The C Word (M4A Feed)

S17E08: A Christmas Chat

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for: Christmas!

S17E07: IIC S&ECC in Brazil!

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Conference!

S17E06: Road trip Special - Cyprus!

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Cyprus

S17E05: Natural History Museum Denmark Takeover Special!

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Conserving the Natural World

S17E04: Halloween Special

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Contagious

S17E03 Conserving the Sacred

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Custodial Participation

S17E02: Being Sustainable with The Green Tea Podcast

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Collaboration

S17E01: Furniture Conservation

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

C is for Chair

S16E08: Objects for Use

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny, Solange and Liz get philosophical at the end of the season and talk about object use, facsimiles, and the human connection. 00:33 Straight int...

S16E07: Finding Clients

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny, Solange and Liz share their thoughts on finding clients, while some of our listeners in private practice reveal what really works for them. Als...

S16E06: Early Career Freelancing

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Liz is joined by Isabella Rossi and Sophie McAloone for another emerging professional special – this time about being in private practice! Or freela...

S16E05: Bioplastics

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny and Solange are joined by conservation scientist Panagiotis Morfis as we talk bioplastics: what are they, where do they crop up, and how can we ...

S16E04: Heritage Trust Network Youth Forum Takeover

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this takeover special folks from the Heritage Trust Network Youth Forum get real about being emerging and early career professionals in heritage: s...

S16E03: Local Little Museums

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we all share the love for the smaller museums out there by visiting somewhere local (to each of us) or ditty (if we were on holiday). Come ...

S16E02: Choosing a Specialism

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny, Liz and Solange tackle the age old question: how do you choose a conservation specialism? How did we find ours and what should you consider? Al...

S16E01: Heritage Skills

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Solange are joined by Mary Lewis, head of craft sustainability at Heritage Crafts. Where does conservation and craft overlap? Let’s talk it ...

S15E08: Christmas Special

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ho ho ho! In this festive special the team assembles to play a game of ‘Would you rather?’ and make some predictions for the year ahead – plus a...

S15E07: Apprenticeships

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We consider a few different takes on apprenticeships: Liz has been an apprentice, Jenny has hosted one, and Kloe is keen. Kloe also talks to Jane Hend...

S15E06: National Trust Takeover

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this takeover special the conservators at the National Trust take us behind the scenes: telling us their stories, sharing their hopes for the futur...

S15E05: Accreditation (Part 2: The International Take)

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kloe and Solange give an update on their respective journeys while Liz and Phaedra talk to Bethany Jo Mikelait and Mariana Onofri about how the profes...

S15E04: Halloween Special

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Echoes of the past, dead objects, and creepy stores – Solange, Kloe and Jenny have a lot on their minds in this year’s spooky special! Jenny also ...

S15E03: Glass Conservation

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What’s it like to work on glass? Jenny and Phedra are joined by emerging conservator Terri Costello as they explore this fragile but ancient materia...

S15E02: Condition: Lost

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fess up: when did you last lose something? Liz, Phedra, Kloe and Jenny explore what ‘loss’ can mean in collections, in heritage generally, and in ...

S15E01: Icon24 Special + Summer Updates

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We recap our experiences at Icon24: Conservation for Change as we reflect on the conference and our first nearly-full-team meet-up! Phedra also interv...

S14E08: Deconstructed Road Trip Special

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this year’s travel special we go on FOUR individual journeys: a sort of deconstructed road trip. Kloe goes to sunny Spain, Liz takes her bike to ...

S14E07: New Museums

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kloe and Phedra are joined by Jill Carruthers in an episode all about newer, fresh-faced museums. What’s it like opening a brand NEW museum? Phedra ...

S14E06: Musical Instruments

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Phedra are joined by Jonathan Santa Maria Bouquet as they talk about the conservation of musical instruments: from tuning and treatment consid...

S14E05: Using AI

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny, Solange and Phedra are joined by Luisa Casella as we talk about AI: how can conservators use these tools and what are their pros and cons? Luis...

S14E04: Working with Heritage Scientists

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny and Liz talk to Dr Marysia Tarnowska about their journey into heritage science from a background in chemistry: from molecular bonds to leather d...

S14E03: Historic Houses

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Jenny, Kloe and Liz as they explore historic houses across the world, their unique charms, and quirky challenges. Phedra whisks us away to a sun-...

S14E02: Getting a Foot in the Door

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Phedra join forces with freelance paintings conservator Alexis Drapanas as they tackle an ECP special! Phedra also interviews conservator Keri...

S14E01: Meet the Team (or A Few of Our Favourite Things)

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the dream team! It’s a crowded recording session today: Jenny and Kloe ask their new colleagues Liz, Phedra, and Solange about their new roles ...

Bonus Episode: The Announcement

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bonus episode we make a couple of overdue announcements, take you with us to an award ceremony in Cardiff, and profess our undying lov...

S13E08: Paintings Conservation

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this one we talk to Professor Aviva Burnstock about what paintings can be and we chat with Polly Saltmarsh about communicating conservation and the...

