Vicky West ACR
About Me
I am a fully qualified and experienced Book & Paper Conservator and carry out private commissions at my North London studio as well as onsite when required.
Recent clients include the Royal Society, the Design Museum, St Bartholemew’s Hospital Archive, the Royal College of Physicians, Bury St Edmunds Cathedral, the Classical Association, London Transport Museum, Middle Temple Library, Leighton House Museum, Thomas Woodcock (Garter Principal King of Arms), Sir Kenneth Branagh and Sir Michael Palin.
I offer remedial conservation of books and paper-based objects. I have worked on a large range of historical book structures and am highly skilled in leatherwork, binding styles and gold finishing. My work is carried out to a very high standard with meticulous attention to detail and includes written and photographic documentation. My approach as a conservator is to preserve as much of the original binding material as possible and to ensure that any new materials added are sympathetic to the aesthetic and historical integrity of the item.
I can also offer repair and rehousing of some photographic material including family albums and personal/professional archives. Other services include pre-digitisation assessments, condition surveys and condition reporting for exhibition installation/derig.
Rate: £50 per hour, this includes basic conservation materials. Other materials will be charged at cost, and travel is charged at the hourly rate. Photographic conservation is charged at £55 per hour.
A free basic estimate is available in most instances. If a full assessment and report is required, this will be charged at the hourly rate.
I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your conservation requirements.
Client Testimonials
We are absolutely delighted with Vicky's work in conserving our volume of Catchpole (Bury, 1761). At first glance you would think everything was original. Her written report is exceptionally clear and shows the painstaking and expert work she has carried out. She is a true professional and we have already asked her to work on one of our incunabula.
Library Committee
St Edmundsbury CathedralVicky’s treatment of volumes in archive of the Medical College of St Bartholomew’s Hospital was of an exceptionally high standard, particularly in her delicate paper repairs, choice of materials and colour-matching of bindings. Vicky takes great pride in her work and the results bear witness to this and to her integrity. She was a pleasure to work with from the start to the finish of the Bart's project, an utterly reliable and genuine person.
Amanda Engineer
Project Archivist, St Bartholemew's Hospital ArchiveVicky was instrumental in providing training, advice, and support during the rehousing of over 5000 fragile glass-plate negatives at the Egypt Exploration Society during summer 2019. Before we began the ambitious rehousing project, Vicky provided a professional assessment of our collections as well as sourcing materials from recommended archive material suppliers. She offered her expertise and experience in training sessions for staff, volunteers, and an intern with patience and openness allowing us to take on several volunteers during the project.
Stephanie Boonstra
Collections Manager, Egypt Exploration SocietyTraining
MA Book Conservation (Distinction) - Camberwell College of Arts
Graduate Certificate in Bookbinding & Book Restoration (Distinction) - London College of Communication
Work History
Book & Paper Conservator at the British Library Centre for Conservation.
