On 10 February 2025, Pocklington School’s Art & Design Centre welcomed OP Jodie Hodgson (94-01) as part of the Pock Connects programme of careers talks and conversations. Jodie, a Conservator, spoke to students and staff about her profession.

Drawing comparisons to the type of conservation and restoration projects featured on the BBC’s ‘The Repair Shop’, Jodie showcased examples of her work using original paper and parchment documents, including a 17th century parchment indenture from the West Yorkshire Archive Services’ handling collection where she currently works. She explained the processes and materials used to restore these documents, emphasising the importance of proper storage and environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light, to ensure their preservation. She also highlighted the necessity of specialised cleaning processes to remove mould and monitoring insect pests, which can cause significant damage.

Jodie shared her career journey, starting with a degree in Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History at the University of East Anglia followed by a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s in Conservation of Historic Objects at Lincoln University. She then completed an apprenticeship with York Glaziers Trust, where she spent nine years as a Stained Glass Conservator specialising in medieval glass and working on York Minster’s £11.5m Great East Window project. Although her expertise lies in glass conservation, Jodie has experience with a wide range of materials, including archaeological artifacts, ethnographic and social history objects, stone, vessel glass, ceramics, stained glass, and archival materials such as paper, maps, plans, parchment and books.

Jodie highlighted the skills necessary for a conservator, including patience, creativity, attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and a high level of technical skill. She said: “Knowing that you are working with priceless, historic artifacts and seeing the positive impact restoration work can have on damaged objects is highly rewarding; it is very satisfying to finish a piece knowing that you have played a part in preserving it and ensuring that it can be enjoyed by future generations.”

James Stathers, Head of Design expressed his gratitude, saying: “We are incredibly grateful to Jodie for coming in to talk to our students. Working as a conservator is a career that might not immediately spring to mind for our students, yet it is a fascinating field which demands a keen eye for design and excellent craftsmanship. Thank you to Jodie for sharing her knowledge and passion with us and for helping our students discover an exciting new career option!”

If other OPs would be interested in offering to speak about their own career journey or industry sector as part of the Pock Connects programme, please let the OP office know.

About Pock Connects:

Pock Connects is the official network for members of the Pocklington School community including Old Pocklingtonians (OPs), current and former parents, governors, life patrons, staff, and supporters all keen to share their knowledge and expertise to support current students and each other at any stage in their career. For more information or to join the Pock Connects network scan the QR code below or contact the OP office.