The Icon Book & Paper Group is excited to announce the theme, dates and location for our #IconBPG25 conference, and to open the call for participation. The conference will be taking place at The National Archives, Kew, London, from 22 to 24 October 2025.
Conservators have always had an investigative element to their role: clues about the making, materials, and use of a book, document, or work of art on paper necessarily inform treatment decisions, but sometimes this information isn’t readily apparent—and may even be invisible to the naked eye.
For BPG25, we invite submissions on this theme of investigation and discovery in book and paper conservation. How has understanding the history or materiality of an item on your bench influenced the course of intervention? What novel treatment actions have you developed as a result of careful study of best practices and the needs of a book or archival document? What discoveries have you made via research or analysis that has changed the understanding of an item’s significance to your collection?
We are keen to make this relevant to book and paper conservators working in institutions and private practice, students and emerging professionals and have multiple options for participation.
There will be an online option for attending the conference, enabling those who cannot travel to the venue to attend the talks and panel discussions and view the posters. More details will follow after the call for papers.
Examples of possible topics could include:
- Case studies of treatments or projects supported by research and analysis
- Collaborations between book and paper conservators and scientists
- Development of novel treatments and techniques
- Examples of different types of investigative techniques used in book and paper conservation
Participation submissions are accepted on all aspects of conservation relevant to the theme, including scientific studies and PhD research.
We have four call outs for participation:
Abstracts: Submit a 500 word abstract. Selected authors will be offered the opportunity to present for 20 minutes on their topic.
BPG Submission Template - Abstract.docx
Lightning talks: Short form talks with the aim of quickly sharing ideas, research findings or project updates. Submit a 200 word abstract. Selected authors will be offered the opportunity to present for 5 minutes on their topic.
BPG Submission Template - Lightning talks.docx
Posters: Provide a brief description of a poster you would like to submit. Posters offer a visual option of sharing a project, data analysis, surveys, a treatment or more. We will be holding poster sessions, using a virtual method, so no printing of large posters will be required.
BPG Submission Template - Posters.docx
Workshops and tours: An opportunity to give a tour of your conservation studio, London based. Or a workshop to share skills, techniques, use of equipment.
BPG Submission Template - Workshop or Tour.docx
How to apply
Please download and use the designated template available on the Icon website or request a copy by emailing [email protected].
Email your submission using the templates to [email protected] with the subject line IconBPG25.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025.