservation programmes currently operating in the UK today. I am working alongside a very competent and supportive team under the supervision of the firm of Paine and Stewart Ltd (London).

I started my career in book conservation at Camberwell in 2008 when I completed the 2 year Foundation Degree in Book Conservation. Following on from this, I studied the final year of the BA in Organic Conservation (also at Camberwell), during which I won the Stationer’s Foundation prize for Student Conservator of the Year specialising in Books and Paper. I then went on to complete the Camberwell’s MA in Conservation after receiving an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. My final project focussed on the conservation of stationery bindings and I graduated in September with distinction. I am very much looking forward to the internship at PZ Conservation, especially working in a small private studio, and having the opportunity to work on a variety of projects as well as working with the public in the outreach portion of the internship.

Having studied the MA in Conservation of Historic Objects at Lincoln and had short-term contracts working as an Objects Conservator this internship gave me a wonderful opportunity to develop a specialism in Arms and Armour.

During my 12 months I have been able to work on a variety of projects that have included armour from Japan, horse armour from India, daggers from Africa, matchlock rifles from Europe and cavalry swords from Britain.
I have also had the opportunity to go to conferences in Cardiff, London and Oman, as well as attend training courses in Arms and Armour and the Sword at the Wallace Collection, London.
All of this has helped make me a more rounded Conservator and better armed me for a career in Conservation.

My background is in sculpture, propmaking and prosthetic effects. Having just completed a Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln, I was looking for ways to apply my practical making skills to conservation work, and was delighted to be offered an internship with Hall Conservation Ltd. I am especially looking forward to developing my metalworking skills, working on site and getting an insight into an ethical commercial conservation practice.

Anna Zwagerman - Preventive Conservation, National Trust Scotland, Aberdeenshire

After a BA in History, I went on to complete both an MA and a Professional Doctorate in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Amsterdam. During my Professional Doctorate I specialised in preventive and remedial conservation of Historic Interiors by completing a number of placements, one of which was with the National Trust. Last February I received a Leonardo da Vinci scholarship for a six-month placement at Pollok House in Glasgow, where I learned a lot about working in a historic house environment. During my ICON internship with the National Trust for Scotland I hope to gain more practical experience in preventive conservation, especially relating to environmental management, project work and providing training for staff and volunteers.

Danielle Connolly - Conservation of Banners, People’s History Museum, Manchester

Having previously completed voluntary work involving tapestry installations at Dovecot Studios Edinburgh and also working with the textile conservation department at The Burrell Collection Glasgow, I was keen to broaden my knowledge of textile conservation within a museum setting. This, coupled with my recent completion of the two-year postgraduate course in textile conservation at the University of Glasgow, means the internship will provide me the opportunity to put all the practical and theoretical skills I have gained within the past two-years into practice within a working conservation studio. The internship will give me the chance to learn the specialist skills and knowledge used in banner conservation and in the conservation of painted surfaces. It will also allow me to observe and practice the handling, packing and display of large, fragile, complex objects. I am looking forward to starting the internship, meeting fellow ICON interns and the ICON training team, but mostly I am looking forward to the learning opportunity and experience the internship will provide me.

Rosemarie Wachsmuth - Preventive Conservation, Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

I come from a museological background as my first degree was in History of Art with Museum Studies. From there I moved to doing the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at Lincoln University which I then took to a Master level that I have almost completed. I want to use this internship as an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in preventive conservation which I eventually want to take to accreditation level hoping to work in the public sector.

I have recently completed the Preventive Conservation MA at Northumbria and Paper Conservation PgDip at Camberwell the previous year. I have done various work placements in some fantastic institutions such as the V&A, Stanley Kubrick Film Archive and Wellcome Collection, where I mainly worked on rehousing and collections care projects. I am very excited to be starting at the Museum of London.

Alice Brown - Textile Conservation, The Textile Restoration Studio (TRS) Cheshire

I studied BA (Hons) Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2009 before completing MA Conservation of Historic Objects at the University of Lincoln in 2012, where I specialised in textiles. I hope my internship at the Textile Restoration Studio will help to broaden my knowledge of textile conservation treatments through a wide variety of objects. Working in a private studio will also provide the opportunity to liaise with clients and gain some business experience.

Jihyun Kwon - Conservation of Archaeological and Historic Materials, CSI, Sittingbourne

I have a BSc in Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology and a MSc in Professional Conservation. This internship opportunity at CSI:Sittingbourne will allow me to learn and experience community engagement in conservation as well as broaden and deepen my expertise and experience in archaeological and investigative conservation.

