About Me
Email: mick@cartmelconservation.co.uk
Mick Callaghan
With over 35 years in Museums, Heritage and Conservation, I have a passion and enthusiasm for conservation and excellent visitor experience through the conservation of objects, collection care, exhibitions, and the preservation of heritage sites. As an accredited conservator and experienced heritage professional, my work has been nominated for and won awards with coverage in the media both locally and nationally.
From Patternmaker to Conservator to Heritage Management
Starting my career in engineering as a fresh-faced 16 year old, I was apprenticed trained as a patternmaker in Cast Metal Technology. Whilst studying I won a Gold medal in the S.W. Wise Apprentice Competition for the Institute of British Foundryman.
Moving to Bradford Museum Service in 1985, I trained as a conservator working on artefacts across Yorkshire and Humberside. Being based at Bradford Industrial Museum allowed me to develop a specialisation in Victorian industrial objects including mill machinery, transport, steam power and waterwheels. I also worked on a number of unique objects, including a Cast Iron Cod and a Horse Drawn Hearse from museums across Yorkshire. In 1995 I was shortlisted for a National Conservation Award for my work on a 10-foot wooden statute, the Boy on the Barrel – nicknamed ‘BoB’.
In 2000 I became an Accredited Conservator and Restorer with UKIC (later ICON) and achieved NVQ Level 4 in Conservation. I managed and looked after a large, varied and diverse collection of objects ensuring that we used the collections to engage with visitors wherever possible. Working with local organisations and communities, I have planned, curated and produced many successful exhibitions on sport, social history and photography.
In 2012 I moved to Cumbria to work for English Heritage. During my 8 years there I was responsible for the operational management of three sites – Furness Abbey, Brougham Castle and Stott Park Bobbin Mill as the Property Manager for Cumbria and Lancashire. Managing three very different heritage sites, I worked with stakeholders, volunteers and the local community to improve the sites year on year, consistently increasing visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction, and winning awards with Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
Cartmel Conservation is the next step of my journey. I want to use the experience gained over the years to help with conservation or heritage projects, whether that is small conservation work or helping to get larger projects completed within timescales and budgets. I am here to help, advise, or get the job done. For larger projects, or where additional expertise is required, I have access to a large network of heritage, conservation and museum professionals. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss any potential work or project and check out some of our services here.