Nigel Williams Prize for Conservation for Glass and Ceramics

Call for entries
The Nigel Williams Prize

The role of conservators and restorers in preserving the National
heritage is attracting increasing recognition. As part of the growth
of the conservation profession, the conservation and restoration of
ceramics and glass has developed into an area of great expertise.
One pre-eminent figure in this process was the late Nigel Williams.
Many people will remember the BBC television documentaries that
recorded some of his important conservation projects undertaken at
The British Museum, not least his work on the Portland Vase a Roman
cameo glass vessel dating from the 1st century AD. Nigel was not
only a gifted practical conservator but delighted in passing on his
knowledge to others.

In 2002 the Ceramics and Glass Conservation Group, supported by
Nigel's family, created a prize in his name - both as a memorial to
his work and to reflect the standing of its members.

The award is for the best conservation/restoration of an object or
of a project in ceramic, glass or a related material, which has to
have been completed within four years prior to each award year. This
is inclusive of research regarding materials/tools used in
conservation. The scale of the project is not a deciding factor.

Students and individuals or collaborating conservator-restorers who
are working in the public or independent sectors in the UK or
abroad.

Applicants must be paid up members of the Ceramics and Glass
Conservation Group of the Institute of Conservation (Icon, in part
formally UKIC, see <URL:http://www.instituteofconservation.org.uk>).

Below are some of the criteria on which the assessment of the
judging panel will be based:

    *   Projects that demonstrate excellent conservation/restoration
        work involving some complexity, ingenuity and problem
        solving.

    *   Projects which promote good practice.

    *   Educational benefits to the profession after judging, the
        project should be capable of being submitted for publication
        in Icon News or The Conservator.

    *   Projects which are thoroughly documented including
        illustrated condition and conservation reports. Clarity of
        methodology and documentation.

    *   Insurance, COSSH and Health and Safety awareness and
        compliance.

    *   Providing guidance for clients on the future care of
        conserved objects, including packaging and transport.

Judging:

    *   Projects will be assessed by a panel of judges: decision is
        final.

    *   The chair of the panel may email applicants if further
        clarification or documentation is required.

    *   The winner(s) and highly commended candidate(s) will each
        receive a certificate.

    *   The winner(s) of the Nigel Williams Prize will receive a
        UKP500.00 cash prize in total.

    *   For security reasons, the specially designed trophy, a
        gilded ceramic copy of the Portland Vase is to be on
        permanent display in The Conservation Centre, National
        Museums Liverpool.

How to apply: (Please check that you have included all the necessary
information before returning this form).

Applications must be received by the stated deadline:  June 1, 2006.

Submissions should include the following:

    *   A completed application form

    *   An abstract describing the project (approx 250 words).

    *   No more than six A4 pages describing the work undertaken,
        including a brief description of the object, condition,
        treatment.

    *   Up to 20 images on slide, CD Rom, disc or video. Slides
        should be clearly labelled and numbered and sent in clear A4
        folders with a separate summary sheet with a one-sentence
        explanation of each slide.

    *   Original objects should not be submitted.

    *   A brief Curriculum Vitae of each contributor.

Conditions of application: It is important that all participants in
a joint project are clearly identified on the application form; and
a lead author nominated with whom the chair of the judging panel can
communicate if necessary.

Applicants agree to be bound by the judges' decision.

The Ceramic and Glass Conservation Group of the IoC reserves the
right to publish the project as submitted.

If you have any questions please contact either Ros Hodges, Chair of
The Ceramics and Glass Group of the Institute of Conservation, or
the current Nigel Williams Prize co-ordinator, Brett James
<brett.james<-a t->sarahpeek< . >co< . >uk>

Brett James
Conservation of Ceramics Glass and Enamels
Redwins
+44 1273 243 744
Rear of 6 Preston Park Avenue
Fax: +44 7092 393295
Brighton BN1 6HJ


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:28
                Distributed: Tuesday, November 29, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-28-002
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