Alexander Coode ACR
About Me
Coming from a craft metalwork background, I have had my own business working solely on conservation projects for over ten years following the NHIG Bursary in the conservation of ironwork. The bursary included museum placements, including working on the Staffordshire Hoard at Birmingham, these cemented my passion for the discipline of conservation and prompted the change of my business from general metalwork to conservation.
A wide range of projects have been successfully completed, from small detailed work to the conservation of very substantial high profile objects. This has involved working with regulatory bodies, clients. contractors and other disciplines. The experience gained managing the sometimes competing priorities of these, as well as managing workshops, budgets and personnel, informs the advice and training I now give as a consultant.
I have also been a regular guest tutor to the Metal Conservation (BA and MA) students at West Dean College for the last nine years, where is give basic forge training and a series of lectures on the history of forged ironwork and the how the knowledge gained in the forge can inform their conservation practice.
Training
Work History
Establishing and running Foundry Forge, a general blacksmith/metalwork business with a specialism in traditional ironwork.
Establishing and managing the Heritage Blacksmith Partnership and then Coode Conservation Partnership focussing on the conservation of metalwork. Increased workload and rapid expansion of premises lead to taking on progressively large and high profile jobs, all of which were successfully completed.
Established Coode Conservation, offering a consultancy and training service specialising in the conservation of metalwork.