The second anna plowden award for research and innovation in conservation was awarded to David Howell, a conservation scientist at the Textile Conservation Studio, Hampton Court Palace, for his automated dust slide analysis programme. Dust, and its removal, is of great concern to those caring for the historic heritage but the first stage is to quantify the problem. David Howell has developed a technique that is ten times faster than other methods for characterising dust by measuring size and distribution of particles. The judges felt that the technique provided an elegant solution to the problem of dust and will bring huge benefits to museums, historic houses, libraries and archives through more informed and improved preventative conservation.Fundraising and Donations
Since the Trust started its activities in 1999, it has distributed nearly a quarter of a million pounds in grants in support of its programmes. We have assisted around 70 students to train in conservation skills in some of the leading British conservation training institutions by contributing towards their tuition fees. We have assisted over 50 working conservators to add to or update their skills through attendance at short courses or conferences in the UK and overseas. Some of this has been in support of teachers, thereby multiplying the impact of the training received. We have also funded a one year internship at the Victoria and Albert Museum, awarded four prizes for innovation in conservation, provided financial help to support the convergence of the UK professional conservation bodies and initiated a programme to publicise successful conservation projects.
The Trust’s activities are funded entirely from donations, initially from Anna’s friends and family. To continue our work we need on-going funding. We would welcome contributions from you to one of the specific programmes listed on this page or towards our activities as a whole. Any amount is welcome and will help directly towards developing conservation skills and awareness. For example, our grants have included a sum of less than £100 to help a conservator attend a training course, £3,000 to assist with fees for a full-time conservation qualification and £11,000 for a year’s internship at a national museum. Donations are not used for the Trust’s running costs (which are minimal).
If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque made payable to the Anna Plowden Trust, to Francis Plowden, 4 Highbury Road, London SW19 7PR. You might also consider remembering the Trust’s work in your will.
info@annaplowdentrust.org.uk
www.annaplowdentrust.org.uk