Discover MoreAutumn Term 2016 Welcome to our Autumn 2016 newsletter. I’m delighted to write to you at the start of an academic year which sees the launch of our brand new MA programme in Collections Care and Conservation Management and a Diploma in Art and Alice McVicker; MA Visual Arts, 2016 Contemporary Crafts. What’s new this term Both of these courses support our This academic year we have introduced two a historic house context. It is suitable for ambition to provide true study new courses to our education programme. conservators and curators with significant progression throughout our education Delivered through a module-based approach, collections care responsibilities, as well programme, offering students the they offer greater flexibility for students. as graduates from conservation or other chance to study on anything from a The Diploma in Art and Contemporary museum-related disciplines who intend one-day course right through to MA. Crafts draws on our extensive range of short to develop careers in this area. Students Look out for further information courses across disciplines such as painting, have access to professionals within about our new ten year strategy drawing, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, leading organisations in the field, such as later in the year. ceramics, wood, metal and jewellery. It conservators, conservation scientists and In the meantime, enables students to develop the essential academics from organisations including the thank you for your practical and contextual skills to establish a National Trust, English Heritage, the British ongoing support of successful and sustainable studio practice and Museum and a range of private-sector West Dean College. provides a route into the Graduate Diploma conservation consultants. This collaboration Your commitment is in Visual Arts at West Dean College or ensures it remains highly relevant to today’s vital to our future. postgraduate study at other institutions. heritage sector. The MA in Collections Care and With best wishes, For more information on West Dean College Management provides the theoretical and Alex Barron courses visit our website westdean.org.uk/study practical skills required for a lead role in Chief Executive the care and management of collections in Alumni spotlight: Where are they now? Tabea Rude graduated in 2015 (MA in Amelie Drewdun graduated in 2012 (Degree Šárka Darton Conservation of Clocks and Related Objects). in Conservation of Ceramics and Related graduated in 2015 She was awarded the Southern Section Materials). She is now a Conservator at the (Master of Fine Antiquarian Horological Society prize for Bristol Museum. Arts). Since then best conservation-restoration project for her Laurie Price graduated in 2013 (Diploma in she has exhibited scrupulous restoration of a Russian Poljot Conservation of Metalwork). For over a year widely, including Marine Chronometer. She now works for she worked as the Assistant Conservator of 3 installations on The Clockworks; a unique London studio that Engineering and Technology at the National display in The Louvre, combines a museum, workshop, library and Museum of Flight in Scotland. She recently Paris, in October meeting space under one roof with the aim of became Mill Engineer and Conservator at 2016 as part of an advancing education in electrical time-keeping. Whitchurch Silk Mill, Ascot. international contemporary art show. 1 Autumn Term 2016 Spotlight on… Michelle Kirk (MA in Conservation, specialising in Furniture and Related Objects) What made you choose furniture What other accomplishments have conservation? you had over the year? After studying Fine Art at the University Over the summer I completed a work of East London I wanted to develop my placement at the Musical Instrument Museum Scholarships and bursaries can be a experience of working with wood. in Edinburgh. Lots of musical instruments use lifeline for students who demonstrate I completed short courses in fine woodwork similar decorative techniques to furniture excellence and a commitment to their and carving, and worked at the Royal Opera such as inlays and carvings, so it was creative and academic development, House and the Victoria and Albert Museum. interesting to apply my skills in new ways. I but who are unable to fund the cost of While at the V&A I discovered that by worked on an 18th century French Hurdy their studies. Today the College builds researching pieces of furniture you uncover Gurdy, which was missing a large number on the legacy of Edward James by the social history. I wanted to be able to of ivory and ebony inlays, leading me to making provision to support emerging preserve those objects and share their research alternatives to ivory, such as the creative talents to realise their artistic stories. Tagua Nut. ambitions and potential, despite What made you select Is there anything you are particularly financial hardship. West Dean College? looking forward to in the coming year? Thanks to the great generosity of My