My academic interests pertain to the artistic and architectural evolution or world cultures and how

artistic and aesthetic change is effected by shifting political and religious ideologies.

I am attracted to the theoretical exploration of the political, social and religious ideologies within a
multicultural context, to glean an understanding as to how and why art and artifacts have been
made. Furthermore, I am interested in exploring the methodological practice of the conservation
and preservation of these archaeological collections.

My BA (hons) degree in the History of Art and Archaeology Asia, Africa has provided me with an
excellent platform from which to further my research and I would now like to pursue this by
applying for an MA in Museum Studies.

I am interested in the history and management of museums and their associated practices,
particularly the management, conservation and preservation of museum collections. As a
commercial Field Archaeologist, Archive and Research consultant with over ten years
experience, I have undertaken a vast number of practical projects which include archive
management, preparation for deposition and the care and conservation of bulk and registered
finds; cleaning, marking, packaging, labeling and storage. I wish to support this practical
experience with the necessary theoretical understanding pertaining to the ethics, practice and
principals of conservation and management of an archaeological collection.

The course options I am particularly interested in pursuing are Issues in Conservation:

Understanding objects ARCLG 142 which examines the objects we conserve, the technologies
employed in manufacture, reasons for manufacture, social use, burial, utilitarian and the changes
imposed over time considering their specific contexts. The course also allows the student to
develop the skills to assess the condition of the objects and their relevance to conservation, an
understanding which is necessary for work within a museum environment. The second option
course would be the Collections Curatorship ARCLG 192 which deals with understanding how to
curate a collection, the importance of the collection as an embodiment of the history, the people
and cultures it represents and how that relates to acquisition and disposal. Exploring these
theoretical and social concepts would allow me to expand upon my current knowledge by
complimenting and enhancing the practical skills that I have already acquired.

My career objective is to make the transition from archaeology to a museum based environment
with a view to working with a collection. The BA History of Art and Archaeology Asia, Africa is
designed for graduates who wish to pursue employment in museums, galleries, conservation and
other art related environments thus far my degree combined with my archaeological experience
would be consolidated by an MA in Museum Studies and would act as an effective springboard
from which to achieve my career objective of work within The British Museum.

I was commissioned by Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, to write a paper on The Early Saxon
Cemetery at the Grove, Ewell GRO93 (TQ 2195 6235) to disseminate their archive into a wider
forum for public and research access. The report is for publication in the Surrey Archaeological
Collections. This period of research required that I liaise closely with the curatorial staff at Bourne
Hall Museum, Guildford Museum and The Museum of London in order to view and examine the
archaeological collection pertaining to the earlier sites excavated by Lowther in the 1930’s.

Having undertaken this extensive research I have established a comprehensive directory of

contacts and a range of specialist resources including the BIAB (The British and Irish
Archaeological Bibliography) online, Cambridge University Library and The Society of Antiquaries
of London, Burlington place. I also liaised with staff at Ordnance Survey and Dr Martin Welch who
approved the final draft.

Additional specialist workshops and short courses undertaken:

• Human Skeletal Remains diploma (Institute of Archaeology) 2002
• Various seminar lectures at the Institute of Archaeology; Osteology Seminar
2001.Geoarchaeology 5th November 2001.
• British Red Cross First Aid Certificate – 2001.
• Certificate in Mandarin. Chinese Intensive one Week Survival Course (SOAS) (University
of London) 2000.
• Pottery Imported into Roman Britain. British Museum premises (Blythe House) (Museum
of London Specialist Services) (From site to Archive) 2000
• Practitioner (PIFA) of the Institute of Field Archaeologists: - Transfer to Practitioner
Membership (PIFA) on the 1st December 2000.