Allison Jackson in the Knole Conservation Studio
In fall 2016, Allison Jackson was awarded the Nigel Seeley Fellowship, an eight-week fellowship offered by The Royal Oak Foundation, the American partners of the National Trust, UK. From October to December 2016, Allison studied and worked at the on-site conservation studio and learning space for the Knole House collection.
Knole House is a historic English country house in Sevenoaks, Kent, which houses a vast collection of art and furniture dating back to the 16th-century. The fellowship was founded as part of the Inspired by Knole project running through 2018 with the mission to conserve and share the Knole collection with the local community.
As a Nigel Seeley Fellow, Allison had the privilege to work on a variety of projects, including assistance in the transition to the new Knole conservation studio. Her main project for the fellowship required her to assess the condition and develop a treatment plan for a set of 17th-century gilded and upholstered furniture in the Ballroom. Following thorough examination and documentation, they decided to remove a 20th-century intervention, and this treatment has commenced. She also helped to the determine the original hanging scheme of 44 17th-century portraits from the Brown Gallery, and treated an 18th-century carved and gilded wall sconce from the Ballroom.
As a freelance conservator, Allison finds herself constantly on the move from one job to the next, so the opportunity to spend eight weeks in a foreign country was a greatly fulfilling experience. “The opportunity to be immersed in a culture, so rich in history and art, and work in a community that shares my passion was a true blessing,” said Allison.
Allison’s time as the Nigel Seeley Fellow offered her not only a great educational experience, but the opportunity to connect with the international conservation community. “I am so appreciative of the conservators who I got to work with at Knole. They were extremely generous in sharing their knowledge, skills, techniques, practices, theories, resources, and connections,” said Allison. “Not only did I meet new colleagues, but I made great friends. And I will strive to continue an open dialogue, not only with the conservators at the National Trust, but with the greater conservation community in the UK.”
Knole House
Allison Jackson treating an 18th-century carved and gilded wall sconce.