colleagues at the V&A encouraged me I will soon complete an 8 week placement supporters we are able to provide to apply for the MA I’d need to become a at Brighton Pavilion working with the funds to students across all courses conservator and they recommended West conservation team to preserve the structure through The Edward James Foundation Dean. It was tough as the application process and contents of the Saloon Gallery. This Scholarship and Bursary Fund, but it is was competitive and I knew I couldn’t fund is an exciting opportunity to work in a hugely over-subscribed. my studies without a scholarship, but I was popular visitor attraction alongside expert encouraged to apply and privileged to receive conservators. We’re grateful to everyone who a scholarship from The British Antique provides a named scholarship or Dealers’ Association. What are your hopes and plans for contributes to our endowment fund, the future? but we need to do more to ensure What has been a highlight of that we can provide support to every I would love to work in a historic house as I your studies? student who needs it. The legacy am excited by the idea of combining object of your support is the impact your As part of our Preventative Conservation conservation with interpretation and teaching scholars make on our shared cultural module we worked as a team to develop a the public about the role of conservation. heritage when they enter the world conservation plan for the Nuremburg Doll’s A lot of young people don’t know about as artists, makers, educators and House which dates back to 1669. This is a careers that are available to them if they conservators. popular object from the House Collection have an interest in art, such as conservation, here at West Dean and it was great to work curating and scientific research. I’d like to To learn more about the importance as part of a conservation team as you would raise awareness of that. of scholarships and bursaries visit for a heritage house or museum. westdean.org.uk/scholarships. 2 Discover More Celebrating 25 Years of Glorious Gardening West Dean College In spring this year we launched an appeal to In recognition of their contribution, friends, awards outstanding renovate West Dean’s Victorian Nectarine, family, gardening peers and donors gathered students Late Vinery and Fig Glasshouses in the fruit on a September afternoon to celebrate a garden and to recognise the wonderful lifetime of horticultural commitment. It was In July this year we were delighted to contribution that our Head Gardeners, also an opportunity to say thank you to our celebrate the graduation of 115 students husband and wife team, Jim Buckland and wonderful supporters who have raised over and awarded exceptional performance at Sarah Wain, have made over the 25 years £35,000 this year to make restoration of the our annual prize-giving ceremony. since they began to transform West Dean Fig House possible. Work will continue next into award-winning gardens. In the years since spring on the Nectarine and Late Vinery Postgraduate Diploma 1991, they have revitalised the 19th century Glasshouses. students Jessica Hyslop landscape and overseen tremendous changes (Books) and Victoria which have brought the gardens international Bullard-Smith (Metalwork) respect for both the quality and variety of Conserving these glasshouses is were awarded the horticultural practice. central to our vision – it’s what we Chairman’s Prize for do. West Dean Gardens has a unique outstanding achievement in range of Victorian glasshouses that Conservation. Jessica’s level of craft skill, dedication and are part of the fabric of the place. sensitivity in her work was By conserving them we are able to impressive, whilst Victoria ensure their continued use and future demonstrated a natural enjoyment by the next generation, talent and produced some Sarah Wain. “beautiful, original work with a high level of artistry.” The Founder’s Prize for outstanding achievement was awarded to creative arts student, Fons Vogel (Musical Instruments, Professional Development Diploma). Fons demonstrated a clear understanding of traditional making techniques, working with great skill, craftsmanship and technical proficiency. A further 16 talented students were presented with awards by industry professionals including the British Antiques Dealers’ Association, The Worshipful Company of Cutlers and the Southern Section Antique Horological Society. New specialist tools in the clocks workshop Leave a gift to shape Students on the Conservation of Clocks skills our students gain by working on the future programme will benefit from the use of a unique and often rare objects from West Dean College and Gardens new lathe this academic year. Funding from acclaimed collections is in demand by is a place of inspiration and creative The George Daniels’ Educational Trust has prospective employers and prepares students promise. A gift in your will helps us supported the purchase of a Schaublin 102 to work on culturally important objects.