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The Icon Private Practice Group (PPG) is pleased to announce its inaugural symposium will be held at The Belfrey Hall in York on the 6th October 2025. The first Icon PPG AGM will also be held at this event.
Topics presented will be informed by the pre-symposium survey and explored on the day alongside talks by invited speakers, presentations by private practice colleagues, round table discussions and audience participation. The symposium will be both an in-person and online event.
Programme
10:00 - 11:15AM | Presentations by Guest Speakers
Taming the Leviathan – Conservation and the Church of England
Janet Berry, Head of Conservation & Collections Policy, Cathedral & Church Buildings Department, Church of England
We Do Need You … But Not Quite Sure When and for How Much
Clare Stougton-Harris, Senior National Conservator - Textiles, The National Trust
Funding Conservation in Independent Museums
Fiona Woolley, Programmes & Grants Officer, Association of Independent Museums
The Royal Charter Advantage: Enhancing Recognition for Conservation
Emma Jhita, Chief Executive Office, Institute of Conservation
11:45 – 1:00PM | Presentations by Conservators in Private Practice
Threading the Gaps: Challenges of Private Conservation Practice Outside the West – A Case Study of Starting a Conservation Practice in Taiwan Beyond Inherited Models
Viviane Wei-An Chen, Viviane Chen Studio
From Internship to Integration: Shared Growth in a Private Studio
Sophie McAloone and Sabrina Rodi, Fine Art Restoration Company
Saving Mary Wandesford’s Bust in York
Valerio Caputi, Pinnacle Conservation Ltd
Treatment of a Large, Damaged, 20th-Century Canvas Painting in a Private Practice Context: Challenges and Opportunities
Rowan Frame and Julia Nagle, Julia Nagle Conservation Ltd
2:30 – 3:30PM | Presentations by Conservators in Private Practice
Social Media Marketing Strategies and Skills for Private Conservation Studios
Felicity Conway, Artworks Conservation
Is This You? Procurement – The Race to the Bottom
Helen Hughes, Historic Interiors Research & Conservation
Can We Talk About Money?
Bridget Mitchell, Arca Preservation Limited
4:00PM | Presentation of Pre-Symposium Survey Results
Presented by Kelly Grimshaw, PPG Committee Secretary and Melinda Hey, PPG Committee Deputy Chair
The pre-symposium survey gathers information and opinions on how the private sector is faring in 2025, and results will be summarised and explored at the symposium through round-table discussion and audience participation. Remember to submit your views by 30th September!
Whether you're a seasoned conservator, an emerging professional, or a student, this symposium offers valuable insights into the private sector!
Join Us
Join us either in person at The Belfrey Hall, York, or online through our virtual platform.
