Meet our Conservation Team
“Men wanted for Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success”
Advertisement placed in newspapers by Sir Ernest Shackleton calling for recruits to the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1914-17
The Trust's Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project (RSHRP) runs year round in Antarctica and is managed by our Antarctic Programme Managers. The conservation of the buildings is undertaken during the short Antarctic summer months while conservation of the artefact collections occur year round. The work is undertaken by a mix of staff and contractors.
Programme Managers. Al Fastier is the Trust’s Antarctic Programme Manager and has overall responsibility for managing the delivery of the project. Al has a wealth of Antarctic experience and extensive project management experience in remote location projects. He holds a degree in parks management. Lizzie Meek is the Trust's Programme Manager - Artefacts and is responsible for managing the conservation and ongoing care of the 15,000+ artefact collection. Lizzie is a professional conservator who has worked for national museum and libraries and has extensive Antarctic experience (including wintering).
Conservators currently in Antarctica. Antonia Craster (UK) holds an MA in conservation from Durham University and her training has mainly revolved around the conservation of archaeological material (particularly metals). Emily Lin (Taiwan) began her career at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan and recently obtained her degree from Queens (Canada). Becky Cameron (UK) has a background in art history and holds an MA in Conservation of Art from Northumbria University. Mindy Bell (Canada) holds an Honours degree in Anthropology (Archaeology) and has completed the Collections Conservation and Management course at Sir Sandford Fleming College.
Specialists Working on the Project
Julian Bickersteth, International Conservation Services. ICS has a long involvement with our work and provides technical advice on the conservation of the artefact collection.
Gordon Macdonald, Macdonald & Lawrence. Gordon has been involved with the project since 2004 as the lead heritage conservation carpenter and has over twenty years experience of working with historic timber buildings and specialises in traditional timber-frame carpentry.
Pip Cheshire, Cheshire Architects. As one of NZ's leading architect's Pip has been involved with the project from the beginning and is currently involved in the capacity of project architect for the conservation of Captain Scott'sbase, Cape Evans.
Michael Morrison, Purcell Miller Tritton. Michael is a leading UK conservation architect and peer reviewed the Conservation Plans for sites.
Charley Brentnall, Carpenter Oak & Woodland. Charley Brentnall runs a UK based consultancy specialising in the conservation, design and construction of timber frame, architecture and structure and has been involved in the project as a conservation carpenter since 2005.
Arrow International project managed the project until 2005 and is now involved through strategic advice and peer review.
Related Links and Documents
Want to work as a conservator in Antarctica?
Project to Conserve Shackleton's Base, Cape Royds