Tristram Bainbridge, 2009-10

Tristram Bainbridge found that the structure of the course for a Graduate Diploma in the conservation of furniture and related objects at West Dean  “…was flexible and tailored to build on (his) previous experience and skills”. In his first term he devised and executed the conservation of a medieval oak chest which “…was 6.5 metres long and very heavy”. As well as working on a late nineteenth century balloon back chair and other conservation projects, Tristram was also involved in historical craft practices, which allowed him “…to gain knowledge of traditional techniques and processes”.

He feels that “…Furnished with an effective conservation ‘toolkit’ (he could) jump straight into the new projects of the second year” and is now in a position to build up “…the requisite knowledge and experience to gain work in the heritage sector”.