Join Icon Scotland for the 27th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture, an annual lecture in memory of Dundonian Dr Harold Plenderleith (1898 – 1996), one of the key founders of modern conservation. We will commemorate Dr Plenderleith with a talk, followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators, in what has become one of the main conservation get-togethers in Scotland. Our AGM will take place prior to the lecture.
Our invited speaker this year is library conservator Caroline Bendix ACR. Using her own experience as a freelance conservator for many years, Caroline will explore some of the issues facing conservators today. Training, career development, liaising with clients and management, working with volunteers and interaction with other conservation professionals all require clear communication. Whilst modern tools such as video calls and social media bring many opportunities, downsides include the erosion of time spent interacting directly with colleagues and objects, and the risk of incorrect information being disseminated.
Libraries are places where information has been held for centuries and old books, like musical instruments, for example, are still expected to be used. Challenges in allowing use without causing damage require liaison with a range of professionals, and discussions including whether to restore or conserve a book. We must also balance stabilization of the many against major interventive work to the few. Caroline’s talk will debate these dilemmas, illustrated by projects varying from the conservation programme at St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai to visitor engagement in National Trust properties.
This hybrid event will take place both on Zoom and at Auditorium A, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. The venue is at 99 George St, Glasgow, G1 1RD. It is about a 10 minute walk from Queen Street station and a 20 minute walk from Central station. Find out more about accessibility and how to get there here.
This talk will be preceded by Icon Scotland's 2024 AGM. You can get your free tickets for the AGM here.
Icon Scotland is committed to helping conservators from all socioeconomic backgrounds to access conservation training. If you would like to attend this event but cannot afford the cost, please contact [email protected].
