CGLAS Internship Bursary
St Giorgio Maggiore
Education & Research:
Annual CGLAS Internship Bursary
Location:
St Giorgio Maggiore
Funding:
€11,000
The annual internship sponsored by Venice in Peril for BA Conservation graduates from the City & Guilds of London Art School is a valuable initiative to provide work experience to young conservators. Established in 2009 by Marina Morrisson Atwater, a trustee of Venice in Peril, this programme offers a 10-week immersive experience for interns, allowing them to live and work at the historic Benedictine Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.
Set up as a partnership between the Benedictine Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore, the City & Guilds of London Art School and Venice in Peril Fund, the internship provides experience in conservation maintenance and an opportunity to explore Venice and the wide range of conservation work that is always in progress in the city. Under the guidance of Carmelo Grasso, Director of the Abbey’s cultural programme, interns engage in conservation maintenance, gaining hands-on experience and making daily decisions on cleaning methods and approaches. Each work programme, devised by Grasso, entails a condition survey followed by the conservative maintenance of a defined area within the church, including any altar or monument present. The acquisition of a modular scaffolding tower in 2014 expanded the scope of projects that can be undertaken.
The internship not only offers practical training in conservation but also allows interns to explore the rich history, architecture, and environment of Venice. Living in the Benedictine abbey provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and a deeper understanding of the city’s unique challenges and conservation needs. The interns also gain valuable insights into working on a conservation site, using scaffolding, and developing observational skills for identifying and addressing conservation issues. This programme is aimed at nurturing the next generation of conservation professionals, exemplifying the collaborative efforts required to protect the artistic and architectural treasures of Venice.
City & Guilds London Art School 2025 Interns
Adrian Gono
I recently completed a BA (Hons) degree in Conservation of Decorative Objects at the City & Guilds of London Art School, where I developed a strong foundation in conservation skills and techniques through both studio-based training and on-site experience. This formal training builds on more than a decade of professional practice in the antiques and fine art sector, working with everything from architectural salvage to fragile artworks and paintings. Alongside my studies, I have gained practical expertise through roles as an Art Technician at Constantine Fine Art Storage and Phillips Auction House, where I handle, prepare, and install artworks to museum and gallery standards.
My interest in Venice was first sparked during a study visit in 2023, where I was inspired by the conservation work carried out by previous interns. The Venice in Peril internship offers a unique opportunity to immerse myself in hands-on conservation at the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore. The chance to contribute to daily conservation maintenance, condition surveys, and collaborative projects for such a prestigious institution appeals to me both professionally and personally.
This internship represents a vital step in my development, bridging the gap between academic training and professional practice. By living and working in Venice, I hope to refine my decision-making and observational skills, deepen my understanding of international conservation approaches, and prepare for a career contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage on a global scale.
Julieta Herrera
I have recently graduated (2024) from City & Guilds London Art School in Stone, Wood and Decorative Surfaces Conservation. My training has given me hands-on experience with both preventive and interventive conservation, including cleaning, consolidation, structural repairs, and gilding techniques. In addition to my practical conservation skills, I bring a strong background in project management and stakeholder communication from my previous career as a Financial Associate at Unilever PLC. This has equipped me with the ability to work effectively in a team, prioritise tasks efficiently, and communicate clearly with colleagues, clients, and institutions.
Since graduating, I have gained valuable experience working on a range of conservation projects. For example, At the Victoria and Albert Museum, I contributed to the conservation of majolica tiles; at St Mary’s Church in Dover, I worked on the treatment of marble plaques; and at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole House (National Trust), I have been involved in both the conservation and making of historic picture frames. These projects have allowed me to strengthen my practical skills, adapt to different materials and contexts, and collaborate with diverse teams of conservators.
Working in Venice would be an invaluable opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites. I am particularly inspired by the city’s unique artistic traditions and the challenges posed by its historic environment. The experience of contributing to conservation projects in Venice would not only deepen my technical expertise but also broaden my understanding of collaborative, international heritage preservation efforts.
Ellie Seaward:
My conservation degree from the City and Guilds of London Art School allowed me to develop and further my interest in cultural heritage and preservation. My particular interests lie in historic houses and cultural heritage organizations, and I would like to pursue a role in collections care. I am also passionate about community engagement and aim to help raise public awareness about conservation. I am particularly interested in learning about conservation practices abroad and eager to continue expanding my knowledge as much as possible.
Eager to expand my knowledge, I am especially drawn to Venice, where I hope to immerse myself in the local arts and conservation scene. I also have a keen interest in languages and am enthusiastic about learning Italian to more fully experience Venetian culture. This opportunity represents an exciting chance for me to broaden my expertise, gain hands-on experience in a new environment, and deepen my understanding of conservation.
Fiorella Lavado Chiarella:
I recently graduated with First Class Honours in the conservation of stone, wood, and decorative surfaces from City and Guilds of London Art School. I have gained extensive experience working with a variety of organic and inorganic materials. My expertise spans condition assessment, remedial treatment, and preventive conservation. I have worked on projects with museums, historic houses, and both private and public collections, such as Southwark Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the Krannert Art Museum in Illinois, and Ham House, among others, refining my skills in treating valuable objects, film conservation, environmental monitoring, photography, and documentation. I also bring a background in art, design, and film to my conservation work, having participated in multidisciplinary art and science collaborations, with results featured in exhibitions and conferences worldwide.
My passion for conservation was profoundly enriched during my visit to Venice in 2022 as part of my studies. The opportunity to work with the Venice in Peril Fund represents an exceptional chance to contribute to the preservation of a city that is not only a cultural treasure but also a living testament to human history and achievement.
I am committed to sharing my passion for conservation both within the field and with a wider audience. I am particularly inspired by Venice in Peril’s comprehensive approach, from conserving to promoting a deeper understanding of the city through educational programs and talks, in which I look forward to participating.
Carla Learoyd:
If someone had told me that in 2023, I would be spending ten weeks living in a Benedictine monastery in Venice, carrying out stone conservation on a Palladian Basilica, I would never have believed them. To say that the ten weeks spent in Venice were life-changing would be an understatement. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel like part of the San Giorgio Maggiore family. Being able to carry out conservation work on such a historic building whilst being in such beautiful surroundings is a memory that will stay with me forever.
Josh Horsfall:
Everyone we met working at the church was very friendly. I truly felt like a part of the place within the first month. The lunches with the monks and the staff were a lovely part of the working day, not only for the tremendous food cooked by Chef Fiorello but as a great place for learning Italian phrases and feeling like part of the family. The work went smoothly thanks to my lovely colleague Carla and support from Carmelo. It was an honour to be a small part of the history of this incredible Palladian church. Outside of the monastery, I enjoyed two weekends with my family and also proposed to my partner in San Giorgio!