'Conservation' means the preservation, protection, care and restoration of our cultural heritage. The aim of conservation is to reverse damage where possible and ensure future deterioration is reduced to a minimum. Conservators combine their knowledge of the most up-to-date science with an understanding of the properties of materials and construction techniques to determine the best means of conservation of these objects. Aesthetic awareness is also essential as conservators use their knowledge of art history, architecture, changing fashions and lifestyles to understand the context of the objects they work with, and to conserve them sensitively and appropriately.
I carry out work for a very wide range of clients including private clients, museums, libraries, and historic houses.
I have the flexibility to undertake work on items in my own studio or utilising conservation studio space. Some work can be conducted in situ and this can be accommodated too.
• Estimates and quotes provided
• I am an Associated Institute of Conservation (ICON) member and signed up to the Code Of Conduct & Professional Standards
• All work is carried out using sound, conservation practices and materials and to museum standards, and archive standards PD5454.
• Fully insured and secure premises
Here are some areas my work covers but it is not an exhaustive list. Please feel free to contact me with your requirements.
• Practical conservation of books including leather, paper, vellum/parchment, textile and bookcloth bindings
• Practical conservation of paper based material
• Practical conservation of wax seals
• Practical conservation of vellum/parchment documents
• Practical conservation of photographic material
•Repackaging of collections
•Professional Conservation training
• Condition reports for loans etc
• Advice and recommendations
• Surveys, reports and photographic documentation
Services
Conservation Gallery
Lara Meredith
Book Conservation Archive Conservation
• Exhibition and mounting of book, photographic and archival material including book cradle making
Middle Temple Law Court Library
Book Refurbishment
• Refurbishment of complete or part library and/or archive collections
The Science Museum, London
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Training volunteers at West Sussex Record Office
• Bespoke box and folder making and fasciculing
• Staff and volunteer training such as handling, cleaning, folder making etc
• Talks and demonstrations about Book & Archive Conservation
Talking to visitors to support an ‘Adopt A Book’ scheme
Demonstrating simple conservation techniques during the ‘Archives Evening’ at
The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers
The British Library and ICON provide some extremely useful information on their website on simple steps to care for a wide variety of items as well as what to expect from a conservator.
Caring for Books Caring for Photographs Caring for Archive Material