Eleanor Smith is a book conservator specialising in the conservation of bound, library and archival materials. She completed an MA in Conservation at West Dean College in 2023–24, supported by the QEST Royal Warrant Holder’s Scholarship. Graduating with distinction and the Willard Prize, her studies combined rigorous technical training with a strong foundation in conservation ethics, materials science, and historical binding structures.
Following her studies, Eleanor was the T. A. Barron Fellow in Conservation at the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, where she worked across the book and paper conservation teams. During this time, she carried out complex treatments, contributed to ongoing conservation projects, exhibitions and public outreach.
Eleanor currently holds the position of Book Conservator at the Royal Bindery in Windsor Castle, where she continues to refine her practical skills, while contributing to the long-term care of an internationally significant collection. At the heart of her work is a commitment to preserving both the material integrity and cultural significance of books and libraries for future generations.
