As a conservation, restoration and curatorial professional, I am committed to showcasing my work in a way that both honours the history of each piece and highlights its unique beauty.
I am excited to offer my services and collaborate with conservation professionals, heritage organisations and art studios on various projects.
View my portfolio and get a sense of my style and capabilities.
Hello! I'm Adela.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Freelance Collections Management
Providing heritage consultancy, conservation, restoration, and curation services for a wide range of projects, with a focus on public involvement and advancing digital accessibility.
Heritage Management and Consultancy:
• Director of ProMare and Heritage Lead for the Maritime Library project, overseeing the 3D digitisation of maritime artefacts. Responsible for artefact selection, conservation, online presentation and digital preservation. In collaboration with the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, The Box museum in Plymouth, and Real Ideas (March 2024 - Present).
• Translated and edited 10,000+ words for the exhibition ‘Naked Technology’ at the Museum of Science and Technology, Serbia. Content included the history and production of mechanical objects and how their internal workings can be captured using digital x-ray videography. Researched specific objects and x-ray technology to ensure translations were accurate and clearly explained for the general public (May---June 2023).
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Conservation Work in UK:
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• Conservation was undertaken to partially reveal a 1700s wall-painting attributed to either William Kent or Francesco Sleter. While working at height scalpels with 15T blades were used to carefully remove 5 different paint schemes. As lead paint was present, appropriate health & safety and PPE were upheld. In conjunction with The University of Lincoln, Lincoln Conservation and Hirst Conservation (April 2019).
Conservation Work in Qatar:
• Two-week installation across multiple sites, featuring works on paper and contemporary artworks from international lenders, for a museum project in Qatar (April 2025).
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• Treatment of a large notable contemporary sculpture by Katharina Fritsch following an incident that resulted in widespread soiling (Jan 2025).
• Produced comprehensive condition reports using Articheck for the installation (Aug–Sep 2024) and deinstallation (Jan 2025) of Qatar Museums’ Artists in Residence 8 at the Fire Station Gallery.
• Contracted as a Fine Art Conservator producing condition reports and treatment proposals for objects in preparation for display (Oct–Dec 2024).
Conservation Work in Saudi Arabia:
• Contracted as a Fine Art Conservator to work on modern contemporary sculptures as part of multiple contracts (Nov–Dec 2024).
Internships
Museum of Science and Technology, Serbia.
Applied both interventive and preventive conservation techniques, utilising a range of materials with a thorough understanding of their properties to achieve effective outcomes across diverse objects.
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Conducted conservation work following damage or deterioration and in preparation for exhibitions and loans.
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Managed the treatment, packaging, and transport of culturally sensitive objects, including human remains.
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Treatment of a 5m historic boat, comprehensive repair of a large degenerated early plastic doll, a rotted ship’s fender, and refurbished various items, including roller skates, radios, and film photography equipment.
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Handled collection hazards like mercury, lead, and asbestos with controlled and safe treatment methods.
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Created custom colour matches, solvent mixtures, cleaning solutions, poultices, and gels to specification.
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Object installation, protecting vulnerable items during decant.
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Maintained and updated record cards with storage and aftercare recommendations.
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Monitored environmental conditions and IPM traps, contributing data for reports.
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Led English-language tours, making heritage accessible and engaging.​
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2022-2023
Manchester Museum
Developed an interpretation plan for a 2m tall cast bronze incense burner from the Meiji era, a central object in the entrance hall of Manchester Museum.
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Researched and integrated the cultural, historical, and aesthetic values of the object into the display narrative.
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Interviewed conservation volunteers to document their experiences, incorporating them into the object story.
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Promoted inclusivity, active engagement, and a people-led approach to display.
2021-2022
Education
Masters
The University of Manchester
Merit
2021-2022
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Key modules included Introduction to Museum Studies, Managing Collections and Exhibitions, Heritage, Museums and Conflict, and Curating Art. Completed a placement at Manchester Museum.
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Authored a distinction-awarded dissertation titled Materiality and Identity: The Involvement of Non-Professionals in Conservation. Explored the relationships between material culture, value, and identity to assess how heritage practices might evolve to enhance the social utility of conservation. Addressed potential issues surrounding non-professional involvement and critically examined the authority of dominant conservation structures and practices.
Undergraduate
The University of Lincoln
First Class Honours
2018-2021
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Key modules included Conservation Theory, Conservation Science, Preventive Conservation, Applied Practical Conservation, and a Study Abroad term.
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Developed and provided site-specific Spectrum 5.1 and IPM training materials for volunteers and museum professionals at the Joseph Banks Society.
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Completed an Erasmus Exchange at XAMK University, Kouvola, Finland, where I honed craft skills in marquetry, japanning, plasterwork, and gilding. Coursework included furniture restoration techniques, pest treatments, and conservation ethics. Treated a pair of 1960s Go-go boots as part of practical experience.
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Authored a dissertation on Art Nouveau Architecture in Serbia, with findings used to inform conservation recommendations and discussions on the importance of public awareness in heritage preservation.
* Awarded Prize for Academic Achievement in Conservation of Cultural Heritage.
* Awarded English Speaking Union (ESU) John Roberts Scholarship to study paintings restoration in Florence, Italy.
* Course Representative for all 3 years of study.
Volunteering
Jan 2025-Present
Room Guide
The Box Museum
Plymouth, UK
2024-Present
Room Guide
National Trust
Antony House, Cornwall, UK
2015-Present
