SPOTLIGHT

Where did you study? Where do you work?

I received an MA in conservation from what was then Camberwell College of Arts, later part of the University of the Arts, London. Sadly the programme no longer exists.

I run my own business, LFCP. Founded in 2003. 21st anniversary this year.

Bone or Teflon? Why?

Bone. I prefer a natural material. Plus, after so many years of use, my bone folder has formed itself into the shape of my hand. 

Apron or white lab coat?

Neither anymore. My work is sustainability in cultural heritage. It was a lab coat before.

The gloves: on or off?

Depends. No gloves for paper. Definitely gloves for photographic materials. 

SOFT FOCUS

We’re just warming up! What are you working on right now?

I usually have a minimum of nine projects on the go at any one time. Today I’ve been working on developing a carbon literacy course and writing a sustainability training session for the AIC. 

When you tell people what you do for a living, they……….. ?

Look at me blankly. 

If you could invent one tool for conservation, what would it do?

Fix everything.

What conservation technique or treatment are you constantly impressed with? And why?

I do enjoy a wash. It’s great watching the brown discolouration pouring out of a piece of paper. 

What’s the most depressing thing about the conservation profession? What changes would you like to see?

The fact that the most depressing things about the conservation profession are still the same as when I trained. Poor pay, lack of diversity and inclusion, lack of the potential to advance and poor gender representation at a senior level. 

I would like to see good pay, diversity and inclusion, good prospects, gender representation at a senior level, and urgent action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. 

When I see……….., steam comes out of my nostrils!

Lack of change. Resistance to change. Nothing will change unless we change it. Nothing will change unless we change. 

PATIO LANTERNS

Who are your role models or mentors? Who or what inspires you?

Gerald Durrell. David Attenborough. The suffragettes… thank you. 

How do you preserve/conserve yourself? What keeps you going?

Dance, yoga, walk, read, and knit. Never surrender. Never give up the fight. 

If not conservation/preservation, what would you be doing right now?

Climate activism. 

If you could invite anyone round for dinner, who would it be? What’s on the menu?

Whoever turned up would be treated to a lovely vegetarian meal.

LIGHTS OUT………..Z  Z  ZZZ

What music rocks you to sleep?

None. I read.

People would be surprised that you……….. What’s your secret hobby?

I am an excellent tap dancer. 

You get your kicks by……….. ?

Being in nature with Harry (the studio hound). 

What’s your favourite book?

The Lord of the Rings. 

Desert island survivor: what conservation tool would you take with you? Why?

None of them would be very useful. I’d prefer a boat with a fully stocked galley and a crew. Let’s remember that due to rising sea levels, there won’t be many desert islands left soon.

Thanks for sticking with us to the end! Last question: if you could give just one piece of advice to a new conservator, what would it be?

Stand up for yourself. Respect yourself and others. Be kind. Save the planet.

All photos ©Lorraine Finch.