Brommelle Memorial Fund

Students and emerging professionals are the future of heritage conservation, the next generation of conservation professionals. Our student and emerging conservator conferences (S&ECC) and poster sessions and the participation of students and emerging conservators at IIC congresses are all supported by IIC Brommelle Memorial Fund.

This Fund was established in 1990 in memory of Norman Brommelle, who was Secretary-General of IIC between 1958 and 1988. It is used to support students of conservation (members and non-members) and wish to attend the Institute's international Congresses and S&ECCs.

Donating to the fund

However, the growing number and merit of emerging professionals is making increasing demands on existing funds. The Brommelle Memorial Fund needs constant topping up to ensure that we can continue to support and encourage the next generation of conservators.

By donating to the Brommelle Memorial Fund you are helping us to provide access for students and emerging professionals to the high level of information and debate that IIC Congresses provide, as well as providing a link into the international conservation community, encouraging the next generation of conservation professionals.

Student applicants for the grants are required to be enrolled in a full-time course of conservation training leading to a recognised academic qualification. Students may apply for this funding at any time during their course of study, including their final year or internship. Early Career professionals are also eligible to apply but must be within 5 years  of graduation or completion of conservation training. 

Grants usually cover the registration fee and/or can provide support for travel and accommodation costs up to a maximum of £250. Priority will be given to Congress lead authors (papers and posters) as well as individuals living and working in the region and Bands 2-4 countries. 

Opens for Applications: 1 February 2024

Closes for Applications: 10 March 2024

How to Apply

To apply for a grant email your CV and a brief description of how you will benefit from attending the Congress (maximum 250 words), and how you plan to spend the funds in 2024 (max. 250 words) to iic@iiconservation.org by the deadline. Up to £250 is available. Please also confirm your university or course details along with your membership status with IIC if applicable, location in band 1-4 countries, and / or whether you are a lead or contributing Congress author. Funding awards cannot be made to any individual, entity or organisation located in either a UN or UK economically sanctioned country.

Norman Brommelle (1915 – 1989) was born in Nottingham and went on to read physics at University College, Oxford. He was a research physicist at the British Aluminium Company at Chalfont Park 1937 – 1949. In 1949 he joined the conservation department formed in 1946 at the National Gallery, London. He trained in practical conservation with Richard Buck who spent 1949 at the National Gallery establishing a workshop there for the treatment of panel supports, and subsequently with Helmut Ruhemann. In 1960 Brommelle was to become first Keeper of Conservation at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and in 1978 the Director of the Hamilton Kerr Institute, University of Cambridge. He was to be Secretary-General of IIC from 1958 – 1964 and from 1966 – 1988, when he retired and moved to Italy.