Committed to Excellence in Conservation
My career is built on a foundation of rigorous academic training, specialist postgraduate study, and continuous professional development. From a BA (Hons) in Fine Craft Design and a Postgraduate Diploma in Ceramics, Glass, and Related Materials, supported by scholarships and prestigious placements at the V&A, to achieving ICON Accreditation (ACR), I have consistently pursued the highest standards in conservation.
I actively invest in CPD through advanced technical courses, leadership programmes, and compliance certifications, ensuring best practice in every project. My engagement extends internationally, attending ICOM-CC Triennial Conferences in Turin and Valencia, hosting and presenting at sector events, and forging connections with conservators across Europe.
This commitment to learning and collaboration underpins the expertise I bring to safeguarding heritage collections—combining technical precision, ethical practice, and innovative solutions.
Education
1992-97
BA Hons in Fine Craft Design, University of Ulster
My journey in craft and conservation began with a Foundation Year, where I achieved Pass with Commendation, setting the tone for excellence. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Craft Design, specialising in ceramics with a 2:1, and completed an Industrial Placement Gap Year with Distinction, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in professional studios in the South of France (1995). Following this, I completed 10 months volunteering as conservation assistant in the British School of Archaeology, Athens, Ulster Museum, Belfast, and secured a role in delivering the Inaugural exhibition at National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin (1996)
1998-2000
West Dean College
I completed a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Ceramics, Glass, and Related Materials, supported by scholarships from the Irish Georgian Society and additional grants and bursaries that enabled me to train at this level.
This intensive program included two prestigious placements—Plowden & Smith and the Victoria and Albert Museum—where I gained hands-on experience with complex conservation projects. These opportunities provided the technical expertise and professional insight required to establish my freelance conservation practice in Northern Ireland, delivering specialist care for historic collections.
2010
ICON accreditation
Icon Accreditation is awarded by the Institute of Conservation and aligned to Icon's Professional Standards.
The Icon Accreditation framework has three components:
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An assessment process for accrediting professional capability against explicit standards
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A system for ensuring maintenance and enhancement of professional capability through Continuing Professional Development
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A means of removing ACR status from practitioners who fail to maintain a minimum standard of practice and ethics demonstrated through regular CPD returns.
