Alison Richmond, the outgoing CEO of Icon (the Institute of Conservation) has become a newly
elected Trustee of The Edward James Foundation - the charity responsible for West Dean College
of Arts and Conservation.

Alison brings a wealth of experience to the Foundation. As CEO of Icon she has transformed the
organisation into the leading membership body and voice for conservation of cultural heritage in the
UK. An Accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR) she is also a Fellow of the International Institute
for Conservation (FIIC). Alison was also a Senior Conservator at the V&A for almost two decades.

She comments: "I have always been a huge admirer of what West Dean College of Arts and
Conservation has been doing in the field of conservation education and I am delighted to say that
there has always been a very close relationship between Icon and West Dean. I have really
appreciated how supportive the College has been of the profession and how the College always
sought our views when thinking about the future. Joining the Board felt like a natural progression in
one way and in another it is a huge step to join the Trustees who are taking responsibility for the
whole of the Foundation."

Alison is passionate about the future of conservation and aims to overcome the financial challenges
she sees for people looking for a career in the conservation sector. She notes: "It is wonderful that
West Dean can offer bursaries to so many students and I would like to support the College to do
even more. I think this is the only way that we can hope to attract students who are less well off,
and ultimately diversify the profile of the conservation profession which is currently overwhelmingly
white, female and middle class."

It is an exciting time to consider conservation as a career. There is growing public interest in 'behind the scenes' at museums and historic properties. The conservation of cultural heritage is
recognised by government as key to the UK's tourism economy and international profile.

Hon Peter Benson LVO MA FCA, Chairman of the Board of Trustees commented: "My colleagues and I on the Board of The Edward James Foundation are delighted that Alison Richmond is joining us as a fellow Trustee. Her extensive practical background, both in relation to conservation techniques, and the education required to teach them, will be an invaluable addition to the skills we need to oversee the running of our remarkable College at West Dean."

West Dean College attracts conservation students from across the globe, and alumni have gone on
to work with some of the most prestigious museums, institutions and collections in the world.
Courses are available to MA level, the global industry standard for conservation. It is also the only
College teaching the next generation of Clock conservators.

Alison joins a highly respected group of trustees who include the Hon Peter Benson LVO MA FCA
(Chairman); Lady Caroline Egremont; Caroline Griffith; Professor Nigel Llewellyn PhD FSA;
Professor Paul O'Prey CBE; Francis Plowden FCA; David Seddon; Mike McCart and Martin Ashley
MVO, RIBA.

Notes to Editors:

• Students interested in studying conservation are invited to Open Days on 7 December 2018 and 9 February 2019. Please register here.
• West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is part of The Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust also comprising West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• All photography is copyright free for editorial purposes.
• For further information, please visit www.westdean.ac.uk West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 OQZ

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