About Me

I am a private practice book and archives conservator-restorer of paper-, leather- and vellum/parchment-based material, both printed and manuscript, as well as leather-covered objects. My specialism is in Western bindings from 16th Century to contemporary but I am experienced with earlier constructions and have some familiarity with “Islamic” bindings. I have a special interest in early album structures. As I also work as a hand bookbinder and letterpress printer, I have a good understanding of traditional craft techniques and use of materials, which is invaluable in informing my conservation practice.

I was accredited through the Institute of Conservation in 2016 and have been a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation since 2001.

My initial training was through on-the-job instruction in the book and paper conservation lab of the Getty Research Institute in California, rounded-out by generous funding for external professional development courses including undergraduate Chemistry modules at UCLA. As well as working privately throughout my career, I have held positions at the Huntington Library in California, The National Archives in Kew, and the Royal Collection Trust, where I progressed over 16 years to become Head of the Royal Bindery based in Windsor Castle. In the latter post I managed a staff of 10 and was responsible for the preservation and conservation of library and archive material in the Royal Collection and Royal Archives, across all locations and royal residencies, as well as the production of fine binding work for state and diplomatic gifts.

Frustrated at having become exclusively involved in management activities, I stepped away from institutional employment in late 2019 in order to refocus on hands-on treatment and consultation services, as well as teaching opportunities. To this end, I joined forces with a long-established, traditionally-trained hand bookbinder in private practice. Our clients include individuals, private collectors, booksellers, film props commissioners, university and cathedral libraries, national collections and museums. We hold classes in wide-ranging aspects of bookbinding, book conservation, and related fields. 

I am committed to education within the broad fields of book conservation-restoration, bookbinding and book arts, as well as the promotion of conservation to the general public. My current professional engagement encompasses being a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers, serving on its charitable bodies that provide financial support for students enrolled in trades of the Guild and mentoring grant recipients; an Icon student mentor; an Icon ACR CPD review reader; a presentation abstract assessor for the International Association of Book and Paper Conservators (IADA)

I am also a Director of Cyswllt-Cadwraeth/Connect-Conserve Cymru Community Interest Company. This has been established to connect freelance conservators with heritage collection project requirements and funding streams within Wales so that professionals can survive and thrive. Any surplus is reinvested into providing free conservation services to community collections as well as training and CPD opportunities for Wales-based conservation students and newly-qualified conservators.