Sustainability and Cultural Heritage Conservator, Lorraine Finch ACR has been awarded the 2026 Plowden Medal for transforming the conservation profession through visionary leadership, tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment. She has demonstrated how one individual can reshape professional thinking, influence practice and empower others.
Established in 1999 to commemorate the life and work of the late Hon. Anna Plowden CBE (1938 – 1997), the Plowden Medal was endowed by the Royal Warrant Holders Association, of which she was Vice-President. It is awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the conservation profession. The award covers all aspects of conservation be they practical, theoretical or managerial –and is open to those working in private practice or institutions.
Lorraine Finch has transformed the conservation profession through visionary leadership, tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment. She demonstrates how one individual can reshape professional thinking, influence practice and empower others. Through her leadership of LFCP, and an extraordinary commitment to voluntary service, Lorraine has built a national and international reputation for championing sustainability with energy, ambition and passion.
After completing her MA in Conservation at Camberwell College of Arts in 1995, Lorraine built an impressive career in leading heritage organisations. In 2003 she founded LFCP, specialising in the conservation of archives and photographic material, becoming Icon Accredited the following year. Recognising that sustainability would become one of the defining challenges for the profession, Lorraine boldly redirected her practice to embed sustainable approaches into conservation. This pioneering shift included co-founding and chairing the Icon Sustainability Group, equipping conservators with the knowledge, confidence and networks to drive change.
Lorraine Finch said,
To be nominated for the Plowden Medal was an honour in itself, and to receive the Plowden Medal 2026 is both a privilege and deeply meaningful. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who supported my nomination.
"This recognition reflects a lifetime committed to environmental conservation and my career in heritage conservation. It reinforces my belief that determination, integrity and long-term thinking can make a lasting difference. I hope it encourages others to champion sustainability in their own work and communities."
For more details visit: https://www.royalwarrant.org/plowden-medal and for enquiries contact Claire Anderson: [email protected]
About The Plowden Award for Conservation
Established in 1999 to commemorate the life and work of the late Hon. Anna Plowden CBE (1938 – 1997), the Plowden Medal was endowed by the Royal Warrant Holders Association, of which she was Vice-President. It is awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the conservation profession. The award covers all aspects of conservation be they practical, theoretical or managerial –and is open to those working in private practice or institutions. Previous winners are:
• Garry Thomson CBE (1999) • Dr Jonathan Ashley-Smith (2000) • Donald Insall CBE (2001) • Dr David Leigh (2002) • Clare Meredith (2003) • Christopher Clarkson (2004) • Carole Milner MBE (2005) • James Black (2006) • Dr Vincent Daniels (2007) • David Pinniger (2008) • Professor Nicholas Pickwoad (2009) • David Watkinson (2010) • Kate Colleran (2011) • Professor May Cassar (2012) • Jonathan Betts MBE (2013) • Dr Jim Tate (2014) • Nancy Bell (2015) • Sarah Staniforth (2015) • Ksynia Marko (2016) • Professor Sharon Cather (2017) • Alan Derbyshire (2018) • Caroline Bendix (2019) • Katy Lithgow (2020) • Stephen Clare MBE and Professor Jane Henderson FIIC (2021) • Julie Dawson (2022) • Professor Sarah Brown (2023) • Dr Bronwyn Ormsby (2024) • Professor Aviva Burnstock (2025)
