I am book and paper conservator based in Fife, Scotland. I hold a Graduate Diploma and a Master's Degree in Conservation studies from West Dean College and am recipient of the 2025 Willard Conservation Prize. I came to conservation after a long career in theatre and the performing arts, first as a performer and latterly as a venue manager. Later life education at post graduate level has been a transformative experience for me. I have found my development as a conservator, both in terms of my hand skills and technical development extremely rewarding, but I have also enjoyed discovering how my experience in the arts as both practitioner and manager can inform my approach to conservation and my understanding of the heritage sector. If you would like to know more about me, my work or my availability, please email:
chris@christopherduffyconservation.com
Recent Projects
Paper Cased Book Repair
At Night-Light Time
R. A. Publishing c. 1950
Summary of Treatment:
- Unusual complex material - open weave cloth-backed paper.
- Significant historical change requiring consolidation.
- Innovative infills.
- Discreet paper repairs.
- Custom brass staples.
- 5 wall drop spine box with digitally restored cover inset into front panel.
lighting the shadows
Current Research
My recent research focused on the conservation of a collection of shadow puppets made and performed by the artist and writer Norman Ault in the first half of the twentieth century.
Although concerned with finding novel solutions for conservation treatments, organisation, interpretation and housing, I also investigated the intangible aspects inherent in the collection but believed to be dormant. To do this, I explored the use of performance as a conservation choice.
My research asked what can be gained through conservation, but also what might be overlooked in our efforts to ensure the preservation of such objects.
Can we conserve a shadow?