The Institute of Conservation (Icon)

Icon’s vision is for cultural heritage to be valued and accessible and for its future to be enhanced and safeguarded by excellence in conservation.

Icon raises awareness of the cultural, social and economic value of caring for heritage and champions high standards of conservation.

We represent nearly 2,500 individuals and organisations. Icon’s membership incorporates not only professional conservators and conservation scientists, but also volunteers, heritage professionals and many others who share a commitment to improving understanding of and access to our cultural heritage. Most of our members are UK-based but many also work internationally.

Conservation of cultural heritage protects the things we value for now and for the future. It enables the care and safeguarding of the tangible cultural heritage, from a cherished family heirloom to a national treasure, such as the Staffordshire Hoard. The practice of conservation encompasses artworks, architecture, archaeology as well as industrial, natural and social history collections whether they are held by museums, heritage organisations or other private or public collections.