I am an experienced book and archive materials conservator with over twenty years experience having worked at the National Archives, Kew. I am a fully trained professional and an accredited conservator in the preservation and conservation of library and archive materials. I have extensive knowledge in parchment, leather, paper and more recently in textiles, having lead and managed many projects on the most fragile objects in a given collection.
I graduated from the University of Reading 1993-1996 BA (Hons) Archaeology, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire. I gained a diploma in Fine Bookbinding and paper conservation at Guildford College (1999-2001). I have been an Accredited member of the Institute of Conservation since 2011. I have experience in supervising and mentoring students at various levels of skills and knowledge.
I have experience of carrying out surveys in order to provide a detailed written report proposing best treatment options for any collection, including estimated cost of materials and estimated time of treatment.
I have written various peer-reviewed papers for conservation journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Published work: Internal and External Publications
2021: ICON online Spring forum: Conservation out in the open- The challenges of displaying & conserving textiles on open display.
2018: FitzGerald, S. Care and conservation of manuscripts 17, 2021. “The conservation of textile linings and seal cords: with a little help from book and paintings conservation”.
2018: FitzGerald, S. Silk seal cords. ICRI, Dublin. “The conservation of textile linings and seal cords: with a little help from book and paintings conservation”.
2016: FitzGerald, S. ‘Less invasive in-situ treatment of a 17th century parchment volume. ICON Journal of the Institute of Conservation. Available as open access online.
2009: FitzGerald, S. ‘Treatment of burned paper’ Internal report. Synthesis of research to inform treatment of burned paper.
2008-2009: Reported outcomes of technical art history research based on examination of selected parts of TNA’s war artist collection.
2008: FitzGerald, S. ‘Degradation of historical paper’ Internal report. Synthesis of research to inform treatment and non-destructive testing of historical paper.
2007: FitzGerald, S and Speroni, L. ‘Iron Gall Ink Corrosion’ Internal report. Synthesis of research to inform treatment of paper artifacts damaged by iron gall ink corrosion.
Presentations at conferences
2021: Presentation at Icon textile Spring forum. ICON online Spring forum: Conservation out in the open- “The challenges of displaying & conserving textiles on open display”. Webinar
2018: Presentation at Institute Restorers Conservation Institute Ireland conference. “The conservation of textile linings and seal cords: with a little help from book and paintings conservation”, Dublin, Ireland
2018: Presentation at Seventeenth international seminar of the care and conservation of manuscripts Copenhagen 11th – 13th April 2018. (As above)
2018: Presentation poster at 46th Annual meeting Houston, TX. 29th May – 2nd June. (As above)
I am currently based in Reading, Berkshire and I am happy to travel to assess your objects.
Solange FitzGerald Conservation 