QEST Alumni Showcase Conservation Expertise at the 2026 Plowden Medal Event
19th October 2026
QEST was delighted to showcase the work of four QEST Alumni and Conservation Scholars at this year’s Plowden Medal Annual Conservation Event, held on 14 October at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.
Sam Byfield, Thomas Yeung, Enikő Leányvári and Joshua James exhibited their work ahead of the Conservation – Career Pathways panel discussion and award reception, giving guests the opportunity to meet the next generation of conservation talent and learn more about their specialist skills.
Meet the QEST Alumni
Sam Byfield – Easel Painting Conservation
Sam Byfield is a 2025 QEST Horlock Educational Trust Emerging Maker, specialising in easel painting conservation. His work focuses on the specialist skills involved in caring for and preserving painted artworks for future generations.
Thomas Yeung – Lacquer Conservation
Thomas Yeung is a 2025 QEST Julia Rausing Trust Scholar specialising in conservation and restoration, with a focus on lacquer conservation. His practice contributes to the preservation of lacquer objects, requiring specialist knowledge and careful conservation techniques.
Enikő Leányvári – Mosaic
Enikő Leányvári is a 2025 QEST DBR Ltd Scholar specialising in mosaic. Her discipline brings together material knowledge, precision and technical skill to support the conservation and preservation of mosaic works.
Joshua James – Bookbinding
Joshua James is a 2025 QEST Garfield Weston Foundation Emerging Maker specialising in bookbinding. His craft contributes to the care and preservation of books and bound materials, helping to safeguard objects of cultural and historical value.
Their participation highlighted the importance of supporting emerging conservators as they develop their expertise and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Exploring Conservation Career Pathways
The event also featured a panel discussion exploring the opportunities available to conservators entering the profession and how they can build and sustain their careers.
The discussion was chaired by Tim Knox CVO, Director of the Royal Collection, with contributions from QEST Trustee Adrian Attwood ACR, Executive Director and Chairman of DBR; Nancy Bell, Chair of the Idlewild Trust and 2015 Plowden Medal winner; Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster; and Michael Osbaldeston, Chair of Icon and Special Adviser and Skills Ambassador at City & Guilds.
The panel offered an opportunity to consider the pathways into conservation, the support available to practitioners and the skills needed to thrive in the sector.
Celebrating the 2026 Plowden Medal Winner
The evening culminated in the presentation of the 2026 Plowden Medal to Lorraine Finch ACR, recognised for her visionary leadership, advocacy and commitment to sustainability in heritage conservation.
Through her work as a sustainability and cultural heritage conservator, and her leadership of LFCP, Lorraine has helped advance sustainable approaches to conservation and championed their importance across the profession.
Reflecting on the award, Lorraine said: “I hope it encourages others to champion sustainability in their own work and communities.”
Congratulations to Lorraine Finch ACR on this well-deserved recognition.
By bringing together established professionals and emerging talent, the Plowden Medal event celebrated the contribution of conservation to safeguarding cultural heritage and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation. QEST was proud to see Sam, Thomas, Enikő and Joshua share their work and expertise as part of this important event.
Find out more about the Plowden Medal.
Photography by Liz Isles.
