On 21 November, during its 27th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture, the Icon Scotland Group announced the launch of the Mel Houston Accreditation Grant in memory of Mel Houston, a distinguished preventive conservator and former Icon Trustee.
The Mel Houston Accreditation Grant offers grants of £475 to cover 50% of the costs of applying for Icon Accreditation; up to three applicants can be funded in each calendar year.
Honouring Mel's Memory
Mel Houston was a preventive conservator of outstanding ability, who made her career in Scotland. With degrees in Biochemistry and Photography, alongside an MA in Preventive Conservation, Mel made significant contributions to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), and joined the National Library of Scotland as their first preventive conservator until her untimely death on 1 January 2023. Known for her expertise in Intergrated Pest Management and her dedication to mentoring, Mel also served as an Icon Trustee for six years, chairing the Professional Standards and Development Commitee.
This grant has been made possible by the support of her partner, friends, and colleagues, and with the wholehearted approval of the donor who instigated the original Scotland Accreditation Grant several years ago.
For all the details on how to apply and eligibility criteria, visit our page The Mel Houston Accreditation Grant
If you would like to contribute you can donate via the Icon website using the button below, scrolling down and selecting ‘Mel Houston Accreditation Fund’ in the drop-down menu.