Katy Lithgow MA DipCons ACR FIIC
Collections and Historic Interiors Conservation Consultant
“Working tirelessly, she collaborates in strong partnerships, demonstrating original thinking, seeking new challenges, and developing conservators” - Plowden Medal citation 2020
Overseeing the treatment of 19th century wall paintings
Expertise
With 30 years in conservation since graduating from the Courtauld Institute, I have developed expertise in preventive conservation, remedial conservation, conservation management, wall paintings conservation, heritage science and sustainability. I offer consultancy services to a range of private and institutional clients from historic houses, to museums, galleries, and churches, with a focus on conservation management, collections care, preventive conservation and historic interiors.
Editorial board member and contributor to the National Trust Manual of Housekeeping
An example of dirt deposition studied through research
Teaching on an annual collections care course
Advocacy
I have taught (e.g. City & Guilds, Institute of Archaeology, West Dean, Courtauld Institute, ICCROM), published (e.g. National Trust Manual of Housekeeping, Studies in Conservation, Journal of Institute of Conservation) and lectured nationally and internationally (including Icon, IIC, ICOM-CC, and AIC), and supported future generations of conservators, CPD and professional accreditation through being a member and latterly chair of Icon's PACR Accreditation Committee.
Teaching the care of stone and plaster
Presenting on the benefits of interdisciplinary research at the 3rd international SEAHA conference 2017
Research into public perceptions of cleaning levels
Research
I have been a trustee of the National Heritage Science Forum and have contributed to the strategic development of heritage science. My research includes the impacts of climate change on collections and historic interiors, as well as public perceptions of conservation and the nature and impacts of soiling on heritage and visitors’ experience. I am interested in the strategic role of cultural heritage conservation and pursue this in my research and publications.
Temporary storage of historic house collections during building projects
Tools for collections management - Conservation Performance Indicator for Collections and Interiors
See links below:
“Katy harnesses evidence to determine priorities and measure progress, attracting public and private support for historic interiors and collections requiring stabilisation and treatment”.
