Celebrating Impact in Conservation: The Icon Winter Reception

Icon was delighted to host its Winter Reception on Thursday 6 November at the Crafts Council Gallery, marking a special moment in our 20th Anniversary celebrations.

The evening offered an opportunity for connection, reflection and inspiration, looking back at two decades of progress whilst looking ahead to the future of Icon and the conservation profession. The programme combined Icon's 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), and an insightful seventh Annual Lecture delivered by Professor Jane Henderson ACR FIIC.

In her captivating and interactive lecture, Jane explored why we do conservation, featuring video reflections from conservators across the profession that captured the passion, values, and purpose that unite those working to care for our shared heritage.

The evening also celebrated excellence across the sector with the announcement of this year’s Conservation Awards and Photography Prize winners.  

The Conservation Awards

Returning for a third year, the Conservation Awards highlight the vital role of conservation in preserving cultural heritage and the value it brings to society. The awards celebrate highly skilled practitioners driving advances in best practice, research, and training.

The Award for Protecting Skills at Risk | Sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland

Winner: Jonathan Santa Maria Bouquet

With over 15 years of professional experience in musical instrument conservation, Jonathan has dedicated his career to safeguarding a highly specialised and recognised field at risk. Combining hands-on conservation with research, delivery training, and outreach, he works to ensure these rare skills are passed on and developed. A key focus of his career includes delivering hands-on internships, student placements as well as lectures and workshops for national and international organisations, fostering knowledge exchange across borders. His work provides a lasting legacy, ensuring the skills required to care for musical instruments are preserved, shared, and valued by future generations.

The Award for Heritage Conservation in Action | Sponsored by Marsh Charitable Trust 

Winner: Durham University

The Shakespeare Recovered project, led by Durham University saw its conservation team work closely with stakeholders on the care of the Shakespeare First Folio, recovered in 2008 following theft and vandalism. Through their collaborative, stakeholder-led approach, the book was stabilised while retaining evidence of its traumatic history. The project’s innovative exhibition, including interactive learning tools, enabled the public and students to explore the complex decisions involved in conserving the Folio. This approach created an inclusive process that engaged new audiences and showcased the core values of the conservation profession.

Reflecting on the award, the Durham University team said:

"We're absolutely delighted that this award recognises the outstanding team effort of Durham University's Library and Collections Department. We have taken pride in having early career conservators working alongside accredited colleagues to bring the conservation story of Durham's Shakespeare First Folio to life. Receiving the Conservation in Action Award shines a spotlight on the vital, often unseen work of our conservators - work that not only protects our heritage but also opens up compelling new ways to engage with collections and reach new audiences. Icon's annual awards are an important celebration of the vital work of conservators in persevering cultural heritage, and we are thrilled that Durham University's contribution has been recognised in this way."

The Award for Innovation in Conservation | Sponsored by Marsh Charitable Trust 

Winner: Chelsea McKibbin ACR

Throughout her time as Senior Conservator at the Natural History Museum, Chelsea has significantly advanced the way in which wet specimen collections are managed. By introducing Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) to assess fluid composition through sealed containers, she has eliminated the risks associated with opening jars, allowing conservators to monitor and evaluate specimen conditions with greater accuracy. Her approach has established rigorous, ethical practices, streamlined workflows, and provided a scientifically robust model for fluid analysis. This innovative work has set a new benchmark for preventive conservation, ensuring the long-term stability of fragile collections.

On receiving the award, Chelsea said:

"I’m honoured to accept this award in recognition of my work and the incredible community of Natural History conservators, curators and cultural scientists whose time, enthusiasm and expertise have made it possible. Their collaboration and support have been invaluable."

The Award for Emerging Talent in Conservation | Sponsored by Marsh Charitable Trust 

Winner: Dominic Oakes

Dominic joined Brighton & Hove Museums in January 2024 as a Conservation Assistant, later progressing to Graduate Conservator. Throughout this time, he has excelled in his collaboration and support of others, both colleagues and members of the public, combining technical skill with a commitment to advocacy and education. He has taken a leading role in projects such as the Costume Store collection at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, overseeing the assessment and treatment of objects whilst training university students in conservation techniques. He has also contributed significantly to volunteer-led pest monitoring at the Booth Museum and the conservation of Preston Manor. His enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to inspire others mark him as an exceptional emerging talent in the sector.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dominic said:

"Receiving this award is amazing to hear and highly appreciated; thank you very much!

Additionally, thanks go to the rest of the Conservation team at Brighton & Hove Museums for their continued tutoring and support, allowing me to develop significantly during my time here. This award will help me to attend training to further bolster my skills and continue to contribute to the Conservation field."

