Conference Programme

Sophie McAloone is the Conservation Manager at Fine Art Restoration Company, where she oversees a busy team working on a wide range of conservation projects for private clients, museums, and institutions across the UK. She is a trained easel paintings conservator and has experience with artworks spanning from 15th-century oil on copper pieces to contemporary mixed media, with a particular interest in post-war British art as well as paintings on panel supports.

Her research into the work of British artist Sheila Fell R.A. has been published and presented at public events, including a recent lecture at Tullie Museum as part of a large retrospective exhibition. She has also contributed to The Picture Restorer, combining her practical knowledge with an interest in public engagement and sector discourse. Sophie is an active member of the British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers (BAPCR) and currently serves as Education and Outreach Officer on the Committee for ICON’s Private Practice Group. She is especially passionate about supporting early-career conservators and sharing insight into the realities of private practice, team leadership, and career progression.

Huw Bonner is the Head of Conservation at National Library of Wales. With over 36 years of experience in archival conservation, I began my professional journey at the National Library of Wales in 1989 as a Library Assistant, before progressing to the role of Conservation Assistant. My career developed further through positions as Conservation Technician and, subsequently, Qualified Conservator. Over the years, I have specialised in the care and preservation of wax seals and have contributed to professional training as an instructor on the Archives and Records Association (ARA) conservation course. In my current role as Head of Conservation, I lead the department in safeguarding the library’s rich and diverse collections, ensuring their long-term preservation for future generations.

Phil Pollard, ACIfA, is Heritage Career Pathways Manager at Historic England, where he manages their strategic approach to improving sector workforce skills and careers. Phil chairs the Historic Environment Skills Forum, which includes ICON as a founding member. He was lead author on the Skills Forum’s Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan for England (HESCAPE) that notes industrial heritage conservation skills and post-excavation skills in Archaeology (inc. conservation) amongst its priority areas.

Phil also chairs the Historic Environment Trailblazer, which has developed 7 new heritage apprenticeship standards including 2 in conservation and led the delivery of the UKs first ever historic environment apprenticeship programme. Previously, Phil established Historic England and English Heritage’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnership programme and sat on the advisory Boards of a number of AHRC Doctoral Training Partnerships.

Phil has been an assessor for the CIfA/UAUK Degree Accreditation since 2019 and is currently Vice Chair of its Accreditation Committee. He is also a Trustee and Honorary Secretary of the Council for British Archaeology.