For Joanne Rogers, a passion for history and preservation has been a guiding light throughout her career. Now a Customer Service Assistant with Leicester Museums Service, part of Leicester City Council, Joanne has her sights set on a new horizon: working directly with historic collections. With the support of the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC), she is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln, bringing her closer to fulfilling her professional aspirations.
A Love for History, Sparked Early
Joanne grew up in Kingswinford, a town in the West Midlands, where her interest in history began to take root. She attended Summerhill School before continuing her education at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge. In 2002, she moved to Leicester to study a BA in History of Art, Architecture, and Design at De Montfort University. This foundational degree ignited her passion for preserving the beauty and integrity of historical objects, setting the stage for her current studies.
Diving into Conservation Studies
Joanne’s postgraduate course at the University of Lincoln focuses on the complex science and ethics of conservation.
“The course covers the conservation and preservation of historic objects, learning the science behind the types of deterioration an object may undergo throughout its life and how to identify these issues,” Joanne explains.
“We’ve also learned how to halt further deterioration and consolidate the object for future display – whether it’s in a museum, part of a private collection, or in storage. My studies have taught me about the ethical considerations in handling objects and the importance of meticulous documentation of any treatments they undergo.”
Her enthusiasm for the subject is evident: “I’ve loved the course so far. I’m looking forward to working on a more complex object and learning how to conserve it.”
Balancing Education and a Museum Career
With 18 years of experience in museum operations, Joanne is well-versed in the sector. However, she hopes her new qualification will allow her to shift into a collections-based role. “I hope that when I finish my course, I will be able to put all that I have learned into practice, caring for museum objects.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to afford to join this course and develop my knowledge without the support of STWLC”
Discovering Support from STWLC
Pursuing postgraduate education while balancing professional and personal responsibilities isn’t always easy, but Joanne found invaluable support through STWLC.
She first heard about the Charity from a colleague and describes the experience as seamless and supportive. “It has been a wonderful process. Getting everything sorted has been straight-forward. I’m dyslexic and find forms quite challenging, but the correspondence with Sarah Hope and the Charity has been really helpful,” she shares.
Making the Impossible Possible
Joanne credits STWLC’s interest-free education loan for enabling her to pursue her studies. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford to join this course and develop my knowledge without the support of STWLC,” she says.
When asked if she would recommend the charity to others, her response is emphatic:
“Absolutely. The charity has played an important role in my journey, and I would definitely recommend it to others.”
Looking Ahead
As Joanne continues her studies, she looks forward to deepening her expertise and transitioning into a new chapter of her career. Her journey – from a childhood in Kingswinford to her current role in Leicester’s museums – shows the power of determination, passion, and support from organisations like STWLC.
If, like Joanne, you’re considering a return to university for a postgraduate course, click here to learn more about our education loans. They are completely interest-free for nine years, with no repayments required in the first three.
