Rachel Davis 15 Price Close, London, SW17 7EP M: 0773 3448760 H: 020 87676191 W: 020 88622611

Email: rdavis15@live.co.uk LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rachel-davis-91465927

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Since joining the BBC Music Library in 1995, I have made a gradual, conscious move from my primary expertise in Book restoration, towards a more sustainable approach of preservation. I have supported this shift towards preventive conservation through a sustained commitment to training and introducing newly acquired skills to the BBC. I feel I have an excellent bank of knowledge and experience to make the transition into the role of Curator of Modern Archives and Manuscripts. SKILLS

- Ability to effectively transfer training to the workplace environment. - Excellent people skills. - Provide proactive support to teams. - Calm and effective prioritisation, planning, referencing and filing. - Show initiative, identify and execute quality solutions. - Able to rapidly juggle and switch projects to meet team deadlines. - Work well to tight deadlines with excellent time management skills.

EXPERIENCE: Nov 95 – present. Binder, BBC Music Library.

Responsibilities include:

- Close liaison with Library Staff to identify rare and fragile items. - Monitoring the conservation and preservation of rare items that require specialist

treatment and appropriate storage. - Cataloguing and stock-checking of the library using ‘Workflow’ and Sirsidynix. - Review and carry out remedial conservation treatments. - Produce hand made protective storage for delicate items. - Advise correct ways to store, handle and transport stock items. - Deliver training on appropriate handling and use of Library stock. - Plan, source and deliver in house and external exhibitions.. - Digitisation and reproduction of delicate scores. - Liaise with other departments for Research or Rostrum Camera work. - Add new and rebound items to stock.

Example achievements:

- Devised a Condition Report system for the Rare Scores Collection, making protective boxes where necessary.

- Researched ideas and costings for an improved way to store the Folio Collection. - Organised and implemented conservation care routines and yearly cleaning project. - Completion of 10-year project to separate, label, reference and assign to individual

archival pockets, the Library's reference collection of the Melody Maker magazine. - Implemented ‘Care and Repair’ presentations and printed guidance for all new staff. - Organise and implement exhibition displays, including our 90th anniversary event,

Barbican Music Library Exhibition and office based displays.

EDUCATION

Masters in Preventive Conservation: Northumbria University, Newcastle.

- Appropriate strategies for the care, storage, display, transit and environmental management of heritage collections.

- Chemical characteristics of materials commonly found in collections. - Preventive Conservation policies and procedures - Conservation Cleaning processes. - Environmental management strategies. - Fundamental chemistry and physics underpinning professional practice.

BTEC (HND) in Design and Bookbinding: University of Arts (formerly London College of Printing and Distributive Trades).

Irish Leaving and Intermediate Certificates: Newtown School, Waterford, Ireland

DAY COURSES

Masterclass in Project Management in Conservation and Collections Care: University of Cambridge

First Aid in the Office and Studio: BBC Academy

Pasma Tower Scaffold: Certificate of Competence. ALS Safety

Writing and Using a Preservation Policy: West Dean College

Evolution or Revolution: Changing Face of Collection Care Conference: British Library

Bookbinding: Intermediate & Advanced: Morley College

Damaged Books: first practical steps: National Preservation Office

Understanding and Caring for Bookbindings: National Preservation Office

Paper Preservation: National Preservation Office

Managing the Library and Archive Environment: National Preservation Office

Lifting and Manual Handling Awareness Workshop: Health response UK

How clean are your books? National Preservation Office

Chemistry Course for Conservators: Society of Archivists

VOLUNTEERING

Royal Museums Greenwich: Conservation Volunteer

Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham: Conservation Volunteer Leader

INTERESTS

I am a keen Crafter and love to have an ongoing project. Cross stitch has been my usual "go to" activity but have recently been on a beginners course in embroidery and have started small Christmas present projects. I also like to make personalised cards using a paper cutting technique I learned on a Day course with Morley College.

I am an active member of Wandsworth Quaker Meeting and act as their representative at the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE).