Claire is an experienced conservator with over 25 years in the profession with a MA degree (with distinction) 

in Furniture Conservation and Restoration from Buckinghamshire New University. Her first degree was a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Conservation and Restoration from De Montfort University, Lincoln.

 

Following an internship in the carving and gilding studio at the Royal Collection in London, she was appointed Gilding Conservator at the Royal Collection, based at St James's Palace. The highlight of this role was her contribution to the conservation and restoration of the gilded frames and furniture selected for display in, 'Royal Treasures', the opening exhibition at the New Queens Gallery in Buckingham Palace.

 

Claire moved to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in 2003.  This Frame Conservator position was a Heritage Lottery Funded contract, where she was solely responsible for the picture frames across various museum sites in the directorate. Claire became a permanent member of the Conservation Department with the role of Conservator (Decorative Surfaces). Whilst working on a part time basis at the Museum, Belgrave Conservation was established in 2005. Claire has been fortunate to have worked on a wide variety of challenging and interesting projects for clients both in the UK and overseas.

 

Claire became an accredited conservator with the PACR (Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers) scheme through the Institute of Conservation and continues to keep up-to-date with professional development and the wider advances in the field of conservation.

 

Claire was a Lecturer in Conservation at the University of Lincoln between 2022-2025 and continues to be involved with the university in the role of Honorary Fellow.

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Belgrave Conservation operates from a Harley Foundation Studio located at Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire.