Following an Art History Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utrecht, I completed a two year Master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration of Furniture and Wooden Objects at the University of Amsterdam. Here I developed a diversity of academic-, scientific,- and practical skills.
After this I participated in a two year PI-phase in which I had the opportunity to participate in several conservation projects in the Netherlands and abroad such as at Nationaal Museum Paleis Het Loo (The Netherlands), Musée Des Arts Décoratifs (Paris) and at Plowden & Smith Ltd. (London).
These projects followed into a permanent contract as a furniture- and decorative art conservator at Plowden & Smith Ltd., who are the largest fine art and antique conservation company in the United Kingdom. Work has been carried out on a large number of objects for private collectors, auctions houses and museums.
Between 2018 and 2020 I had the pleasure to be employed by the Victoria & Albert Museum (London) as a conservator and prepared objects for the move of the museum’s storage towards East London. Active conservation treatments were carried out, alongside advice regarding transport and packaging options.
Since 2020 I have started my own private practice called "Westra Restauratie" which is based in The Hague in The Netherlands. From here I work for multiple Dutch museums and cultural institutes along projects for private clients.