My name is Jillian Gregory, in September 2012 I completed the Masters course in Paper Conservation at Camberwell College of Art, London, UK, gaining a Distinction. I am passionate about the conservation and preservation of historic documents and artistic works on paper, and see it as a privilege to be able to be a part of caring for our collective past. It was whilst studying Photography at undergraduate level that my interest in working with historical material was ignited, undertaking projects using archival and found photographic material. This led me to studying Paper Conservation, and the beginnings of my career in the heritage sector. As part of my continued professional development, I undertook two work placements during my studies, at the National Maritime Museum, and at the Essex Record Office. From these I gained invaluable experience in both museum and archival paper conservation studios. I have also undertaken work placements at institutions including the V&A, the Guildhall Art Gallery, the Stanley Kubrick Archive, and the special collection at UCL, to name just a few. I am a member of ICON (Institute of Conservation) and recently became a committee member of the Independent Paper Conservators' Group (IPCG), both of which help keep me up to date with the latest conservation news. I worked as a paper conservator during my year living in Canada, post studying, and currently work part-time at Bethlem Museum of the Mind. I am based in North London, and am available for freelance work. Recent and ongoing clients include Spink Auction House, as well as private collectors and dealers of prints, watercolours, maps, and football memorabilia. I can be reached via the 'contact me' section below.
2012 – MA in Paper Conservation, with Distinction. Camberwell College of Art, University of the Arts London.
2011 – Post Graduate Diploma in Paper Conservation, with Merit. Camberwell College of Art, University of the Arts London.
2008 – 2.1 BA Hons Editorial Photography. University of Brighton.
2005 – Foundation Diploma in Fine Art. Central St. Martins College, University of the Arts London.
Recent conservation employment includes the following:
Archive Conservator – Bethlem Museum Of The Mind, Beckenham, Kent, UK.
October 2014 – Present
I am currently employed part-time at Bethlem Museum, and am the sole Conservator within the department. The role involves conservation of the Museum’s large archival collection, as well as non-archival artworks, and myriad other day to day tasks within the Museum setting.
Project Conservator – The National Archives, Kew, London, UK.
November 2013 – September 2014
This post at TNA was within the Commercial Business Department. Conservators were responsible for treating documents within the collection so they could be scanned and digitised for outside clients, such as ancestry websites and educational publishers.
Assistant Conservator – BC Land Titles and Survey Authority, New Westminster, B.C Canada.
November 2012 – September 2013
The role of Assistant Paper Conservator involved undertaking treatments including surface cleaning, backing removal, tape and adhesive removal, humidification and flattening, linings, and repairs to documents. It was also a supervisory role, providing guidance and help to other staff members.
Auxiliary Paper Conservator – Fraser Spafford-Ricci Fine Art Conservation, Surrey B.C, Canada.
March 2013
A short project working alongside another paper conservator, to conserve the first map of Vancouver. The project focused on backing removal, adhesive removal, blotter washing and lining of the large-scale map. It provided a great opportunity to work as part of a team and with handling a largely oversized object.
Ceramic Packing Project – Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver B.C, Canada.
January 2013
A private donation of c.1000 Peruvian ceramics was donated to MOA. The objects had to be carefully checked off, wrapped and packed on location at the donor’s house, before being shipped to the museum. A variety of differently sized objects were handled, and some mouldy ceramics were also dealt with. An inventory was also created for the newly acquired collection once it was received at the museum.
Mould Removal Project – Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver B.C, Canada.
December 2012
A short project in which mould was removed from a new donation of objects the museum had acquired. Materials included wood, silk, vinyl, paper and ceramics.
I have undertaken a variety of work experience roles at the following institutes:
The Museum of Anthropolgy, Vancouver.
February 2013 – May 2013
The City of Vancouver Archives, Vancouver.
November 2012 – May 2013
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), London.
September 2012
The National Maritime Museum, London.
November 2011 – September 2012.
The Essex Record Office, Chelmsford, Essex.
July 2011 – September 2012.
The Guildhall Art Gallery, London.
August 2011.
The Stanley Kubrick Archive, London College of Communication, London.
July 2011.
575 Wandsworth Road, National Trust property, London.
June 2011.
Special Collection at University College London, London.
January 2011 – March 2011.
Ham House, National Trust property, London.
October 2010 – March 2011.
About this Blog // Here is where you can find about all my exciting conservation escapades.
Last year I was able to undertake a garage conversion in order to set up my dedicated private conservation working space. The project was finished around May 2016, so I have been using the space for nearly a year now, and here are the results!..
It has been a considerable time since I last posted anything, so thought an update was one overdue!
Since starting my part-time post at Bethlem Museum in October 2014, just over two years ago, I have had some great opportunities for continued professional development (CPD). I attended a two day course at The London Metropolitan Archives, aimed at teaching flat works paper conservators basic book conservation techniques. I also attended the ICON book and paper group conference, ‘Adapt & Evolve’, in April 2015, which was a three day conference focusing on East Asian materials and techniques in Western conservation. Through the London Museums Regional Development team I have been on several training days including managing archives, pest monitoring and art handling.
I also regularly attend the lectures and events that the IPCG organise. These have included at trip to the London Metropolitan Archives to learn about ‘The Great Parchment Project’, lectures about techniques for washing paper, treating wallpaper, and a large scale team project to conserve ten huge 19th century cartoon panels by the artist Daniel Maclise.
This year a small group of my peers and I also began a skills exchange group. The group consists of three book conservators and three paper conservators, teaching each other in order to expand our knowledge and skill set.
Upcoming events include a day trip to the British Museum to see their brand new conservation Western studio and facilities, and I am hoping to attend the ‘Gels in Conservation’ conference in October 2017 organised by IAP in association with Tate, as well as other training events I have my eye on!
It’s been quite some time since I last posted anything, after returning to London from Canada, a little over a year ago, things were pretty busy! I secured a contract role at The National Archives, and gained invaluable experience in digitisation work whilst there. In October 2014 I started a new job as Archive Conservator at Bethlem Museum Of The Mind, which I am absolutely thrilled with. The collection is extremely interesting and diverse. It houses archival documents, bound volumes, photographic material and artworks, all of which I am now responsible for caring for.
The Museum is also in the throws of a monumental move. We are relocating to the newly refurbished Administrative building, within the same grounds as the current museum and the rest of the Bethlem Hospital. The move itself is not far in terms of distance, but I am currently heavily involved in the planning and organisation of the collection move, and all the logistical details associated with relocating 400 linear meters of material. It isn’t often that one gets the chance to move an entire collection, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the work it involves.
As my new job is part-time I am also increasing my private freelance workflow. I have recently undertaken projects working on maps, football memorabilia and watercolours. So please do get in touch if you have any enquiries!
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