I offer consultancy advice on managing historic interiors and collections in houses, churches and museums. To support use of interiors for a variety of purposes, I combine traditional practice with conservation science and professional standards, preserving the authenticity, significance and spirit of each place while enabling and sustaining visitor access. For historically associated objects, I write Collection Care Plans for the Heritage Exemption Scheme.
My approach is holistic, pragmatic and collaborative, providing practical guidance for non-specialists, and coordinating interactive training for diverse skills and needs. Working together, we can prevent damage during display, use and cleaning, adding surface protection where necessary. We can monitor and control the ten agents of deterioration: fire, flood, collapse, loss and dissociation, pollutants, insects and mould, light, humidity, temperature, wear and dust; and tailor housekeeping schedules to the needs of each space.
Trusted Conservators is a network of ICON accredited conservators with extensive experience of working for a wide range of heritage organisations and private clients. We share access to a network of heritage conservation associates and suppliers, offering technical analysis and other specialist services. Collectively we offer long experience of advocating for and improving the care of National Trust houses.
Collections Management and Care Plan for HMRC’s Heritage Exemption Scheme
A Collections Management Plan guides the long-term care of a collection of fine art objects, furnishings and artefacts in historic houses. It provides guidance on best practice for private owners of collections seeking value-for-money solutions, and forms part of undertakings with HMRC for conditional exemption from capital taxation. This working document includes a record of the collection, analyses the risk factors in its current environment, and provides prioritised action plans tailored to the building, the collection, and available resources. It includes essential preventive measures and a programme of conservation treatment for items in poor or unstable condition.
Housekeeping and Guidance Training
Caring for historic interiors and collections differs from cleaning modern homes and does not use any products found on supermarket shelves. Instead, it requires an understanding of the materials from which historic furnishings and artefacts were constructed, and traditional tools, equipment and techniques designed to remove dust from surfaces safely and effectively. Cleaning is required ‘as much as necessary, as little as possible’ to prevent cumulative abrasion of fragile surfaces while also discouraging insect pests. I offer hands-on training and guidance on how to plan and schedule tasks throughout the year.
Preventive Conservation and the Ten Agents of Deterioration
The Preventive Conservation Framework is a useful tool for assessing the condition of each building and its collections. It encourages a holistic approach to mitigating the ten agents of deterioration (fire, flood, collapse, loss and disassociation, physical wear and dust, insects and moulds, pollutants, light, humidity and temperature). Monitoring and effective control of the causes of damage help to shape plans for improving preventive conservation and housekeeping. Guidance includes regular cleaning routines, and schedules of intermittent tasks to be undertaken weekly, monthly, occasionally, annually or less often.
Storage and Protection
Where attics, cupboards and drawers are overflowing with the accumulated possessions of multiple generations, I can help owners to rationalise what is significant and may be worth keeping, before ensuring that it is all catalogued and appropriately packed for long-term preservation in a controlled environment.
Ceramics and Glass Conservation Surveys
Having originally trained as a conservator of ceramics I also undertake condition surveys of ceramic and glass collections, and decorative art objects, providing advice on priorities for treatment. I cannot undertake remedial treatments, but I can point clients towards accredited conservators with relevant skills and experience.
Helen Lloyd - Care and conservation of collections in historic buildings
Helen Lloyd - Using the correct tools for efficiency and to reduce risks of cumulative abrasion
Helen Lloyd - Storage and cataloguing of dress, uniforms, curtains and household linens
Helen Lloyd - Creating a Collections Management & Care Plan for historic interiors and chattels
Helen Lloyd - Care of ceramics and glass – training, condition surveys and priorities for treatment
Biography
Helen Lloyd MBE FSA FIIC ACR
Senior conservation consultant with 43 years’ experience in preventive conservation for care of historic houses in public and private ownership (also ecclesiastical interiors and modern buildings with historic collections). Experienced in achieving a sustainable balance between access and preservation, presenting historic interiors to professional standards, and engaging the public in conservation activities. Committed to sharing knowledge, skills and enthusiasm through education, training, interpretation, publication and partnerships. Developer of practical guidance, technical advice, methodologies and toolkits to support property management, resource and capacity planning; conservation science research, surveys and analysis to inform priorities for preventive and remedial conservation.
Client Testimonials
So many locations have benefitted from your knowledge, skills and guidance; your passion has inspired people to care immensely for the places they look after.
Former Colleague
National Trust
From direct advice to distant calming influence, your grace, patience and passion have been rewarding, helpful and inspiring… Thank you for all your help, support and words of wisdom on a vast array of subjects.
Former Colleague
National Trust