The Frederick Bearman Research Grant offers an annual grant of up to £1,000 to support new research into any aspect of books, paper, or related materials.
The Icon Book & Paper Group are proud to launch the next round of the Frederick Bearman Research Grant. The grant was created in 2017 in response to suggestions from members who asked that we find a way to remember Fred and his contribution to the conservation profession. In collaboration with those closest to Fred we are delighted to be able to offer an annual £1000 research bursary to support new research into the conservation of books, paper and related materials.
Honouring the Legacy of Frederick Bearman
Fred at the Public Record Office in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Frederick Bearman led a diverse international career as a distinguished conservator, educator and administrator in the field of rare books and archives. He worked for institutions in the UK and USA, including the Public Record Office, Camberwell College of Arts, Columbia University Libraries and University College London. He was loved and respected by friends and colleagues across our profession.
About the Research Grant
The Book and Paper Group will award one annual grant of up to £1000. Icon members from any specialism can apply, and we welcome applications from members at all stages of their careers, either as individuals or collaborations.
We are looking for interesting and informative projects that might include, but are not limited to:
- Preliminary investigations into old and new materials, tools and techniques, or a study of a particular collection or binding style.
- Something you have been meaning to explore but haven’t found the time or the funds.
- Research you have already started but haven't had the support to finish.
- You may be a recent graduate who wants to expand on your MA research, or a seasoned conservator who needs funding to follow an idea.
- Small discoveries that you have made could have a big impact on the conservation community.
This year, we are opening up the scope of the grant to a wider set of participants. You do not need to be an Icon member at the time of applying, but if awarded the grant, you will need to become a member to receive it. There are a variety of membership options available and we are happy to advise on this. We are very eager to hear from people with backgrounds in science, heritage science, technical art history, art history, curation, literature, book collecting, printmaking, craft, book arts, calligraphy, ink making etc. Significantly, your research will in some way broaden and embellish our understanding and appreciation of books, paper and related materials.
The recipient(s) of the grant will present their investigations as the keynote speaker(s) at the Frederick Bearman Memorial Lecture in 2026 (date TBC), which will provide an exciting, informative and welcoming platform through which to share your investigations with the conservation community.
How to Apply
Applications are open from now until Sunday 21st September 2025. The winner will be selected by an expert panel and notified by the following month, then will be publicly announced on 6 November at Icon’s 2025 Winter Reception.
For more information and further details on how to apply please visit the Frederick Bearman Research Grant Page. If you have any questions or would like further information or to discuss further, please email [email protected].
Related resources
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