With just four weeks to go, the Icon Emerging Professionals Group (EPG) is delighted to share more details about its in-person 2025 conference, taking place on 25 July at Durham University.
This year’s theme and content, “Opportunities & Collaborations”, was guided by feedback from the EPG community, and will focus on practical insights and projects relevant to the emerging professionals community. The programme offers a rich mix of talks, poster presentations, and informal networking, and is open to conservation professionals across all specialisms.
Confirmed Speakers and Session Highlights
We are pleased to confirm our speakers, drawn from across conservation, heritage management and higher education. The keynote address will be delivered by Richard Mulholland, Assistant Professor in Conservation of Fine Art at Northumbria University. With nearly two decades of experience as a paper conservator at institutions such as the V&A and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richard will reflect on the nature of opportunity across different phases of a conservation career, from practical skill-building to global capacity development, including his recent work supporting heritage preservation in Afghanistan.
Further sessions throughout the day will include:
Launching a career:
Exploring routes into conservation, where speakers discuss their varied training and career paths.
- Sophie McAloone, Conservation Manager at Fine Art Restoration Company, will explore navigating private practice and team leadership as an early-career paintings conservator, including insights into working with clients, sector engagement, and research.
- Phil Pollard, Heritage Career Pathways Manager at Historic England, will share strategic perspectives on skills development across the sector, including updates from the Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan for England and some pioneering apprenticeship schemes.
- Huw Bonner, Head of Conservation at the National Library of Wales, brings over 35 years of experience in archives conservation. He will reflect on a career shaped by progression within a single institution and the role of training, mentorship, and specialisation.
Cross-disciplinary Projects:
This session explores conservation across the board, where speakers highlight collaborative projects and the opportunities they present.
- Lauren Moon-Schott and Tony King, book conservators at Durham University, will jointly present on collaborative approaches to conservation within long-established institutions, drawing on the historical collections housed across Durham’s libraries and archives.
- Dr Emily Williams, Director of the MSc in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects at Durham, will share reflections on interdisciplinary projects and global collaboration, with examples from her extensive international fieldwork and teaching career
We welcome Emma Jhita, Icon CEO, for closing remarks. Emma will be with us throughout the day to discuss opportunities and how Icon can support emerging professionals.
Emma commented on the event:
I am delighted to be joining Icon’s first ever in-person Emerging Professionals Conference on 25th July in Durham. I look forward to joining a diverse range of delegates in exploring the conference theme of ‘opportunities and collaborations’ at what promises to be a day of inspirational, thought-provoking, and stimulating presentations, discussions and networking opportunities.
Posters, Networking, and Peer Learning
The conference also features a dedicated informal poster session, with a selection of extremely interesting and varied contributions from emerging professionals. Topics include case studies, PhD research, and collaborative projects, which together with our networking session, provide excellent opportunities to engage with peers, share your work and extend your professional friendships.
Throughout the day, attendees will have time for informal discussion, including the first-ever in-person AGM for the Icon Emerging Professionals Network.
Tickets and Further Information
The event is open to all, and ticket prices have been kept accessible to encourage broad participation. Tickets are available until 18 July 2025, make sure to book your place!
Current ticket price:
Student £40 | Icon Member £47 | Non-member £59
The EPG Conference 2025 promises to be an inspiring and supportive gathering for anyone at the start of their conservation journey – whether currently studying, newly in post, or seeking their next opportunity. We warmly invite you to join us in Durham to connect, learn, and share in this celebration of emerging practice.
For any queries, please contact: [email protected]