Anette Wahlgren
- Studied: MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management (2011, Wentworth Graduate College)
- Current Position: Stained Glass Conservator, Uppsala Cathedral Stained Glass Conservation Studio
What have you been doing since you graduated?
"I've been lucky in that I was offered employment in my field just a few months after graduation. From March 2012 to April 2013 I worked as a stained glass conservator at York Glaziers Trust on the Great East Window of York Minster (fantastic!). During that time I was approached by the Uppsala Cathedral in Sweden. Their South Transept window (the largest stained glass window in Sweden) badly needed conserving and a decision had been taken to start the first stained glass conservation studio in Sweden to carry out the work, as well as take in work from other churches and historic buildings. The project had already started when I joined - 6 panels had been de-installed at the end of 2012 and sent to Cathedral Studios in Canterbury for trial conservation. I worked at Canterbury from April to August 2013 before moving (with the panels) to Sweden in August 2013. Since then I have equipped the workshop, written the conservation policy, developed the documentation documents, been involved in the project planning for the installation of protective glazing, written proposals for conservation that will have to be approved (and have been) by the equivalent of English Heritage. I am now doing hands on conservation with new conservators that I am helping to train.
After graduating I have also started a business with my partner, who has a long career in crime prevention, providing bespoke security advice for museums and art galleries: Osprey Heritage Management Ltd.
Related to the area of heritage at risk is Trace-in-Metal Ltd., a company with a patented solution to metal theft of which I am a director and founding member. It was set up by myself and experts in ballistics, crime prevention and heritage protection, to provide traceability of and deterrents to lead theft."
What transferable skills do you feel you gained from your degree?
"I have only praise for Sarah Brown and Ivo Rauch - the course gave me a broad knowledge base both in the history of stained glass and the practical aspects of conservation, contacts with other stained glass conservators, and a focus on the importance of research and practise following international guidelines for conservation. The Heritage Management modules were invaluable in providing a comprehensive view of the importance of culture, its protection and value in the fabric of society. I feel I have a good knowledge base which have given me the confidence to speak on matters of conservation and heritage."
What advice would give to current students?
"Networking is important. Keep yourself informed by attending conferences and talks, and read as much as you can in your area of interest - things crop up and you will go back to articles and books you never though you'd revisit."