S13E07: Time-Based Media Conservation

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Cass Fino-Radin as we talk about time-based media: what it can be, what the challenges are, and what we can do to...

S13E06: Conference Takeover Special

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Jenny and Kloe address a correction before launching into a takeover special: join Kloe, Nerys Rudder and Jane Henderson as they go to...

S13E05: Being in Business

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special co-host Alison Lister we explore the private sector: from our workspaces to how we learn on the job. Join us for a catch-up on J...

S13E04: Working with Adult Learning

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Stella Toonen as we explore a topic with many synonyms: public programming, outreach, adult learning, and so many...

S13E03: Conflict and Collections

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by curator Karen Logan as we talk about working with collections that stir up emotions and recent memories: from The Troubles in Northe...

S13E02: Accreditation (Part 1: The Longest Journey)

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have a chat amongst ourselves about the process of becoming an accredited conservator, as seen by two mid-career people staring at the application ...

S13E01: Building Communities

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to community-building conservator Melissa King about nurturing communication between collections care professionals and the growing preservati...

S12E08: Christmas Special

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we huddle up in a pew with Dr Sarah Turner we talk about Christmas in cathedrals, play a parlour game of Five Things, and make some predictions for...

S12E07: Redevelopments

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special co-host Sean Kelly we talk about all things redevelopment: from the strange sensation of taking things off display, to the joy o...

S12E06: Time Management

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for another tranquil boat episode with conservator Pierrette Squires as we talk about time management. How do you estimate how long a treatmen...

S12E05: Disability in Conservation

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on a tranquil houseboat as we talk about being conservators with disabilities with special guest host Pierrette Squires. We share our various ...

S12E04: Halloween Special

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny and Kloe share some conservation horror stories, including mysterious tales of possessed equipment and phantasmal fans. Break it down to our Hal...

S12E03: Gemstones and Minerals

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by the brilliant jewellery conservator Bill Hawkes for a dazzling episode about the history of gems, the usefulness of pretty stones, a...

S12E02: Cost of Living Special

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have a gentle (but also angry) chat about the cost of living crisis, the impact on society, and how it affects us as conservators: both as self-emp...

S12E01: Job Interviews

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Together with Beth Gillions we put on our best confidence clothes and talk about job interviews: what it’s like asking the questions, what do you do...

S11E08: Manx Road Trip Special

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Come along on a roadtrip to the Isle of Man with Jenny and Kloe! We take the ferry across the water, stay in an eco-friendly yurt village, and tour th...

S11E07: Zero Hour Contracts

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by Tom Hopkins and Louise McAward-White from Fair Museum Jobs as we grab the imaginary tin opener and get into one of our favourite can...

S11E06: #IconReachOut22 Conference Special

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for our triennial Icon conference special: an all online experience this time! Jenny tries to get into the spirit with croissants and rubbish ...

S11E05: Metals (Part 2)

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Bill Hawkes we continue the topic of shiny things: metals! This time dealing with small objects and shiny trinkets. K...

S11E04: Building a Business

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest hosts Claire Fry and Lorraine Finch we take a walk on the private practice side of conservation: what’s it like starting...

S11E03: Working with Learning

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host and public engagement champion Clare Lawlor as we talk about learning in museums and at heritage sites. How do we...

S11E02: Standards in Conservation

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest hosts Dr David Leigh and Isobel Griffin we delve into the world of conservation standards: what are they, how do they come...

S11E01: Conservation and Conflict

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the help of special guest host Lisa Mol we talk about the impact of war and conflict on heritage: from stone research and training initiatives an...

S10E08: Christmas Special

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s get into the festive spirit with our special co-host Anna Ploszajski as we explore festive facts, Christmas chemistry, and merry materials! We...

S10E07: Rationalisation and Disposal

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

C is for: Can We Get Rid…? Sometimes museums just can’t keep everything – so what happens then? Together with guest host Emma Duggan we explo...

S10E06: Metals (Part 1)

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with conservator Lucy Branch we iron out some of the issues around big chunks of metal: from bronze trying to injure people to the trouble wi...

S10E05: Aches and Pains

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about our creaking joints and aching muscles with special guest host Emma Le Cornu, who is both a conservator and a yoga instructor. Kloe talk...

S10E04: Halloween Special

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we take a seat by an imaginary fireplace in a creepy old house and trade stories of hauntings, hazards, and house ghosts with special guest...

S10E03: Career Changes

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Erin Foster we discuss the careers people have had before finding conservation, why they might have switched, and why...

S10E02: Working with Curators

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Helen Antrobus as we unpack what it means to be a collections curator and how we can (and do) work together to de...

S10E01: One Year On

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We kick off season ten with a Zoom get-together! Jenny and Kloe bring some drinks and invite people along to think about how the last 12-18 months hav...

S09E08: Dyes in Conservation

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Alison Lister we explore the process of dyeing fabrics for textile conservation: from why we do it to the secret of a...

S09E07: Bolstering Business

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We look up from our workbenches for a moment and think about how to make some savvy business decisions: what can conservators do beyond classic benchw...

