Last week saw the launch of Icon Northern Ireland, a new national Group for conservators and heritage professionals working in Northern Ireland.
Hosted at the prestigious Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast, the event saw speakers share their experience of the collections care that enabled the 25th anniversary tour of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement in 2023.
One of only two copies of the original signed agreement, the bound document achieved huge reach and impact on its 800-mile tour across Northern Ireland seeing 20,000 visitors during its time at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens alone. The Good Friday Agreement marks a key milestone in Northern Ireland's history, and its recent tour gave people a chance to reflect on its lasting impact.
Seeing original artifacts from that time had a powerful effect, especially for those who experienced the events leading up to the Agreement. It not only transformed politics but also shaped everyday life in Northern Ireland. Through the eyes of the conservation professionals involved from PRONI, The National Archives and Historic Royal Palaces the impact and significance of this unique touring programme was made possible through its collections care.
Jonathan Black of J.B. Heritage Joinery, a conservation joiner shared his passion for restoring sliding slash windows and the importance of heritage skills.
Icon CEO, Emma Jhita attended the launch to celebrate this significant milestone for conservation across the island of Ireland, and commented on the afternoon’s presentations
The Icon Northern Ireland Group launch event demonstrated the power of collaboration and partnership working, alongside the important role of conservators to push boundaries and progress attitudes to heritage and important histories (both for the public and within our institutions).
I am delighted to see Icon NI formally launched. Working closely with the Institute of Conservator-Restorers Ireland (ICRI), we look forward to supporting conservators and collections care professionals to ensure careers are fulfilling and collections can be cared for and shared as widely as possible – both today and for future generations.
We were thrilled to see such a diverse group of conservators, heritage professionals, and supporters come together to explore the importance of conservation in Northern Ireland. Icon members can stay in the loop all things Icon Northern Ireland by updating their preferences in their online account. If you’re not a member find out more here.
