In memory of Gillian Roy (1939-2024)

GILLIAN SHONA ROY née Moodie (1939-2024), conservator, conservation manager, teacher, colleague, traveller, and a wonderful friend to many, died on 17th January 2024 in her home in Cape Town.  Gillian was born in Scotland, but following the loss of her father during the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943, her family moved to Gloucestershire where she attended school, later winning a scholarship to the Slade School of Art. A second scholarship took her to Amsterdam, a city that ever after remained dear to her.

Gillian’s conservation career literally started with the Florence disaster, for she joined the rescue team after the catastrophic flood in 1966. In 1967 she entered the British Museum as Conservation Officer in the Prints and Drawings Department.  During that period, she met and married Nirmal Roy, later Labour Mayor of Camden.

From 1977-1992 Gillian was visiting lecturer to the newly established Prints and Drawings Conservation Course at (the then) Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, rising to Course Director and Principal Lecturer in Conservation. During the following few years, she was instrumental in converting the Diploma Course into first a BA then a Master’s Degree. Gillian was a wonderful teacher, warmly remembered by all her students. Theory was embedded in practice and art historical background, combined with the highest professional standards, to which she contributed importantly. Her training underpinned the career of conservators now in museums or private practice, here in the UK and, indeed, all over the world.

Alison Richmond, former Deputy Head, Conservation Department, The Royal College of Art, Former CEO Institute of Conservation

‘I am very glad I had the chance to tell Gillian about the huge influence that she had on me.  I met her in the UK at a turning point in my life and she encouraged me to become a conservator for which I will be forever grateful.  It is a testament to her teaching and mentoring that I went on to a wonderful 20-year career at the V & A.’

Hasia Rimon, Head of Conservation, Conservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel

‘Do you know I still have the handwritten note that she put up over the sink at Camberwell- instructing us to keep the sink clean? It has accompanied me throughout my career as has her look of complete shock at some of my treatment decisions – I always think twice or three times now before committing myself to treatment because of Gillian.’

Eleni Katsiani, Conservator, Postal Museum, former lecturer, Camberwell College

‘I remember Gillian’s delight at a q&a teaching session asking us to observe closely the damage on the artwork. I will never forget how her eyes were sparkling every time the students were speaking insightfully. I remember how I kept on contributing just to see her being so excited. Gillian was a really inspiring teacher’.

Joanna Kosek, Head of Pictorial Art Conservation, The British Museum

‘Gillian was the first person I met at Camberwell and she literally walked me into an amazing profession. Kind, fair, and open-minded, she was the most supportive and inspiring of teachers.  She cared for her students, and ever after took interest in what we were up to. Gillian and I often talked of conservation in a changing world, and she bestowed on me a lasting professional vision’. 

The Camberwell years were not easy. Two new degree courses accommodating a growing number of students, with insufficient financial support and an expanding burden of administration tested Gillian’s calm and stoical nature. She managed all of this without complaint, focusing on her goals, inevitably sacrificing her teaching time which she enjoyed above all her work, to attend yet another committee meeting. At the same time, Gillian was often consulted about collections and conservation training needs elsewhere and especially in India, where she is well remembered by professional colleagues.

In 1995 Gillian returned to the British Museum as Principal Conservator, Head of Organic Materials Group, bringing a ‘breath of fresh air’ as Andrew Oddy, then Keeper of Conservation, put it during her retirement party in 2001.

The early death of her husband Nirmal was followed by her own diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Gillian decided to relocate to be nearer her older son Tunin and his wife Christelle in Cape Town, and with their support Gillian remained in touch with her colleagues, friends and former students until the very end, putting the telephone to excellent use in defiance of increasing difficulties.  

Gillian was a kind and gentle person with a core of steel. She had the most natural understanding of different cultures and constant goodwill towards people; she was always the patient listener. She was brave and stoical, uncomplaining even in the face of her illness, full of life and spark until the very end.

She leaves her sons Tunin and Dilip and their families. Gillian Roy, pioneer paper conservator and teacher, will be lovingly remembered by all her friends, colleagues and students.