This vital initiative will help safeguard the specialist skills needed to conserve the UK’s historic collections and cultural heritage. The project will assess which areas of conservation are most at risk of being lost, identify future skills needs across the profession, and create a delivery plan to ensure these skills are supported for the long term.
At a time when many highly experienced conservators are nearing retirement, the need to understand and protect specialist knowledge has never been greater. Without effective succession planning and investment in training, there is a real risk that irreplaceable expertise, often held by only a handful of professionals could disappear, leaving important heritage vulnerable.
Pilgrim Trust’s generous support will enable Icon to undertake detailed research and produce a comprehensive “Conservation Skills at Risk” report. This will include an evidence-based action plan to strengthen conservation skills, ensuring that the profession remains resilient, sustainable, and able to care for historic collections now and in the future.
The project builds on previous initiatives such as the Collaborative Conservation Internships Programme, which has seen Icon partner with funders, Idlewild Trust, National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, Pilgrim Trust, Anna Plowden Trust, and The Radcliffe Trust to support new talent in at-risk areas including illuminated manuscripts, horology and musical instruments conservation. It will also draw on insights from partnerships with national bodies including Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, English Heritage and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
Emma Jhita, Icon’s CEO, said:
We are deeply grateful to the Pilgrim Trust for recognising the urgency of this work. Their support will enable us to build a clear picture of conservation skills at risk and develop a strong plan for their protection. These are the skills that ensure our nation’s heritage can continue to be cared for and shared with future generations.”
Through this project, Icon aims to deliver practical recommendations, coordinate action across the heritage sector, and celebrate the people and skills that preserve our cultural heritage.
