Conservation

Looking after our extensive collections is integral to everything we do at the British Library. While many of the items we conserve may be hundreds of years old, the tools and techniques we use to do so are some of the most advanced in the world.

Dr Joyce Skinner left a legacy to the British Library to support our world-class conservation team. Thanks to her generosity, we have been able to appoint a dedicated Conservation Imaging Scientist.

Christina Duffy, Conservation Imaging Scientist

Working with colleagues in our Conservation and Conservation Research Departments, Christina will undertake in-depth, non-invasive investigations into the structure and content of collection items, opening up new avenues of research and interpretation and contributing to the continued development of conservation techniques.

Learn more about our world-renowned conservators on our Meet the Expert webpage.

While coming to interview someone at the British Library last year I happened to notice a poster about adopting a book. It struck a chord with me as I had recently lost my father and was looking for ways to pay tribute to him, particularly as my Dad had donated his body to research and I wanted something tangible to dedicate to his memory. By chance I had also visited Highgate Cemetery and the grave of George Eliot a few weeks previously. So when the Adopt-a-Book team said her novel Daniel Deronda was available for adoption I snapped it up.
Allis Moss, Adopt a Book donor

The experience that I have had has been invaluable as I have been able to progress far better and faster than when I was a student. I have been able to develop an in-depth knowledge of book structures and materials, which has helped me to develop my critical judgement when examining objects and considering treatments, a key skill for a book conservator.
Konstantina Konstantinidou, Trainee Conservator