I am an experienced conservator with over 20 years in the profession, working at The Royal Collection, London, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and as a freelance conservator. I am a Lecturer in Conservation at the University of Lincoln, lecturing on the conservation of cultural heritage objects.
I have a Master of Arts degree (with distinction) in Furniture Conservation and Restoration from Buckinghamshire New University. My first degree was a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Conservation and Restoration from De Montfort University, Lincoln.
As an accredited conservator I continue to keep up-to-date with my professional development and the wider advances in the field of conservation, for the benefit of my clients and students. My practice, Belgrave Conservation, is based in one of the Harley Foundation Studios at Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire.
Lely frame conservation for a private client
The frame was originally entirely silver leafed, but later oil gilded. The oil gilding had deteriorated with major gesso losses and the frame had been retouched with bronze paint, which subsequently discoloured. This was removed and extensive consolidation was required to stabilise the gesso and the ochre size wash. The original silver leaf scheme was preserved underneath the size wash and the many gesso losses were in-filled. The frame was re-gilded appropriately, using water and oil gilding.
Lely frame conservation for a private client
The frame was originally entirely silver leafed, but later oil gilded. The oil gilding had deteriorated with major gesso losses and the frame had been retouched with bronze paint, which subsequently discoloured. This was removed and extensive consolidation was required to stabilise the gesso and the ochre size wash. The original silver leaf scheme was preserved underneath the size wash and the many gesso losses were in-filled. The frame was re-gilded appropriately, using water and oil gilding.
Lely frame conservation for a private client
The frame was originally entirely silver leafed, but later oil gilded. The oil gilding had deteriorated with major gesso losses and the frame had been retouched with bronze paint, which subsequently discoloured. This was removed and extensive consolidation was required to stabilise the gesso and the ochre size wash. The original silver leaf scheme was preserved underneath the size wash and the many gesso losses were in-filled. The frame was re-gilded appropriately, using water and oil gilding.
Lely frame conservation for a private client
The frame was originally entirely silver leafed, but later oil gilded. The oil gilding had deteriorated with major gesso losses and the frame had been retouched with bronze paint, which subsequently discoloured. This was removed and extensive consolidation was required to stabilise the gesso and the ochre size wash. The original silver leaf scheme was preserved underneath the size wash and the many gesso losses were in-filled. The frame was re-gilded appropriately, using water and oil gilding.
Lely frame conservation for a private client
The frame was originally entirely silver leafed, but later oil gilded. The oil gilding had deteriorated with major gesso losses and the frame had been retouched with bronze paint, which subsequently discoloured. This was removed and extensive consolidation was required to stabilise the gesso and the ochre size wash. The original silver leaf scheme was preserved underneath the size wash and the many gesso losses were in-filled. The frame was re-gilded appropriately, using water and oil gilding.
Chair conservation and re-upholstery
Conservation of the chair frame to allow for occasional use (structural repairs and repairs to tacking rail damage) to allow for re-upholstery. Traditional and modern upholstery methods were employed, preserving as much of the upholstery as possible. The chair frame was cleaned and the finish revived and re-waxed.
Chair conservation and re-upholstery
Conservation of the chair frame to allow for occasional use (structural repairs and repairs to tacking rail damage) to allow for re-upholstery. Traditional and modern upholstery methods were employed, preserving as much of the upholstery as possible. The chair frame was cleaned and the finish revived and re-waxed.
Chair conservation and re-upholstery
Conservation of the chair frame to allow for occasional use (structural repairs and repairs to tacking rail damage) to allow for re-upholstery. Traditional and modern upholstery methods were employed, preserving as much of the upholstery as possible. The chair frame was cleaned and the finish revived and re-waxed.
Chair conservation and re-upholstery
Conservation of the chair frame to allow for occasional use (structural repairs and repairs to tacking rail damage) to allow for re-upholstery. Traditional and modern upholstery methods were employed, preserving as much of the upholstery as possible. The chair frame was cleaned and the finish revived and re-waxed.
Chair conservation and re-upholstery
Conservation of the chair frame to allow for occasional use (structural repairs and repairs to tacking rail damage) to allow for re-upholstery. Traditional and modern upholstery methods were employed, preserving as much of the upholstery as possible. The chair frame was cleaned and the finish revived and re-waxed.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table with porcelain plaque
Conservation and restoration of a Chinese ebonised and lacquered tripod table. The treatment involved cleaning, consolidation, replacement of missing parts and retouching the decorative surfaces. A long term care plan was provided to the client.
Client Testimonials
I worked with Claire at the Birmingham Museums Trust. She is a brilliant frame conservator and restorer and brought many Old Master and Georgian frames back from the brink. She is highly skilled and experienced and I have no hesitation in recommending her.
Brendan Flynn
Former Curator of Fine Art, Birmingham Museums Trust
I would highly recommend Belgrave Conservation. Claire took painstaking care over the conservation of three picture frames for us, two of which were very large and in quite a shabby state, their ornate mouldings having been damaged and missing in places. Thanks to Claire’s expertise they have all been restored to their former glory and have been put back on display.
Dr Samantha Howard
Curator of Arts, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, City of Stoke-on-Trent
Claire has worked on number of frames for my studio, for private and institutional clients. The work ranged from minimal conservation to full restoration, including structural repairs. I have also commissioned her to make new or replacement frames for restored paintings, in an appropriate historical style. Her work is of a very high standard, tailored to the brief, budget, setting and the object. Claire is open to discussion, communicates clearly and adheres to conservation ethics. As part of this, she also provides meticulous documentation in writing and photographs.
Ruth Bubb
Director of Ruth Bubb Limited, a practise specialising in the conservation of easel paintings
Belgrave Conservation undertook the complete conservation of a pair of early oak ebonised frames for two late 17th / early 18th Century English portraits. The frames were in poor condition, the joints were loose, the frame members split, with wood losses, missing and delaminating gesso and damage to the gilded sight edge.
The conservation was carried out with sensitivity, and technical expertise, achieving a very good result, and we will certainly be asking Claire to work on further projects for the Studio in the future
Diana Roberts
Director of Mark Roberts Conservation Limited, a practice specialising in the conservation of easel paintings
