Vicky West Conservation

I am a highly experienced Book & Paper Conservator and carry out private commissions at my North London studio as well as onsite.

Recent clients include the Royal Society, the Design Museum, St Bartholemew’s Hospital Archive, the Royal College of Physicians, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Classical Association, London Transport Museum, Middle Temple Library, Leighton House Museum, Sir Kenneth Branagh and Sir Michael Palin.

I offer remedial conservation of books and paper-based objects. I have worked on a large range of historical book structures and am highly skilled in leatherwork and conserving fine bindings. My work is carried out to a very high standard with meticulous attention to detail and includes written and photographic documentation. My approach as a conservator is to preserve as much of the original binding material as possible and to ensure that any new materials added are sympathetic to the aesthetic and historical integrity of the item. 

I can also offer preservation and rehousing of photographic material including personal and professional archives. Other services include pre-digitisation assessments, surveys and condition reporting for exhibition installation and derig.

A free basic estimate is available in most instances. 

I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your conservation requirements.

Biography

Vicky West ACR

My book conservation career began in 2004 when I studied Bookbinding and Book Restoration at the London College of Printing.  During this time I also worked at Shepherds Bindery where I gained valuable experience in bookbinding.  Following my subsequent MA in Conservation (Distinction) at Camberwell College of Arts, I worked at the College of Arms as a freelance conservator before working for a decade in the conservation department at the British Library.  During this time I conserved a wide range of historical binding structures and culturally valuable items including Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook. In 2024 I became fully freelance.

Client testimonials

To date Vicky has conserved five volumes for us, including two incunabula (Euclid 1491 and Durandus 1486) and two 18th century volumes of local interest - one of which needed complete reconstruction. Our donors have been delighted with the quality of her work and her conserved volumes never cease to amaze when we open the library to the public.

Library Committee
St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Vicky was instrumental in providing training, advice, and support during the rehousing of over 5000 fragile glass-plate negatives at the Egypt Exploration Society in 2019. Before we began the ambitious rehousing project, Vicky provided a professional assessment of our collections as well as sourcing materials from recommended suppliers. She offered her expertise and experience in training sessions for staff and volunteers with patience and openness allowing us to take on several volunteers during the project.

Stephanie Boonstra
Collections Manager, Egypt Exploration Society

I have been working with Vicky West since August 2020 and have been delighted with the conservation work she has carried out on our rare books. Her work is meticulous and professional, and she communicates clearly and thoroughly the work that will be carried out. She obviously takes great pride in her work, and I know that our precious books are in safe hands.

Dr Renae Satterley
Librarian, Middle Temple