Helen Lloyd MBE FSA FIIC ACR
Preventive Conservation Adviser
“So many locations have benefitted from your knowledge, skills and guidance; your passion has inspired people to care immensely for the places they look after”
Manual of Housekeeping - Project Manager and author
Advice and training
As an accredited conservator in preventive conservation, with long experience of promoting and improving the care of National Trust houses, I offer advice on managing collections in historic interiors, museums, churches and homes. My approach is holistic, pragmatic and collaborative, providing practical guidance for non-specialists, and coordinating interactive training for diverse skills and needs.
Historic case covers protected chairs from wear and soiling during use
Selecting appropriate materials to protect carpets and floors from soiling and wear
Teaching care of ceramics at a housekeeping workshop
Care and protection
Working together, we can prevent damage during handling, display, access and use. Cleaning routines can be tailored to the needs of each interior, adding surface protection where necessary. A little conservation science helps to monitor and control the ten agents of deterioration: loss and dissociation, fire, flood, collapse, wear and dust, pollution, insects and mould, light, temperature and humidity.
Cleaning ‘as much as necessary, as little as possible’: which surfaces, and how often?
Understanding which tools to use and how to reduce risks of cumulative wear
Creating a care plan for historic interiors and chattels
Sustainable access and use
To enable and sustain visitor access to historic interiors, traditional practice and museum standards can be adapted to support continuing use of rooms for a variety of purposes, while preserving the authenticity, significance and spirit of each place. For conditionally exempt chattels and historically associated objects, I can write Collection Care Plans for submission to Historic England and HM Revenue and Customs.
Long-term storage of dress, uniforms, curtains and household linens
Advice on care and conservation of historic light fittings and other technology
See links below:
“From direct advice to distant calming influence; your grace, patience and passion has been rewarding, helpful and inspiring… Thank you for all your help, support and words of wisdom on a vast array of subjects”
©National Trust Images / Andreas van Einsiedel and James Dobson
