The demographic of UK heritage conservation professionals currently demonstrates a clear under-representation of black and minority ethnic individuals. Kendall Francis one of Britain's first Black female conservators , will be in conversation with the art and cultural historian Michael Ohajuru to raise awareness of the issues and explore solutions to this lack of diversity.
We will also find out about Kendall's unique and fascinating career in art and heritage conservation and how others can get involved.
Ms Francis will be addressing some of the specific issues and barriers that result in exclusion and inequity, of black and ethnic minorities in art heritage and conservation, based on her own lived experiences, the impact of some of those difficulties and ways to overcome.
Kendall Francis received a PGDIP in easel painting conservation from The Courtauld Institute of Art and is currently a Conservation Fellow at the National Gallery, London. She has completed internships in museums and private studios across the UK and Europe. Kendall completed her postgraduate thesis on the materials and techniques of Willem Van de Velde the Younger with the National Maritime Museum, London, and is currently undertaking a long-term research project looking into the legacies of colonialism, slavery and exploitation in artists’ materials. Kendall is also enthusiastic about advancing accessibility, diversity and inclusion in art heritage for disadvantaged young people and black & ethnic minorities. She participates in multiple heritage diversity and inclusion committees including Conservation engagement and outreach initiatives.
Click here for a link to Kendall's insightful article 'The absence of black and ethnic minority representation in UK heritage conservation and the value of including diverse voices'.
