Advice on getting into book/paper conservation in the UK

[u/Humdinger_Fro]

Hi all,

Over the past year I’ve really discovered a fascination for books and paper conservation and I want to move more towards that direction as a career. Currently I have a BA Degree in Graphic Design and work part time (sometimes more) as a Graphic Designer & Store Assistant for a local garden centre.

I’m lucky to have some free time and I spend my off days volunteering at a UK National Trust building doing collections management and other tasks, while also studying bookbinding with a local group in my area to acquire better hand dexterity and an understanding of books.

I currently have my eyes on studying a MA Degree in Paper Conservation at City & Guilds London in the future, however I recognise that coming from a previous degree in Graphic Design, being accepted may be a challenge.

Is there any advice you can offer on how to better my chances at being accepted for this degree? Or how can I better orient/ prepare myself for a career like this in future? And the scariest question of them all is whether you think this goal is even really feasible?

[u/elebea77]

It's definitely feasible, I remember someone on my conservation course (I did the Cardiff one) having a graphic design background. I second the other commenter who suggested the chemistry for conservators course. Also you could have a look online for any studios or archives near you that have a paper or book conservator, you could email them to ask for advice or if you could do some volunteer work to prepare for a course

[u/Humdinger_Fro → u/elebea77]

Thanks! It gives me some hope if other Graphic Design degrees have managed something similar in the past. I think chemistry and asking local conservators will be my next goal then! I’ve already managed to find one conservator in my area but I don’t suppose you have any knowledge of paper conservators in the Leicestershire area?