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!