Hello Members!                                                           

I’m honoured to have been elected  as the new Chair of ICRI. Over my two decades of working in the UK and Ireland I am keenly aware of how vital organisations such as ICRI are in supporting and advancing our discipline. Conservation matters, on so many levels, and is advancing its science and techniques at a rapid pace at all times.  In Ireland The Irish Conservators – Restorers Association (ICRI) exists to support the conservation professionals who preserve our cultural heritage.

As new Chair, I am excited to build on the amazing work already established by ICRI and its board, most recently led so expertly by Suzie Bioletti. ICRI is now one of the leading membership organizations in Ireland dedicated to the preservation of cultural material. Our role is vital and covers the entire breadth of the discipline -  upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.

I will be working with the team here to develop vibrant and engaging ways to advance our connectedness to our members, and the quality of the knowledge we gain and share in this process. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thanks to Susie Bioletti for her unwavering dedication and leadership of the Association over these last years. I look forward to continuing this  work and  meeting you all at some of our upcoming events over the coming year.

Best wishes

Muirne Lydon, National Gallery of Ireland, A-ICRI.