Claire Magill is an accredited conservator with over 25 years’ experience, specialising in ceramics, glass, and preventive conservation for historic houses, museums, and private collections.
As the only accredited ceramics and glass conservator in Ireland, Claire is recognised internationally for delivering museum-standard conservation projects across the UK and Ireland.
Her expertise encompasses both practical conservation—cleaning, reconstruction, and retouching—and preventive care, including audits, risk assessments, and strategic collection care planning. She also leads complex heritage projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and embedding conservation principles into design and delivery. Her approach combines collaboration, creativity, and pragmatic problem-solving.
Claire’s portfolio includes landmark initiatives such as the Mount Stewart Renaissance Building Project, the Congress of Vienna Chairs Project, and high-profile art installations including Artificial Sunshine at The Argory. Alongside her role as Regional Conservator for the National Trust in Northern Ireland, she operates a successful private practice, serving collectors, museums, and historic houses such as the Duke of Abercorn, FE McWilliam Gallery, and Dublin Castle.
Committed to advancing the profession, Claire trains conservation teams nationwide, supports PACR accreditation, and contributes actively to ICON and ICRI. She collaborates internationally and engages with leading conferences to remain at the forefront of conservation practice.
Ceramics, Glass & Related Materials
Ethical, expert conservation with care and precision.
I offer sympathetic, reversible treatments focused only on damaged areas—preserving the integrity of your object without permanent impact. Services include:
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Condition checking, cleaning, consolidation
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Reconstruction and gap filling
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Modelling complex missing sections with materials chosen to match the original
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Full condition and treatment reports
With over 25 years’ experience and as the only accredited ceramics and glass conservator in Ireland, I work to the highest standards of historic accuracy and reversibility. I also provide a collection and delivery service for fragile and sensitive artifacts.
Preventive Conservation Services
I provide practical advice and hands-on support for museums, historic houses, and galleries to safeguard the objects in their care. From creating disaster response plans to delivering bespoke training, my goal is to make collection care simple, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Here’s how I can help:
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Environmental Control
I assess and monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, light, and UV, then work with you to create practical solutions for optimal preservation.
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Pest Management
Moths, beetles, and other pests can cause serious damage. I help identify issues early, provide targeted solutions, and advise on ongoing monitoring to keep collections safe.
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Emergency Preparedness
Fire, flood, and other emergencies can be devastating. I create tailored emergency and salvage plans, recommend equipment, and train staff so your team is ready to respond quickly and effectively.
Collections Care and Management
Cleaning is essential for preventing deterioration—but knowing what to use and how often can be tricky. With almost 20 years’ experience as a National Trust conservator, I offer expert advice, training, and detailed cleaning schedules so you can care for your collections safely and confidently.
Collections Management
Caring for historic collections can feel overwhelming. I develop management plans, audits, and storage reviews to reduce risks and meet requirements for HMRC, National Heritage Lottery Fund, and more.
Project Leadership (planning and management)
I’ve had the privilege of managing complex heritage projects that bring together teams of specialists to deliver exceptional results. These projects often involve coordinating interventive building works, carrying out remedial conservation on significant collections, and installing major artworks within historic interiors—all while ensuring preventive conservation is built into every stage of design and delivery.
This work calls for a collaborative and flexible approach, with problem-solving at the heart of what I do. I focus on finding practical solutions and tailoring conservation strategies to suit both context and budget.
I’ve had to privilege of delivering several major, complex projects at Mount Stewart, namely Renaissance Project (2015), Central hall floor (2017), Congress of Vienna Chairs (2018), Lauritzen Gift (2019), and large-scale art installations such as Artificial Sunshine at The Argory (2019) and We Can Do Better at Downhill Demesne (2024)
Training
I understand how important it is to build knowledge within teams so they can manage historic collections confidently. Relying on external specialists for routine care isn’t always practical, which is why developing in-house capability is essential for long-term preservation.
I offer bespoke training in ceramics, glass and preventive conservation. My sessions equip teams with the skills and confidence to implement best practice—covering areas such as environmental monitoring, handling and display, integrated pest management, and emergency planning.
By investing in training, clients not only reduce risk but also empower their teams to make informed decisions that protect collections for future generations.
17th Century stoneware Griffin jardinière
Removal of 1960s lino/bitumen floor covering to reveal 1820s Scrabo stone floor beneath
Restoration of smashed mirror in Busy Belfast Bar-(1mx 3m, 150 kilos)
Conservation of plaster maquettes
Training teams in Emergency salvage techniques – How to safely remove a marble bust
Client Testimonials
Over the last 15 years, Claire has conserved a number of maquettes and master models from our permanent collection. Claire’s work is research based and conducted in line with the best practice standards required for an accredited museum. She consults with her clients at all stages of the conservation process and, when necessary, seeks support from her extensive network of colleagues throughout the UK. I would highly recommend Claire’s services.
Dr Riann Coulter
Curator & Manager, F.E. McWilliam Gallery
I highly recommend Claire Magill as an outstanding conservator. Her work on the 17th-century Stoneware Griffin and plaster busts was completed to the highest professional standards. Claire operates with strict ethical principles, providing honest appraisals and well-considered options before starting any project. She also delivered preventive conservation advice and trained the Baronscourt team in collection care. Claire is professional, sensitive, and exceptionally skilled—an asset to any heritage or conservation project.
Duke of Abercorn
Baronscourt Estate
Claire is an outstanding conservator whose 18 year contribution to the National Trust has been invaluable. As Regional Conservator, she guides and trains more than forty house team members and five General Managers, ensuring exemplary standards of collections care. A key member of the Country Specialist team, she brings strategic insight and leadership that balances conservation and access whilst maximising public benefit. Claire’s unwavering dedication and expertise make her a trusted leader in preventive conservation.
Heather Mclachlan
Regional Director, National Trust, Northern Ireland