Testimonials

We asked current and former students to share some thoughts on their experience at the School. Here are some of their comments …

Joanna B (2016 – 2019) This is without doubt the most hands-on education in paintings conservation and restoration in the country; from day one the school teaches students how to approach paintings, alongside in-depth tuition on the historical and technical aspects of the subject. The knowledge of the teachers perpetuates a long line of expert restoration tuition, years of practice, far-reaching locations and varied and detailed experience. It was a joy and a privilege to learn from them at every stage of the course.

Jane O (2017-2021) Throughout the course, I was given the opportunity to be hands on with works of art, tackling different elements of conservation and receiving practical advice, encouraging problem solving. A practical course from the very beginning – I cannot recommend this school and the knowledge of its tutors more highly.

Inna Z (2017-2021) Doing the course at the School was one of my life’s most rewarding experiences.

Raymond S (2010-2012) Classes were intimate and friendly, and generous with what you know. Experimenting with picture and frame restoration materials gives me great insight into solutions for other restoration problems

Sally E (2016-2019) Teaching is thorough covering all of the main pillars of conservation and encouraging independent research and reading on top of the core work. Since finishing the diploma, I have worked as an independent conservator in my local area.

Leticia B (2020-2023) I highly recommend the School for everyone. It’s a warm and friendly space that makes you feel at home, and the teachers go the extra lengths to help you thrive, understanding your personal circumstances and adjusting to them. Thank you for opening the door to a beautiful new world for me!

Georgie D (2008-2013) The course gave me a great start on my change of career from curatorial to conservation. The focus on practical work right from the start is really good. I now work as a freelance conservator and am currently working towards accreditation with ICON.

Lenore Z (2007-2013) The class structure was a perfect balance of theory and hands-on experience. The small class sizes meant that I always felt supported throughout my learning journey. I left feeling well prepared and confident in my skills, which has served me well in my career as a restorer.

Yoshie M (2007-2009) I learnt so much about how to restore frames in a very friendly atmosphere. The program is well designed with progressive approach

Simon B (2021- 2023) The atmosphere at the school is welcoming, creative, demanding, interrogative and ultimately very rewarding. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Leona H (2016-2019) It was an exciting course for me, very hands on and constructive from the first lesson. I would not hesitate in recommending this course to anyone who has the same desire to work in painting conservation.

Peter T (2003-2004) A thoroughly enjoyable gilding course. Held in a wonderful relaxing atmosphere with professional enthusiastic clear practical instructions. Learnt so much, going on to obtain a City & Guilds qualification and incorporate gilding services into my antique business; highly recommend.

Brigitte E (2014) The classes are small and you receive excellent one to one tution. I learnt so much from very experienced Tutors I absolutely loved my time there and never wanted to leave. On completing the course I continue to restore Frames and have gone on to become a professional Gilder for various Studios working on projects for private clients as well as commercial .

Gemma C (2007-2010) I found the school to be a very welcoming place with an excellent standard of teaching. I enjoy restoring so much and am so glad that this is a skill that I have gained.

Louise N (2000-2003) I learnt so much from both the lectures and practical teaching which I have put into practice restoring both paintings and frames for clients in the area where I live.

Sheila L (2016-2018) The course was brilliant, taught by experienced restorers, with hands on learning in a small group of students. The format, a day a week, worked perfectly for me.

Natalie L (2016) I had a very good experience on the course and it taught me a great deal, it was a richly rewarding experience, totally hands on and practical. The teachers on the course have a wealth of skillful knowledge and experience which they are generous in passing on to students.

Naomi J (2016-2019) – From the very first lesson students develop practical skills through working on paintings/frames under the guidance of the tutors, who are extremely knowledgeable. Studying on the course is one of the best decisions I have made and I now work as a private painting/frame conservator.

Lara G (2020-2023) – I’ve enjoyed every moment of the course, it has reinforced my love of the subject and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in conservation.

Andrea V (2016-2019) – I had a wonderful experience at the School. The instructors are great teachers who truly care for their students and their craft. They challenged us to question everything in order for us to find alternate routes to reach our final goal with our work. I enjoyed the smaller classes because it allowed the teachers to really work one on one with each student.

Rachael B (2010-2013) – Having studied History of Art at University and developed an interest in painting restoration, I followed the recommendation of a friend and was fortunate to stumble upon this incredible course. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject. The teaching is excellent, with a theoretical and practical session in every lesson and the learning environment is very small, friendly and supportive. I have greatly valued the percentage of practical tuition within this course and have met many who wish they had had such a practical element within their training. I moved on to work in buildings conservation and also to undertake painting restoration privately