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Our conservation work

Two conservators inspecting at map in the British Library Conservation Studios

©Sam Walton

Our conservation team cares for the physical and digital collections, which number some 150 million items. The collections include a wide array of material types including paper, parchment, photographs, leather, papyrus, wood, textile, ceramic, metal.

Our expert conservators care for the collection so that it can be accessed today and preserved for future generations so that these items can inspire research, fuel innovation and spark new discoveries.

Watch one of our conservators at work.


The corner of a highly decorated page

Support our conservation appeal

Help us conserve the past and inspire the future. We’re aiming to raise £60,000 to support the conservation of extraordinary items, including a pamphlet written by Benjamin Franklin, treasured volumes from our Oscar Wilde collection, and a beautiful 19th-century painting.

Donate today
British Library conservator working on a map

©Sam Walton

Explore our conservation centre​​‌​‌

Discover our programme of conservation events, from behind-the-scenes tours to courses for professionals and students. ‌‍​‌​‍​

Find out more

Conservation blogs

Get a glimpse behind the scenes and learn about how we care for our collection.

One conservation staff member holds analytical equipment for pigment analysis while another records the results with a pen on a printed photograph.
Blog

A Persian illuminated manuscript: reflections from an internship

15 September 2026

Examining a Persian illuminated manuscript highlighted the importance of interdepartmental collaboration.

Compilation of sketches and cut-outs.
Blog

From decisions to treatments: conserving a sketchbook

16 June 2026

Our approach balanced preservation needs, reader access, and respect for historical character.

Assessing the damage to some photographs during the salvage exercise on day two of the workshop.
Blog

Collection care upskilling with the Endangered Archives Programme

29 April 2026

The Conservation Training Team share reflections on delivering a collection care workshop in Kolkata, India.

Man looking at computer screens.
Blog

Launching our new Digital Preservation Policy

6 November 2025

On World Digital Preservation Day 2025, we’re pleased to announce the release of our new Digital Preservation Policy.

View of the British Library building and piazza in St Pancras, London from above
Blog

Sustainable collecting: the big picture

27 October 2025

How can the British Library minimise the impact of its activities on climate change without compromising on its service quality?

Sustainability
Hands holding a ruler and running a knife along a marked incision in foam.
Blog

Collaborative solutions for digitising oversized foldouts

10 February 2025

The British Library and Qatar Foundation Partnership overcame unique conservation and imaging challenges.

All blogs

Looking for a conservator?

To find and contact a conservator to care for your items, please visit the Institute of Conservation Website's Find a Conservator page. Find a conservator.

Need more conservation support?


For other conservation advice please contact a member of our team. Email collectioncare@bl.uk