The Book & Paper Group Committee is a dedicated team behind an active programme of workshops, lectures, grants, conferences, and publications. We also take on new projects as opportunities arise, responding to the evolving needs of the conservation community.
We're currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Committee and help shape our future activities. Conservators in the UK and beyonf look to us for high-quality training and events - and with your help, we can continue to deliver.
We know that conservators in the UK and beyond are keen to see and active programme of events from us - and we are looking for new volunteers to help us achieve this. As part of our Committee, you will contribute ideas, work collaboratively, and take on the responsibilities of your role. We have a great network of current and past Committee members, as well as a resource of guidelines and policies - so you'll always feel supported in your role.
Why volunteer with us?
Here’s what you can expect:
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You'll meet like-minded professionals, expand your network, and make new friends.
- You'll actively contribute to the development of the book and paper conservation field in the UK and internationally.
- Your time and input can count toward your Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including Icon's Accreditation process.
What You Need to Know
Committee roles are open to all current Icon members with primary or secondary membership of the Book & Paper Group. We welcome students and international members, as long as you’re able to join evening meetings on UK time. We meet quarterly, typically online via video call. For in-person events like our AGM, UK-based travel expenses can be reimbursed, and there’s always a hybrid option for those joining from elsewhere.
Most terms are three years and can be extended once, or you can move into another role. Previous post-holders are happy to speak with new committee members to help orient them.
If you'd like to learn more or have any questions about any position, email us - we are happy to chat!
Current openings
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Chair
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Treasurer
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IT Officer
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Student Liaison Officer
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Events Coordinator(s)
Click here to learn more about each role.
To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you are interested in joining the Committee.
William Bennett
William works at the Smithsonian Institution Archives in Washington DC, caring for records documenting the history of the institution.
Prior to receiving his MA in Conservation Studies from West Dean College (2013), he worked as a general collections technician at the Library of Congress. In his spare time, he can be found reading speculative fiction and biographies, testing out a new recipe, or daydreaming of international travel. William is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Book and Paper Group and help facilitate the numerous benefits the group provides to its membership.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Clara Malinka
Clara Malinka is a freelance conservator working in London, UK.
She graduated with her MA in Conservation Studies (Books and Library Materials) from West Dean College in 2023. Prior to emerging into conservation, she was a printmaker and visual artist. In her spare time, she likes to learn endagered crafts, such as copperplate engraving and pigment making, with hopes to soon learn to make traditional mould and deckle frames. She looks forward to volunteering with the Icon BPG and offering her skills and expertise.
Mathilde Renauld
Mathilde graduated from Camberwell College (MA Conservation - Fine Art on Paper) in 2018 and is currently Senior Conservator (Paper and Photographs) at the V&A.
Having participated in many BPG events and talks since 2016 and benefitting from bursaries at early-career stages, Mathilde is now keen to give back and help carry on the work of the group. Outside of conservation, Mathilde is into baking and trying out new recipes, going to small gigs and plays, as well as yoga and local history walks.
Lauren Moon-Schott
Lauren Moon-Schott is a rare book conservator with a certificate in bookbinding from North Bennet Street School, Boston Mass., US, and an MA in conservation of books and library materials from West Dean College, Sussex, UK.
She works as a conservator at Durham University, UK, and was previously employed in the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections Department. She uses her experience in conserving publicly available rare materials as the foundation for her research in people-centric conservation decision-making. She is thrilled to volunteer as the Frederick Bearman Research Grant administrator to help make research funds more readily available to her conservation community.
Emma Le Cornu
Emma is currently working at Tate as paper conservator for acquisitions. She usually works on the remote, but beautiful Isle of Man as paper conservator for Manx National Heritage.
Emma graduated from Northumbria University with the MA in Conservation of Fine Art, works of art on paper in 2008 and has since worked as a paper conservator in London, Singapore and Qatar. She volunteers for Icon as a CPD reviewer and mentor and is excited to now be part of the BPG committee. She is looking forward to bringing us together for the conference in whichever form it takes.
Ayaka Ajiki
Ayaka is a conservator from the Archives Conservation Lab at the National Archives of Singapore and holds a BA in Conservation of Cultural Heritage from University of Lincoln, UK.
Alongside conservation works, Ayaka also drives efforts curating training for library and archives staff in collection care, conservation consultations and outreach engagement. This is her first experience being part of a committee, and is grateful to be given this opportunity to meet, learn and work alongside others in the BPG community. Outside of conservation, she is a full-time dog mum who also enjoys crocheting and sewing.
Rebecca Taldo
Rebecca graduated from Brera Academy of Fine Arts, Milan (Italy) with a MA’s degree in book, paper and photography conservation in November 2023.
Since then, she’s been an active part of the Conservation community by presenting at international congresses her graduation project and by writing and publishing articles related to her research. She’s currently completing her internship at the National Library of Ireland as part of the Heritage Council of Ireland Conservation Internship programme, where she focuses on collection care and book conservation. She enjoys being active in the community and happily volunteered for the Social Media Officer vacancy with ICON. Outside of conservation, Rebecca is into bookbindings and fiber arts, as well as medieval arts, medieval fairs and sports, and overall cultural events.
Shaikha Alkharsan
Shaikha Alkharsan, A second supervisor of general chemistry & paper conservator at the Historical Research Center in Kuwait ( CRSK ), After studying applied chemistry, she has been involved in many workshops and training programs to learn the theories & practices of paper conservation since 2008. She published several articles related to the historical documents in the Arabic language. She’s keen on volunteer work to gain more experience and to learn new skills.
Katarina Trajkovic
Katarina holds a BA in History of Art from the University of Manchester and is currently pursuing an MA in Conservation of Easel Painting at Northumbria University.
Alongside their academic studies, they work as a freelance writer and editor for magazines and websites, with experience spanning art history, conservation, archaeology, content creation, curation, and more. Katarina is also an active committee member of ICON’s Paintings Group, working as a secretary and temporary social media manager.