About
Mégane Gimbret, conservator-restorer
I conserve paper and books. Letters, archives, drawings, prints, posters, manuscripts, bindings, wallpapers: fragile, often unique objects that carry a memory.
After a degree in art history at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, I trained in the conservation of works of art at ENSAV La Cambre in Brussels, specialising in paper and books. I graduated in 2021 with a master's awarded with great distinction.
My thesis was about the chemistry that makes paper age: “The stabilisation of cellulose oxidation by a reducing agent: what impact on the mechanical properties of old papers?” Understanding why a sheet yellows and turns brittle changes how you care for it.
I then worked at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, first as a restorer-binder, then preparing exhibitions. Today I treat and care for the collections of the MUMASK museum in Binche, and I teach at La Cambre, where I learned the profession.
How I work
Diagnose before treating
I only intervene once I understand the object: its technique, its materials, its history and its damage.
Do only what is needed
The aim is for the object to last, not to look new. I do only what is necessary.
Stay reversible
Japanese papers, starch paste: stable materials that can one day be removed without harm.
Keep a record
Every intervention is documented with photographs, so its history stays readable.
I follow the professional code of ethics for conservation-restoration set out by E.C.C.O., the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations.
Today
- Since 2024MUMASK, International Carnival and Mask Museum, Binche
- Conservation assistant, conservator and registrar: collection care, restoration, exhibition and loan preparation, climate monitoring.
- Since 2023ENSAV La Cambre, Brussels
- Assistant Professor in the conservation of works of art, paper and book specialisation: I supervise students' practical work in the studio.
- Since 2021Gimbret Restauration, Brussels
- Freelance conservator: conservation treatments on paper documents and books.
Before
- 2022 – 2024Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris
- In charge of preparing in-house exhibitions: display supports (polyester, plexiglass, brass, wood), framing of works on paper, installation, transport and housing.
- 2022Bibliothèque nationale de France, Bussy-Saint-Georges
- Restorer-binder: consolidation and restoration of paper and books, reconstruction of missing parts, replacement bindings in parchment, fills in paper pulp, treatment records.
- 2021KIK-IRPA, Haltinne castle
- Internship. Study of the historic wallpapers of a 17th-century castle: uncovering, stratigraphy, documentation.
- 2021City of Luxembourg museums
- Internship. Conservation of works on paper: condition reports, washing, lining, consolidation, fills.
- 2021City of Antwerp, Behoud en Beheer
- Treatments on paper and books, housing, exhibition supports, inventory.
- 2019Ateliers Saint-Martin, Paris
- Internship. Conservation of works on paper and books.
Training
- Master's in the conservation of works of art, paper and book, ENSAV La Cambre, 2021, with great distinction
- Bachelor's in conservation, paper and book, ENSAV La Cambre, 2019
- Degree in art history, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, 2015
- Mount-making for works of art, brazing and brass micro-welding, Musée du Louvre, 2023
- Aqueous methods and solvents for works on paper, with Paolo Cremonesi, 2019
- Treating iron-gall ink works, 2016
Languages
French, English, Spanish.
