I took part in the Icon Book and Paper Group conference Conservation Uncovered: Investigation and Discovery in Treatment and Analysis as an emerging paper conservator and poster speaker.
It was my first time presenting my research at an international conference, with a poster entitled Reductive and Oxidative Bleaching: A Comparative Study. Although a bit intimidating at first, the experience turned out to be incredibly enriching and inspiring for the future.
It all began with the remarkable visit to the Western Art Conservation Studio at the British Museum. I was amazed by the presentation of a diverse corpus of works, including the magnificent collages by Mary Delany, meticulous in their finesse and vivid in their purity of colour. Added to this were the impressive conservation treatments, from nearly invisible tear repairs using bacterial cellulose sheets to the study and interventions carried out on Michelangelo’s Epiphany cartoon. In the afternoon, I had the extraordinary opportunity to take part in a second in-person tour, this time at the British Library studio... just as remarkable as the morning, notably for the organisation of the conservation workflow and the prioritisation system supported by close dialogue with other specialisations across the institution.
The opening session of the following two days left a strong impression on me with the presentation of The Graz Mummy, particularly regarding the challenges overcome through the interaction between different disciplines. I truly appreciated the resilience and perseverance demonstrated by those involved in the project to highlight the essential work of the conservators.
I also greatly enjoyed the talk by Maryisia Tarnowska, who shared, from her perspective as a chemist, insights into the conservation of books affected by red rot. Her clarity and ability to make such a complex topic accessible were truly remarkable.
I will also remember the presentation by Emily Williams and Simon Philpott, for the beauty and magic of the works on which this radiant duo has worked and above all their famous anti-static gun, which prompted a lot of questions about how to adapt it for use in conservation studios! A truly impressive discovery.
All the presentations were truly outstanding, both in their practical and theoretical contributions, and I am leaving the conference carrying a little piece of each of them insights that I will try to apply in my own practice and personal reflections.
Finally, I would like to thank the Icon BPG committee for organising this conference and for the warm welcome extended to the participants. Thank you for giving emerging professionals and international colleagues the opportunity to present their work. I am immensely grateful for being offered a place to present my poster, as well as a grant to attend and share my research. This event will remain a cherished memory from the very beginning of my professional career and the start of my journey as a PhD student.
Camille Jallu
Paper Conservator (Paris, France)