About
A considered approach to objects and their care.
SJ Conservation is an independent conservation and restoration practice specialising in ceramics, glass and related materials. Based in Central London, the practice works with art dealers, galleries, auction houses, museums, churches and private collectors.
Biography
I’m Sujin, an objects conservator specialising in ceramics, glass and related materials. I trained at West Dean College, following studies in heritage preservation at École de Condé in Paris and visual communication design at Hongik University in Seoul.
My experience spans private conservation practice, commercial studios, museums and historic collections. I founded SJ Conservation to provide specialist assessment, conservation and restoration services to private collectors, galleries, museums, auction houses, art dealers and fellow conservators.
My approach is guided by minimal intervention, material compatibility, long-term stability and thorough documentation. My background in visual communication design informs my sensitivity to surface, colour, form and visual harmony. This perspective complements my conservation practice, helping me balance the preservation of an object’s material integrity with respect for its aesthetic qualities.
Education
- West Dean College (University of Sussex), ChichesterMA & Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Ceramics and Related Materials.Dissertation: Paraloid B-72 Cast Films with Fumed Silica as a Loss-Compensation Material for Archaeological Glass.Edward James Foundation Bursary recipient.
- École de Condé, ParisPréservation du Patrimoine: one-year programme specialising in heritage preservation.
- Hongik University, SeoulBA in Visual Communication Design.Full academic bursary recipient.
Experience
Alongside my independent practice, I have worked with established London conservation studios, including Plowden & Smith, GP Conservation and the Fine Art Restoration Company, contributing to projects for private and commercial clients, museums and historic collections.
My work has included the conservation of objects for art dealers exhibiting at TEFAF and Frieze, as well as projects involving works by significant artists and makers.
At Plowden & Smith, I led conservation projects for clients including Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams and the UK Government Art Collection. Projects included objects by Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Auguste Rodin, Antonio Canova, Ai Weiwei, Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, the Martin Brothers, Juan Muñoz and Stephen Tomlin.
I also worked on the conservation of objects for the reopening of The Courtauld Gallery.
- SJ Conservation, LondonFounder, Objects Conservator and Restorer
- Plowden & Smith, LondonCeramics and Glass Conservator
- GP Conservation, LondonCeramics and Glass Conservator
- Fine Art Restoration Company, LondonCeramics and Glass Conservator
Professional Activities
- Corning Museum of Glass, New YorkVirtual Work PlacementExplored approaches to glass conservation and the care of glass collections.
- British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA), LondonKintsugi Workshop LeaderKintsugi teaching and demonstration, adapting traditional techniques to contemporary materials.
- The Edward James Foundation, ChichesterConservation VolunteerAssisted with collection surveys, preventive conservation and light cleaning of objects within the Edward James Collection.
- Fishbourne Roman Palace, ChichesterConservation VolunteerAssisted with the repacking and cataloguing of archaeological objects.
- The Courtauld Gallery, LondonConservation VolunteerAssisted with surface cleaning and condition assessments to inform future conservation treatment.
Press
- April 2023House & Garden magazineRestoration process of a Delft charger plate, article by Lucy Boulton
- September 2022Reclaim magazine‘In the Workshop’, article by Alice Roberton
- December 2021West Dean College (University of Sussex)‘Conservation of Italian maiolica armorial bowl from The Courtauld Collection’
- June 2021Corning Museum of Glass‘When glass meets minimalism: Edward James and his Art Deco glass lamps’
Conservation philosophy
Conservation is an act of interpretation as much as of skill. The aim is not to make objects new, but to stabilise, clarify and preserve them for continued study and enjoyment.
Examination & documentation
Each object is examined and its condition documented through written records and photographs before, during and after treatment, as appropriate.
Minimal intervention
Treatment is limited to what is necessary to support stability, safe handling and the object's continued appreciation and study.
Material compatibility
Materials are selected for their stability and compatibility with the object. Reversible or retreatable materials are used where feasible and appropriate.
Respect for significance
Original material, surfaces and evidence of an object's history are preserved wherever possible. Previous restorations are assessed carefully rather than automatically removed.