There has been an increasing interest in the methods, materials and techniques that underpin the care of heritage objects in recent years. Programmes such as The Repair Shop have shown some of the wide range of skills that conservators use to protect and stabilise collections, making them able to be accessed and used for the future.

Using original library and archive objects, this short course will provide an introduction to some of the materials and techniques that written heritage conservators use to care for library and archive collections. It will include:

• The role of library and archive conservators in protecting written heritage
• The role of their storage environment and use in their long term stability
• An overview of material types used historically in collections, including paper, skin materials such as leather and parchment and the composition of different media types
• The handling and ageing characteristics of historical library and archive materials
• The materials used in conservation of written heritage collections for repair, reconstruction and support
• Basic treatments such as cleaning, simple repair methods and housing solutions

By the end of the course, you will have:

• Gained a broad understanding of the role of a library and archive conservator
• Understood potential career pathways in conservation
• Discovered the materials that have been used over time to create written heritage objects
• Understood some of the potential issues with these materials in terms of degradation and damage, and how they interact with each other and their environment
• Practised some basic conservation techniques

Included

On this course the materials required for techniques introduced are included.

A basic conservation toolkit, including bone folder, scalpel handle and a pack of blades, tweezers, precision scissors, paste brush and safety ruler, is available for use on the day.

What students need to bring

An apron

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions