Volume 10, Number 1
Feb 1986

Conservation Training in the U.K.

The United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (UKIC) has put out an eight-page publication called "Training for Conservation," which can be had for fifty pence from UKIC, c/o Conservation Department, Tate Gallery, Millbank, London SW1P 4RC. It lists 59 institutions, most of which deal with training in museum conservation. Eight of them offer training in library and archival conservation:

Brunel Technical College (Dept. of Printing & Graphic Communication, Davy Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol BS7 9BU) has a one-year program in bookbinding and restoration, leading to a certificate or diploma. It also has a two-year program in paper and document conservation, leading to an advanced certificate.

Camberwell School of Art and Crafts (Peckham Road, London SES 8UF) also has two programs, both two-year. The paper conservation program leads to a DATEC diploma, and the "Prints and Drawings--Archive/Library" program leads to a DATEC Higher Diploma Certificate.

Colchester Institute (School of Printing, Sheepen Road, Colchester, Essex C03 3LL) has a 2-year program in book conservation that leads to a diploma (towards EARAC Diploma in Design).

Gateshead Technical College (Durham Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE9 5BN has a two-year program in prints, drawings and watercolors, leading to a DATEC Higher Diploma.

Guildford County College of Technology (Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1EZ) has a two-year (full tine) program in bookbinding and book restoration, leading to a diploma.

Lincolnshire College of Art (Lindum Road, Lincoln) has a program or programs, two years in length, in book and paper gilding, lace, and replica making, leading to a TEC Diploma.

The London College of Printing (Bookbinding & Print Finishing, Processes Department, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6SB) has four programs:

1. Finishing processes (3-5 days; leads to a College Certificate) [Can this be right?]
2. Book & Document (30 weeks part time, i.e. Thursday pm; leads to a certificate of attendance)
3. Craft bookbinding (1 year; leads to a certificate)
4. Extended study in above (1 year; leads to a certificate)

Society of Archivists (West Yorkshire Record Office, Registry of Deeds Building, Newstead Road, Wakefield, Yorkshire WF1 2DE) has a course in lamination and binding of archival material that takes 24 weeks over two to three years. It leads to a certificate.