The Award for Environmental Sustainability in Conservation | Sponsored by UtilityAid

Winner: Lorraine Finch ACR

With over 30 years of experience in the field of conservation, Lorraine Finch has become a pioneering force in sustainable heritage practice. In addition to her work as Director of the Climate Museum UK and Founder and Director of LFCP, Lorraine delivers mentoring and has developed impactful resources and collaborative initiatives to tackle sector-wide barriers to sustainable practice. In addition, she chairs the Icon Sustainability Group, which addresses both environmental and social sustainability, engaging professionals worldwide and embedding sustainable approaches across the heritage sector.

On receiving the award, Lorraine said:

"I’m truly honoured to receive the Environmental Sustainability in Conservation Award 2025. This recognition reinforces my commitment to advancing sustainable conservation practices and motivates me to continue pursuing innovative, sustainable solutions to make a lasting difference. I am grateful to those who have supported and inspired my journey so far. Together, we can create a more sustainable future whilst caring for the past."

The Award for Conservation Volunteer of the Year | Sponsored by the National Trust

Winner: The Gloucestershire Archives

Since 2009, Collections Care volunteers Theresa Sowerbutts and Margaret Skinner have transformed the condition of several significant collections at Gloucestershire Archives. Initially focused on surveying and re-housing the Gloucestershire Prints & Drawings collection, Terri and Mags have since gone on to work on ‘The Gloucestershire Collection’ spanning 600 years of Gloucestershire’s history and Port of Gloucester Crew Lists. Their work has included identifying items for conservation, record keeping, and labelling, significantly reducing the risk of damage while improving accessibility. Their dedication and expertise provide a clear example of the vital role volunteers play in heritage conservation.

The Photography Prize

First debuting in 2023, the Photography Prize returned this year with the theme Encounters, inviting entries that captured moments of connection within conservation practice. The competition was judged by an expert panel and generously sponsored by Tru Vue, longstanding advocates for the arts, preventive conservation, and professional excellence.

Overall Prize 

Winner: Ian Clark ACR

Ian Clark’s winning submission captures the re-installation of Iron:Man by Antony Gormley, documenting the complex conservation process. 

Commenting on receiving the award, Ian said:

"I am genuinely surprised and delighted to receive the panels choice Icon Photography Prize 2025, and I would like to thank the judges and to Tru Vue for supporting this award.

As conservators we regularly capture our work as an integral element of our professional commitment to conserving and recording cultural heritage but just occasionally an object, a material and an experience momentarily join together to encapsulate the challenges, dedication and joy of our profession."

Jane Thompson-Webb, Conservation Manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, commented on the process captured in the photograph:

“The move and replacement of “Iron:Man” was always going to be complicated as Gormley Studios had very specific requirements for the sight line from the sculpture and this had to be balanced with the requirements of Midland Metro.

‘Ian Clark has been our “go-to” conservator for this kind of complex job for many years and once again, he did not disappoint. All parties were happy and “Iron:Man” is now safely in his slightly new position and has a commanding view of the Christmas Market.”

Members Choice Prize 

Winner: Rebecca Goddard

The Members’ Choice Award, voted for by Icon members via an online poll, was awarded to Rebecca Goddard. The photograph captures her at work on a mid-17th century six-panelled Coromandel lacquer screen, from the Ham House collection, currently undergoing extensive consolidation at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio, National Trust. The image shows a striking contrast between the historic lacquer surfaces and the modern materials used in the treatment, which includes careful warming of the lacquer, adhesive injection, and clamping using a traditional Japanese technique known as Shimbari.

Reflecting on her award, Rebecca said:

"I am delighted to have been selected as Icon's Member's Choice winner for my photograph capturing traditional Japanese shimbari techniques on the Coromandel lacquer screen during my student placement at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole. At a time when the future of conservation roles across the sector faces uncertainty, this recognition feels especially meaningful, and I am deeply grateful to the National Trust conservation community - past and present - whose guidance, generosity, and dedication continue to inspire and support emerging professionals." 

Thanks and Acknowledgements 

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratualtions to all award winners and gratitude to those to submitted nominations and took part in the celebrations.  

We would also like to acknowledge the support of our Photography Prize and official evening sponsor, Tru Vue, drinks sponsor, Spencer & Fry, alongside our Conservation Award Sponsors: Marsh Charitable Trust, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), UtilityAid, and the National Trust. Their continued support and partnership were instrumental in delivering an evening that celebrated excellence across the conservation profession.