At the end of March, our first year BA (Hons) Conservation students along with Gilding Tutor Rian Kanduth had the opportunity to visit the Wallace Collection’s Conservation Studios, hosted by Jurgen Huber, Art School alumnus and Head of Wood Conservation Tutor and current Senior Furniture Conservator at the Wallace Collection.
The Wallace Collection is a national museum in London, housed in the historic Hertford House in Manchester Square. It boasts an exceptional array of fine and decorative arts, including 18th-century French paintings, furniture, arms and armour, and Old Master paintings, all assembled by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace.
The museum is known for its in-house conservation department, which Jurgen plays a crucial role in preserving the collection. Skilled conservators work across various specialisations, such as paintings, furniture, clockworks, metalwork, and textiles; carrying out meticulous examination, treatment and preventive care. Their work ensures the long-term stability of the artworks while supporting research, exhibitions and public engagement.
The Wallace Collection’s Conservation Team often collaborates with academic institutions and contributes to the development of new conservation techniques such as the “Pleco”, a type of electrolytic pencil used for cleaning localised tarnish on metal surfaces, like silver, without needing full immersion in liquid as it was demonstrated to us that day.
Thank you to Jurgen and the Wallace Collection team!
