Icon were delighted to attend the Museums + Heritage Show 2026 as an exhibitor, host of a unique networking session, and proud partner of this year’s Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year Award at the Museums + Heritage Awards.
Icon was proud to attend the Museums + Heritage Show 2026, where we welcomed visitors to our stand in the Sector Support Zone. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with our members, meet new faces, and engage with colleagues across the heritage sector. Throughout the event, visitors stopped by to share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing collections care today.
The Icon Staff at the Museums + Heritage Show 2026
Iconnect Magazine's and Leaflets on display at the Show
As part of the stand activity, Icon invited attendees to contribute their thoughts on caring for collections and protecting heritage for the future. Using interactive prompts and sticky notes, participants reflected on the issues that concern them most, the barriers that make collections care more difficult, and the factors that give them hope for the future of heritage conservation. The responses created a valuable snapshot of current sector priorities and highlighted the passion and commitment shared across the profession.
Delegates added their perspectives on the future of heritage conservation and collections care
Sticky-note responses captured the sector’s challenges, priorities, and optimism for the future
The feedback wall sparked conversation around protecting collections and sustaining heritage skills
Icon's Networking Session: The Conservator's Perspective
Icon also hosted a dedicated networking session, The Conservator's Perspective: Caring for Collections Today, in the Ambience Lounge. The session brought together professionals from across the sector to discuss the realities of conservation work and explore current challenges in collections care, from preventative conservation and environmental management to balancing treatment needs with limited resources. The discussion encouraged open conversation and fostered new connections between practitioners, students, and sector partners.
Conservation professionals gathered to exchange ideas and experiences in collections care
Attendees explored shared challenges and opportunities across the heritage sector
The session encouraged open discussion on the realities of working in conservation today
Celebrating Excellence at the Museums + Heritage Awards
Icon was honoured to once again partner with Museums + Heritage at the Museums + Heritage Awards on the Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year Award. We would like to extend a huge congratulations to the winner and highly commended entry:
- Winner: Norfolk Museums Service Norwich Castle: A Royal Palace Reborn
- The six-year transformation of the Norman keep has reshaped how visitors engage with the site, combining ambitious conservation with inclusive new experiences.
- Highly Commended: Durham University: Conserving the Durham Shakespeare first Folio
Winner of the Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year Award 2026: Norfolk Museums Service Norwich Castle
The winner and shortlisted projects demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and commitment in restoration, repair, and conservation efforts across the UK.