In Spain I undertook a degree in Art History, a masters degree in Museum Studies and some training in bookbinding. I came to London two years ago to do the FdA Book Conservation course at the Camberwell College of Arts which I successfully finished last June. During my degree I have had the opportunity to get some conservation experience at the MoDA, Canterbury Cathedral, the College of Arms and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The one-year ICON/HLF internship in book conservation at the Wellcome Collection should provide me with the necessary knowledge and practice to cover the gap between university and a genuine professional competence.

Charlotte Gamper - Textile Conservation, Historic Royal Palaces, London (12 months)

In August this year I handed in my dissertation which marked the completion of my studies on the new two year MPhil course in Textile Conservation at the Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History, at the University of Glasgow. During my studies I undertook two work placements, the first at the Textile Conservation Studio at the British Museum where I was privileged to work on some Ancient Egyptian fragments. For the second, I was working in a private practice with Tuula Pardoe at the Scottish Conservation Studio. I am now extremely grateful to have been accepted onto the ICON internship working with the textile conservation team at Historic Royal Palaces. Here, I will fill a gap in my conservation experience, having the opportunity to work within an historic house setting and also to work on objects which I have not previously treated, such as tapestry, to build upon my existing knowledge and conservation repertoire. I am looking forward to seeing how the challenge of working on large objects, such as tapestry and state beds, is overcome.

Karen Horsley - Preventive Conservation, National Trust Scotland, Bute (12 months)

I have recently completed the MA in Conservation of Historic Objects at the University of Lincoln. Since then, I have gained practical conservation and collection management experience with Lincolnshire County Council Museums and the National Trust. In the past year, I have worked with staff and volunteers on a variety of collections care projects - protecting objects during building work, helping with the winter clean, improving storage, cataloguing, condition surveys and cleaning outdoor statuary. I am particularly interested in the preventive conservation of collections. During the year-long internship at the National Trust for Scotland, I am keen to develop my skills by assisting with IPM, light management, environmental monitoring and emergency planning.

Holly Smith - Conservation of Books and Bound Materials, PZ, Penzance (18 months)

I graduated from West Dean College with an MA in Conservation Studies, specialising in book conservation. I volunteered for some time before becoming a Project Conservator at the National Archives. I'm now really looking forward to starting this internship, building on my practical knowledge and gaining new experiences in a private studio environment. I'm especially excited about the involvement with outreach projects as it's something that I've always wanted to do.

Makiko Tsunoda - Conservation of Medieval Manuscripts and Rare Books, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (6 months)

I developed a passion for paper and book conservation by working at The Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, and followed this by a Master of Arts in Paper Conservation at Camberwell College of Arts, London, graduating in 2011. I then had internships in the US and Japan in 2012, where I expanded my conservation knowledge and skills related to Western and Japanese paper-based materials. Through the ICON internship, I hope to improve my understanding of a wide range of conservation issues, focusing on developing my interventive conservation skills in 15 to 18th century printed books, as well as Persian and Western Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts.

emma Edwards - Conservation of Paintings Caring for Kenwood House, English Heritage, London (12 months)

Having studied for a degree in English and Art History I went on to complete my masters in Conservation of Fine Art, specialising in easel paintings, at Northumbria University in March 2012. After placements working on a variety of projects, including condition surveying for Berwick museum and conserving paintings at the Bowes Museum, I was commissioned to work on different projects at the Bowes with the conservation team where I have gained invaluable experience working on paintings for the museum. This internship is the ideal opportunity for me to expand and develop on my knowledge of paintings conservation so that I can confidently enter the profession and have a career in paintings conservation.

Holly has a BA in Theatre but had been undertaking work as a conservator. She also undertakes a range of hobbies including handknitting, recycling and reconstructing garments and freehand embroidery that inspired her to apply for the internship at The Tetley Workshop. "Knowing other individuals who have undertaken the HLF internships in conservation, I have seen that it is a well supported, practical and efficient scheme, which can provide an individualised approach to professional development."

John graduated with a BA in Scientific and technical graphics and worked in design, before furthering his studies with a postgraduate diploma and then a MA in Conservation Studies. Having been employed on a freelance basis, specialising mainly in conservation of bronzes and silverware, he was attracted to the diversity of projects this internship with Plowden & Smith promised. "I would hope to make a valuable contribution to the profession, drawing on my knowledge of visualisation and design from the television and film industry."

Having grown up with a natural curiosity for natural history, Lucie studied Human Anatomy and Cell Biology at University. Particularly interested in the care and conservation of biological tissue, she sought further training to develop her career, volunteering with the zoology and medical collections at Victoria Gallery and Museum in Liverpool. This internship with Lancashire Conservation Studios will help Lucie to "develop the skills and knowledge necessary to progress towards professional accreditation and employment in the care of natural history collections".

