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Anna Santolaria

  • Studied: MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management (2013, Wentworth Graduate College)
  • Current Position: Owner of Can Pinyonaire Vitralls (Girona, Spain) and Stained Glass Freelance Conservator.

What have you been doing since you graduated?

After graduating in the MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management I had a very clear objective. My aim was to return to Spain and transform the manner in which historical stained glass is generally approached there. During my time in York, I realized that most of my knowledge related to stained glass conservation acquired in Spain prior to my application to the MA, was considered old-fashioned and some of my daily practices contemplated as 'mistakes from the past'. These discoveries draw me to the conclusion that there was a long way to walk in stained glass conservation in my homeland, and that my responsibility was to be part of this historical change. Since the summer of 2014 I have been working in my own studio in the city of Girona, where I am able to put into practice the conservation criteria currently implemented in leading stained glass conservation studios around the world.

Is your project successful?

Offering a new perspective and changing traditional manners is hard work. My main job has been educating clients and architects and letting them see that there are alternatives to traditional stained glass restoration. It has not been easy, but it encourages me to see that they end up understanding the reasons and transferring their positive experience to their partners. The amount of work seems to be increasing and I believe this is the sign that the new approach to stained glass conservation was an unrecognised need.

On the other hand, the network of professionals I made during my time in York is also helping me to develop my personal career. Since I graduated, I have been working as a freelance for other glass studios around Europe, projects that are key for sharing experiences and keep me learning from other glass conservators.

What advice would you give to current students?

I recommend future glass conservators to be persistent in their values and convictions. It is important to be confident in the legitimacy of your principles, as your knowledge and values may be constantly challenged by other professionals. On the other hand, never close yourself to new ideas, each project is different and requires different approaches, which sometimes can be offered by someone from a completely different field.

The University will give you enough tools to start walking by yourself, but it will also give you a wide network of people which will be crucial for the development of your career. I can say that the support of the tutors and the assistance of the fellow students is one of the most valuable outcomes from my studies in York.

 

Anna Santolaria

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