#IconBPG25 Conservation Uncovered: Investigation and Discovery in Treatment and Analysis

With just five weeks to go, the Icon Book & Paper Group (BPG) is delighted to share more details about its hybrid Conference, taking place on 22-24 October 2025 at The National Archives, Kew. 

From bench-top discoveries to analytical breakthroughs, the Conference will explore how investigation shapes conservation practice. The hybrid event will bring together conservation professionals, students, and keen individuals for an engaging exploration of discoveries and innovations in book and paper conservation. 

Programme Highlights and Speakers

The Conference boasts a dynamic three-day programme featuring a mix of behind the scenes tours, engaging talks, poster sessions which will delve into how detailed investigation and analysis inform conservation decisions and enhance our understanding of collections.

Behind the Scenes Tours - 22 October 2025

On the first day of the Conference, attendees will have the chance to take part in a range of exclusive in-person tours, offering behind-the-scenes access to conservation studios across London. These special tours will offer a unique opportunity to explore the spaces where expert conservators work to preserve our cultural heritage.

Attendees can choose from venues including:

• The British Museum,
• The National Portrait Gallery,
• The British Library,
• The London Archives,
• The National Archives,
• Lambeth Palace Library, 
• The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

These tours are a fantastic way to see conservation in action and connect with professionals working across institutions.

Each attendee may sign up for one tour only, details and booking links can be found via the In-Person Tours Bookings Page.

Talks, Presentations & Networking - 23 & 24 October 2025

The second and third days will feature a rich programme of full-length talks, dynamic lightning presentations, alongside poster sessions that will explore how material analysis, historical research, and careful observation influence treatment choices and reveal new insights. Participants will discover novel approaches to conservation challenges and share discoveries that have transformed our understanding of cultural heritage materials.

These days also offer many opportunities for networking with colleagues across the industry, including an evening reception at The National Archives and informal drinks at a local pub in Kew.

Speakers come from across the globe, inviting broad dialogue and diverse perspectives. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Josep Grau-Bove and Cordelia Rogerson.

To view the full list of speakers and abstracts, please visit the #IconBPG25 Bookings Page.

A Message from the Organisers

As the countdown begins, the Book & Paper Group reflect on what makes this year’s conference special:

This will be an engaging few days of tours, talks, keynotes, posters and networking. 

We have an international representation of papers and posters, bringing together new and innovative heritage science and conservation practice case studies.

We are especially excited about the panel discussion with the Heritage Science Group to find out the latest about the RICHeS programme and how more of us can benefit from it.

Tickets and Further Information

The conference is open to all, with discounted rates for Icon Members and Student Members. Both in-person and online options are available, making it accessible for everyone.

In-Person Tickets: Icon Student Member - £77 | Icon Member - 140 | Non-Member £161 | Speaker - £77

Online Tickets: Icon Student Member - £21 | Icon Member - £42 | Non-Member - £54.60 | Speaker - £21

In-Person Tours

In-person tours are available to all conference attendees and are included in the price of your conference ticket. These tours are only available to those who have booked onto the conference.

Tours can be booked via the In-Person Tours Bookings Page.

With Thanks to our Sponsors

This event is proudly supported by The National Archives and the Icon Heritage Science Group.