Gemma graduated with a BA in Conservation and Restoration in 2010. Through undertaking a work placement with Tyne & Wear Museums she continued to volunteer there, working on a one-to-one basis with the ship-model conservator on a collection for an upcoming exhibition. Fascinated by models "due to the range of materials they incorporate and also the high level of craft techniques involved", Gemma aims to become a specialist ship model conservator and this internship at National Museums Liverpool will be invaluable to her career development.

At the time of applying for the internship, Robin was in the final year of a BA in Conservation and Restoration at the University of Lincoln. Having the opportunity to work on models during the course led him to focus on pursuing model conservation and he saw the internship as the chance "to work alongside a practical and experienced model conservator to glean as much information as possible for the skills demanded and to receive feedback to develop my skills further". Happily this has been of huge benefit to Robin, who has since finished his internship with National Museums Liverpool early to take up employment as Conservation Officer with Tyne & Wear Museums.

Melanie has a BSc in Conservation of Objects and a MSc in Care of Collections. Whilst studying for the MSc she attended lectures in Conservation Science and found that she was fascinated by scientific investigation and analysis. The opportunity to undertake this internship at the British Museum will allow her "to develop my understanding of investigative methods, the use of equipment and gain practical experience in the field."

Margaret had previously worked for 18 years as a scientific researcher. Her first degree was in chemistry followed by an MSc and PhD in the cross-disciplinary subjects of chemistry and mechanical engineering. This internship, with National Museums Scotland and the University of Glasgow, will allow her to apply her science to investigating the properties of museums objects with a view to prolonging their long-term preservation. Maintaining her links with academia and utilising contacts made through her internship, Margaret's aim is to pursue further research funding to continue her work in the heritage sector.

Jessica has a BA in Conservation and has gained experience through a number of work placements and volunteering opportunities. Having worked on a variety of objects including tapestries and costume, she is keen to learn more: "The wide range of objects that have been proposed in the brief appeal to my desire to be challenged and to gain as much experience as possible on a variety of materials". This internship at Textile Conservation Ltd will help Jessica to achieve her twin goals of "success within the world of conservation, and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage".

Lindsey has a BA in drawing and painting and graduated with a MA in Conservation of Fine Art, Works of Art on Paper in 2010. Whilst studying she completed a number of placements with organisations including Alnwick Castle, The British Museum, The National Trust and the Institut fur Papierrestaurierung in Vienna. Eager to "gain a greater diversity of experience through working within an archive setting and learning about the requirement for the treatment and housing of The National Archive's collections", this internship will be of great benefit for progressing Lindsey towards a career in conservation.

After graduating with a BA in Conservation, Rebecca worked as Project Conservator for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. She saw this internship with the V&A as an opportunity to broaden her knowledge of conservation concerning storage and environmental conditions and to "refine my career towards a practical specialism with a solid background in preventive conservation".

Maria Yanez-Lopez
London, Collection Care 12 months

Maria had graduated with an MA in Preventive Conservation from Northumbria University.She had worked within the Wallace collection and was keen to build on the skills that she had gained there. "I feel very attracted by the variety of activities outlined as the interns responsibilities, which would also provide an invaluable opportunity to broaden my understanding of the work of the collection care department in a major museum such as Museum of London, with a highly dynamic programme of exhibitions and events."

Monika Stokowiec
Cornwall, Book & Paper Conservation 18 months

A recent graduate from the MA in Conservation at Camberwell College in London, Monika had also worked in a private conservation studio for several years back in Poland. She felt that working in the private sector and setting up her own private studio would be something she would like to take on. When the internship at PZ Conservation, a private studio run by Lizzie Neville, came up she did not hesitate to apply for it. With most internships being held at big institutions, this internship was very unique. It offers not only the opportunity to gain experience in book conservation but also to build up a wider range of skills in other areas. Several outreach projects are scheduled, including running workshops and advising local heritage organisations on their conservation needs.

Where is she now? Eleanor has gone on to a short-term contract with The National Archives.

Eleanor was a recent graduate from the MA in Conservation of Fine Art/Works of Art on Paper at Northumbria, when she saw this internship at the Tate. She thought it was an ideal opportunity to build on her existing diagnostic and practical skills and also to experience all aspects central to the care of artworks on paper, such as documentation methods. The level of interdisciplinary collaboration at the Tate appeal...I am keen to develop a strong professional understanding of the various curatorial and logistical factors involved within this multi-site institution.

