QEST will support Lotte Mitchell in an MA in Ceramics Conservation at West Dean College. Based in Surrey, she currently works in a studio restoring frames, balancing technical skill with an understanding of artistic integrity to ensure their long-term conservation. Her path into conservation began with an apprenticeship alongside a career in digital design. This shift reconnected her with hands-on creativity and a childhood love of making. Working alongside experienced conservators, Lotte has developed strong technical skills and a deep appreciation for the historical and scientific aspects of restoration.
Her studies at West Dean will build on this foundation, allowing her to explore the materials, chemistry and techniques used in ceramic conservation. The course will also provide essential experience for working in museums and conservation institutions. Lotte hopes to combine traditional methods with sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials to minimise environmental impact. She is passionate about sharing creativity with others and hopes to work with adults and children with diverse learning and physical disabilities to help channel creativity. For her, conservation is not only about preserving objects, but also about building connections and encouraging creative expression.
