Camille is a paintings conservator interested in the structural conservation of canvas and wood supports. She also works on the paint layer and particularly enjoys the cleaning of painted surfaces. Currently, structural conservation is not extensively taught in conservation courses. In the past, people would learn during an apprenticeship with a master, but this is not necessarily possible nowadays. Camille has created her own training plan, and QEST is supporting the refining of her knowledge and manual skills in this niche speciality. She has six placements planned in museums and private studios, with structural experts in the UK, France, Italy and the Netherlands. She is currently working at the Hamilton Kerr Institute (Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge) and is actively passing on specialist knowledge and skills to early career conservators and students.
Camille Polkownik
2019
QEST Britford Bridge Trust Scholar
- Structural Conservation of Easel Paintings
London
London
I have always been fascinated by paintings: isn’t it intriguing how beautiful images can be produced out of vegetable oil and coloured powders? Being a paintings conservator means I get to work on these works of art, be a bit closer to the artist and what they tried to get across. I don’t often work on masterpieces, and it’s a treat when I get one. Equally, working on a painting emotionally significant to its owner, such as a painting reminiscent of one’s childhood or a portrait of a close family member, is very rewarding.
