Maria Vilaincour Baker ACR
About Me
I have worked as a paper conservator-restorer for over 25 years, and have extensive experience of working in large public collections of prints and drawings, as well as in private conservation studios, in the UK, Austria and Belgium.
My current studio in west London specialises in the conservation and restoration of prints, drawings and watercolours from the sixteenth century to contemporary art. Works treated also include pastels, collages, tracing papers, posters, maps and archival material. The studio works for museums and galleries, as well as fine art dealers and private individuals.
Member of
BAPH: The British Association of Paper Historians:
IADA: Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Archiv-, Bibliotheks-, und Graphikrestauratoren
IIC: International Institute For Conservation Of Historic And Artistic Works
IPCG: Independent Paper Conservators’ Group (committee member)
WHS: Wallpaper History Society
Training
Camberwell School of Art and Crafts: 3-year course covering practical and theoretical aspects of paper conservation, including paper making, paper chemistry, technical art history with an emphasis on print-making, and practical conservation treatments. Certificate in Paper Conservation, with Credit: July 1980; Diploma in Print and Drawing Conservation, with Distinction: July 1981.
March 2000: Accreditation awarded by the Institute of Paper Conservation, now ICON
Work History
• 2006 – present: London-based, independent studio
• 2002 – 2006: Vienna, Austria: worked in the Conservation Department of the Albertina, Austria’s national collection of prints and drawings;
• 1993 – 2002: 1993 –1996: Brussels, Belgium: established own conservation studio at Conservart, a group of private studios; 1996 –2002: Canterbury, UK: transferred own studio back to the UK;
• 1990 –1993: London: (after family career break) worked as studio assistant for Penny Jenkins ACR, private conservator
• 1981 –1983: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK: established first paper conservation and mounting and framing studio at the Gallery;
