MA Conservation

Course detail Content: what students can expect

• A course that consists of practical studio work where students are introduced to conservation ideas and techniques through taught classes
• To learn about the science of materials and how they react under different conditions, providing students with an understanding of conservation treatments and a background to preservation management
• To learn about visual examination and condition documentation, mechanical surface cleaning, humidification and washing, de-acidification and resizing
• Our Art on Paper pathway to include specialist classes on fixatives and consolidants, pressure sensitive tape removal, sensitive media, parchment, iron gall inks, and an introduction to photographic conservation
• Our Books and Archival Materials pathway to cover the broad international and historical spectrum of bookbinding and book structures with an emphasis put on acquiring an understanding of bookbinding history
• During the second year both pathways focus on detailed conservation techniques, and students finish the course by working on a project with one of the many cultural institutions within London

Structure

The first part of the course is a shared introductory unit, which brings together the students from across the two pathways. Each student will then focus on one of the individual pathways.

Art on Paper

This pathway focuses on conservation and preservation management of images executed on paper covering a wide range of materials including prints, drawings and watercolours with an emphasis on both conservation practice and theory.

Books and Archival Materials

This pathway focuses on learning structures of different historical styles of books, covering the broad international and historical spectrum of bookbinding and book structures.

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MA Conservation programme specification (PDF - 492 KB)

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Learning and teaching methods

• Classes in laboratory techniques
• Essay supervision
• Independent learning and practice
• Inductions
• Laboratory and studio practice
• Lectures and seminars
• Specialist classes in paper conservation
• Supervised execution of conservation project
• Tutorials

Assessment methods

• Conservation journal, project proposal and report
• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Participation in seminars
• Practical work
• Surveys
• Symposium presentation and paper
• Technical documentation
• Timed examinations

Staff

• Jocelyn Cuming - Course Leader
• Abigail Bainbridge
• Vincent Daniels
• Craig Horsfall
• Eleni Katsiani

• Joanna Kosek
• Professor Nicholas Pickwoad - Head of Ligatus
• Sonja Schwoll
• Piers Townsend