Caroline Bendix ACR
Projects
About Me
I am an accredited, freelance libraries conservator, working in situ since 1985, i.e. taking conservation to the collections and not working in my own studio. I specialise in the well-being, on-going care and conservation of printed books and bound manuscripts.
In 2019 I was humbled and delighted to be awarded the Plowden Medal for my services to the conservation of libraries.
I provide the following services:
- Preservation audits/surveys/reports on libraries and books, including their environment, storage, handling, salvage and display
- Preparation and implementation of plans for the long-term maintenance/conservation and use of collections
- Training for librarians and curators in library preservation awareness and any of the above
- Courses on Cleaning, and Damage Assessment for West Dean College at the British Library
- Programmes of in-situ conservation and stabilisation
- Full conservation surveys of books
- Training of volunteers to carry out in-situ conservation and condition surveys
- Advice on packing and moving libraries and the implementation thereof
- Supply of conservators trained by self to carry out in-situ conservation
- Advice on the exhibition and display of books, on and off site
- Lectures on all aspects of library conservation to a wide range of clients
I am the National Trust's Adviser on Libraries Conservation and trainer and adviser on book conservation projects to The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS), both since 1992.
Client Testimonials
University of Glasgow Special Collections digitisation survey:
We were very pleased with the pre-digitisation survey that Caroline carried out for us. Work was carried out on schedule and presented in a format that was rich in detail but also summarised key data clearly and succinctly. Communication was good, particularly in light of the fact that the two leads in the project at our end were unfortunately unavailable during Caroline's on-site time. Caroline was resourceful in seeking answers to questions from our wider team and followed this up with a conversation with us when she had returned home to clarify and confirm some outstanding details. I wouldn't hesitate to commission work from Caroline again.
Louisa Coles
Head of Conservation and Preservation, Department of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Glasgow LibraryI attended Caroline’s training session at Lyme in September 2018. I found it very informative and interesting, and the subject matter was covered in great detail. The use of old books to give examples of actual damage was very useful, and it was good to have the opportunity to inspect and report on the condition of the books provided