Louise was completing her MA in Conservation of Historic Objects at Lincoln University. As she did not have a background in textile conservation, this internship seemed a perfect solution to expanding her knowledge, especially with it being held over 2 years. "I would love an opportunity to build and enhance my textile conservation skills and to carry out the Historic Royal Palace Icon Internship for Hampton Court Palace."

Jennifer had completed an MSc in Care of Collections and a postgraduate diploma in the Conservation of Books. Even though Jennifer had gained two years of training, she still felt that she required more practical experience before she could confidently enter her chosen career. Jennifer was convinced "that this ICON internship with North Yorkshire County Record Office is the perfect opportunity for bridging the gap to employment."

Where is he now? James is now employed by his hosts as an apprentice stone mason on a two-year adult apprenticeship.

After completing a BA in Scottish and English literature, James got involved in voluntary work relating to conservation before going on to complete a postgraduate diploma in Architectural Conservation at Edinburgh College of Art. Combining a personal hobby of rock climbing and an interest in historical sites, James was looking to build a career in stone masonry or stone conservation and saw the internship at Nicolas Boyes Stone Conservation as the opportunity to put his theoretical knowledge into practice in a hands-on environment, working with and learning from conservation professionals.

Yukiko Yoshii completed a BA in Three-dimensional Designs and Fine Art before going on to West Dean College to a postgraduate diploma in Restoration and Conservation of Antique Furniture. After working as a furniture conservator, Yukiko then set up a private house conservation practice, before deciding to return to West Dean to study for a MA in Conservation Studies. Hoping to work eventually in a Museum, Yukiko saw this internship with Guildhall Art Gallery as an opportunity to learn about daily activity in a museum and gallery environment.

Hal has a BA in Mathematics and a postgraduate diploma in conservation studies. Having completed most of a MA in Conservation of Historic Objects, he is currently working on his research project of the conservation of historic vehicles. This internship with National Museums Scotland will greatly enhance his knowledge and experience of issues directly relating to his dissertation topic, and he was particularly attracted to it "given that its content and subject matter matches exactly my conservation ambitions".

After achieving a BA in Architecture, Natalie went on to complete a MA in Conservation of Historic Objects at the University of Lincoln. A previous internship in osteological conservation sparked an interest in taxidermy conservation and she concentrated her dissertation on looking at the combination of taxidermy and the unusual materials used in contemporary art and how to conserve them. This internship at the Horniman Museum is an important step in her long-term aim to become an accredited conservator in natural history conservation.

From completing a BA in English, Anna went on to postgraduate study at the University of Lincoln, gaining an MA in Conservation of Historic Objects. Gaining experience in working with a range of objects she also actively sought to learn more about preventive conservation. Anna saw this internship with the National Trust for Scotland as an opportunity to put her existing skills into practice and "gain invaluable practical experience of working as a preventive conservator", helping her to achieve her career aim of becoming an accredited conservator in the public sector.

At the time of applying for the Internship, Genevieve was studying for a postgraduate diploma in the conservation of easel paintings at the Courtauld Institute of Art. She was inspired to apply for this internship after a visit to the Guildhall paintings conservation department in 2010 and views this as an "opportunity to extend my practical and preventative skills in a team environment with the support that that offers, and learn more about the complexities of working in an institute", helping her to achieve her career aim of working with a public collection.

Having graduated with a BA in Computer Animation and Visualisation, Clare worked freelance as a Lighting Technical Director, before going on to postgraduate study at West Dean College in the conservation of books and bound materials. She chose to move into this field out of a love for the subject and approached this internship with PZ Conservation as the next step on her career path, feeling that "it is important that I am in an environment where there is a leading practitioner for me to learn from".

Paul's first degree was in forensic science, followed by an MSc in forensic conservation. At the time of applying for the fellowship, he was completing his PhD looking at 'Preparing historic collections for climate change'. The fellowship with English Heritage - a key partner in the EU research project MEMORI - appealed to Paul as it would enable him to continue research in the heritage sector, utilising aspects of his PhD research whilst developing specific scientific skills; taking him forward in his long term aim "to develop a successful career as a conservation scientist".

At the time of applying for the Internship, Sophia was completing a MA in the conservation of archaeological and museum objects at the University of Durham. Working for Kettle's Yard House and Art Gallery in Cambridge, Sophia was a frequent visitor to the Fitzwilliam Museum's Egyptian Galleries and was excited for the opportunity offered by this internship to work with these amazing collections. As a recent graduate, Sophia is "keen to specialise in an area of conservation that will allow me to pursue my interest and experience of working on archaeological and decorative objects".