S09E06: Leather

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special gust host Talitha Wachtelborn we explore the world of leather conservation: from book bindings to suitcases! Also tune in for an...

S09E05: Dynamic Objects

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting into the groove about things that move with special guest host Matthew Read. What exactly is a dynamic object and how do you go about ...

S09E04: Environmental Monitoring

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Jane Henderson we peer at our loggers, spot check our homes, and crunch our data in an attempt to demystify environme...

S09E03: Seeing and Hearing Conservators

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We think about communicating in different ways with fellow podcaster and conservator Lucy Branch. We discuss podcasting, video platforms, and good old...

S09E02: Extreme Storage

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Emma Duggan we go behind the scenes, under ground, even into the freezer! In short we explore the world of extreme or...

S09E01: Working with Front of House

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by Front of House champions Will Tregaskes and Abi Godfrey as we talk about how conservators and visitor services can join forces, smas...

S08E08: Christmas Special

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get a little extra jolly with our festive co-host Emily O'Reilly as we open Christmas crackers with terrible jokes and rustly hats, attempt some pr...

S08E07: Learning and Teaching Remotely, Part 2

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Together with guest host Jane Henderson we explore how university teaching has changed this year and what conservation training looks like in a pandem...

S08E06: Learning and Teaching Remotely, Part 1

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Together with special guest host Libby Finney we chat about professional development and training in the time of Covid-19: what counts as CPD, how do ...

S08E05: Supporting the Sector

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Patrick Whife, Icon’s Training & Development Manager, as we talk about the challenges facing the conservation a...

S08E04: Halloween special

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Huddle around the camp fire of your imagination with us as we trade ghost stories and creepy anecdotes with special guest host Aly Singh: it’s time ...

S08E03: Returning Cultural Objects

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest hosts Jeremy Uden and Marina de Alarcón from the Pitt Rivers Museum as we discuss the return of cultural objects. Wha...

S08E02: Testing New Materials

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host and material scientist Anna Ploszajski as we try to unpick how conservators approach the materials they use for t...

S08E01: Lights, Camera, Action!

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Fi White as we chat about filming in heritage settings: from bodice rippers and period dramas to music videos and...

S07E08: Returning To Work

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We have a catch up and chat about returning to work after lockdown. We read out and listen to some contributions from people who either have gone back...

S07E07: Focus on Photos

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We zoom in on the topic of photography conservation and photos in collections with guest host Lorraine Finch. From positives to negatives, we build a ...

S07E06: Let There Be Light

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We squint at the topic of light in this illuminating episode: guest host Sarah Potter enlightens us while Jenny thinks about communication and Kloe re...

S07E05: Mind the Gap

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get philosophical about gap filling and loss compensation in various conservation disciplines: why do we do it and how far do we take it? Kloe inte...

S07E04: Working with Techs

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by special guest host Erika Lewis as we talk about the role of technicians, and how conservators and techs work hand in hand (or glove ...

S07E03: For Science!

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your lab coats and don your goggles: we’re taking a closer look at analysis and its role in conservation! Between us we compare notes on herita...

S07E02: Frightful Beasts and Where to Find Them

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We sneak a peek in the blunder traps with special guest host Jane Thompson-Webb as we explore the topic of insect pests in and around collections and ...

S07E01: Working From Home

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a WFH special as we consider the joys and challenges of working remotely: with Kloe furloughed and Jenny working from home it’s a strang...

Bonus Episode: The Pandemic Special

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pandemic Special: Jenny and Kloe have a chat about the impact of the Coronavirus on the heritage sector but also share some sunshine stories from acro...

S06E08: Christmas Special

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ho ho ho! Join us for a seasonal special: we review our predictions for 2019 and make some new ones for 2020, listen to a conservation version of Sant...

S06E07: Side Hustle

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at some of the many ways in which conservators earn money on the side (and the reasons we might do so): Kloe talks about her bellydanci...

S06E06: Knowing Not To

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting philosophical as we try to figure out when conservators choose NOT to do something. What influences our decisions? When can we say no?...

S06E05: Thinking Big

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We don some hard hats and crane our necks as we talk large objects with special guest host Simon Stephens: from machinery and figureheads to tanks and...

S06E04: Diversity

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an episode all about diversity: guest host Aly Singh shares her own experiences while Jenny wrestles with class and Kloe tries to find pra...

S06E03: The One with the Arduino

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about how the Arduino can be useful to conservators and how people are using it in museums already. Jenny talks to Dr David Mi...

S06E02: Papers, Please!

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we browse through the remarkable collections held in archives together with special guest host Meagen Smith: we talk about the joys of pape...

S06E01: Conservation on a Budget

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Together with guest host Lorraine Finch we turn out our pockets, peer into our piggy banks, and root around the back of the sofa for some spare change...

S05E08: #Icon19 Conference Special

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a special episode when Jenny, Kloe, and Christina all go to Belfast for the ICON triennial conference, #Icon19! (Please note: this episode...

S05E07: Publishing Your Work

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How and why should conservators publish their work? Who are we trying to reach and why does it matter? Kloe quite likes the established conference pap...