Artworks Conservation

Established in 2004 in Harrogate by Richard Hawkes, MA (Conservation of Fine Art), ACR, Artworks Conservation has emerged as a preeminent provider of conservation services for watercolours, prints, and drawings. Richard, an Accredited Conservator-Restorer with the Institute of Conservation (Icon), brings over two decades of dedicated experience to museums, institutions, art dealers, and private individuals throughout the UK.

Artworks Conservation is recognised on the Icon Conservation Register, underscoring its commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest professional standards. Richard’s journey began with training in Newcastle, followed by significant roles at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and a private conservation studio in Cambridge. This foundation set the stage for the establishment of his studio, which now serves an array of clients in the north of England, including prestigious newer galleries such as The Hepworth Wakefield and the Leeds Museum, as well as contemporary artists facing technical display challenges.

Beyond practical conservation services, Richard contributes to the academic and professional development of the field through lectures on the history of artists’ materials at universities and professional workshops. His expertise also extends to emergency salvage operations, as demonstrated following severe flooding at Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield. Through talks and workshops, Richard shares his passion for conserving a diverse range of artworks, from historical parchments to contemporary pieces by artists like Banksy, with museum groups, curators, and the public.