Resources

Conservation is the preservation, protection, care and restoration of our cultural heritage

Conservation of our cultural heritage contributes to education, to the advancement of knowledge, to tourism and to the economy. It ensures that our shared heritage is cared for and protected for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the public today and for generations to come.

What is cultural heritage?

Icon defines ‘cultural heritage’ as objects or collections, as well as internal and external features of a building, but not the building itself. This can vary from family photographs to rare books to fine tapestries and the interiors of historic houses. We believe conserving our cultural heritage contributes to the enrichment of society.

Caring for objects and collections

Care for your artefacts, archives and heirlooms with advice from our conservation experts

Find a conservator

The most reliable way to identify and contact conservators you can trust

Conservation standards

Business Support Hub

Links to advice and guidance for those working in private practice

Student project gallery

Welcome to Icon's student project gallery where you can find information about the projects our student members have completed during their conservation studies

The Institute of Conservation Web Archive

An archive copy of the previous Icon website (2015-2021)

Resource Library

Use the resource library search function to look for information by content type, topic or year of publication