Sam Byfield is a London-based easel painting conservator and second-year MA student at the Courtauld Institute of Art. With QEST support, Sam will complete their third and final year of the Conservation of Easel Paintings programme — refining their studio practice and deepening technical and ethical knowledge.
Sam’s work focuses on preserving the material integrity and meaning of paintings, restoring structural stability, and ensuring continued access to artworks through sensitive, informed treatment. Sam integrates historical art research with scientific analysis to guide conservation decisions, supported by thorough documentation and preventative recommendations.
Hands-on experience includes cleaning, varnish removal, tear-mending, consolidation, filling, retouching, reframing, and more. Sam is trained in professional art handling and is committed to ethical standards that respect both the object and its context.
After completing a BA in Art History at the University of Warwick, Sam is now focused on a career dedicated to the care and preservation of the UK’s heritage — whether in private studios, public collections, or research. At the heart of their practice is a deep respect for paintings and the stories they hold.
