Summary
I chose Conservation of Cultural Heritage to be my line of study once I realised that my strange A-Level subject combination, art, math and chemistry could actually be applied to this new and quite unheard of profession. Now in 2025, I am a final year student having completed a 4 month internship at the Graham Bignell Studio working with books and paper, partaken in 2 projects with the National Conservation Service (NCS) and now currently writing a dissertation exploring the links between conservation science and forensic science. I truly enjoy what I do, fulfilling the human desire to be remembered by preserving customs and traditions through thoughtful conservation methods and I hope to do this for many years to come!
Career Aspirations
After graduation, my plan is to gain experience working with different materials through internships, with a particular interest in furniture conservation, painting conservation or books and paper conservation. After deciding what I enjoy most, I may undertake a master’s degree specialising in that material, and potentially plan on opening my own private conservation studio.
Personal Reflection
During my three years at University of Lincoln, I’ve learnt many soft skills such as teamwork through a group gilding project, presentation skills through hosting a group volunteering session on preventive conservation and documentation skills through writing various treatment reports and lab record cards. Other hard skills learnt include conservation theory through exposure of different materials and objects during practicals, safe and purposeful use of solvents for cleaning, and consolidation methods for paper and ceramics.
Reflecting on my development as a conservator, I have definitely gained knowledge on which techniques work and which do not in the safe environment of a university laboratory. Learning new skills and applying them during practicals, during placement as well, I have gained confidence in the treatments I undertake as well as decision making.
Other Projects
Since I started my conservation journey in 2022, I have been part of 2 NCS projects assisting in cleaning archive collections in London. During this time I learnt how to catalogue items using unique identifiers, as well as package books using cotton book tape and tissue paper to be placed in storage.
From February 2024 I started my 4 month placement with The Graham Bignell Studio in London working with mainly maps, prints and manuscripts. I learnt paper-specific conservation and restoration techniques such as consolidation using wheat starch paste, removing adhesive using methyl cellulose and various bleaching methods using light or chemicals (potassium permanganate and sodium metabisulphite). I also had the opportunity to list items as clients brought them in noting the condition, measurements, treatment and potential treatment time, with Graham to assist, gaining first-hand experience on how items are processed initially prior to treatment as well as learning the logistics of running a private studio.
Objects
Click on an object to find out more!
Check out Rubina’s Instagram @rubinacon.serves
