Simon Gillespie Conservation and Restoration Studio is situated in Cleveland Street in the heart of London's new art district, Fitzrovia. The studio is within easy walking distance of Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams and many of London's most prestigious galleries.
Our client list is extensive and includes leading auction houses, galleries and a large private client base. In addition, we are the first point of contact for museums without their own conservation departments.
Simon Gillespie
Simon has been a solid figure in London's art industry for over twenty-five years. Simon has an unerring eye when analysing paintings. Initially trained as a cabinet maker, Simon's passion for creative arts combined with a love of antiques led him
into the world of restoration and conservation. Simon began a three year apprenticeship specialising in the conservation of old master paintings following which he studied chemistry in order to scientifically analyse and understand the structure of a picture.
Over the last 10 years Simon has devoted much of his time in building upon his conservation knowledge within the contemporary scene. Simon is now a leading figure within both the old master and contemporary conservation market. In response to working closely with contemporary artists, Simon is often asked to advise on the durability and capability of
mixing modern materials, combined with sometimes 'strange' techniques. In addition to the conservation and restoration work, Simon also works closely with private collectors; advising on their collections and how to expand upon them. Overall, Simon's wide-ranging knowledge and expertise forms a valuable part of any prospective purchase which involves a full inspection of the work and a detailed condition report.
Leonie Ainapore – Head Restorer
BA (Hons) in History of Art & History, Westfield College, University of London
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings, Courtauld Institute of Art
Leonie has over sixteen years restoration and conservation experience and has been a key figure within the studio for over four years. Leonie began her career with an internship at the Victoria & Albert museum and has worked for a number of private studios, museums and institutions, including The Tate and The National Trust.
As part of her restoration and conservation training Leonie studied the process of infrared reflectography and the digital processing of infrared reflectograms.
Leonie has a particular interest in portraiture, from the early Tudors and Elizabethan period to modern and contemporary pieces. In addition to her work in the studio Leonie has produced children's book illustrations and enjoys practising in oils.
Maria-Giulia Caccia-Dominioni – Restorer
BA (Hons) in Fine Art & Restoration, The Accademia Aldo Galli, Como, Italy
Maria-Guilia has been a firm fixture in the studio since joining in 2002. Following her training at The Accademia she was particularly drawn to the old master technique of fresco painting and spent several years of extensive training in painting and conservation in Italy before moving to London. At the studio Maria-Guilia has extensive experience working
with easel paintings of all types. She works on old masters but more particularly enjoys working on contemporary pieces and the challenges presented by new materials.
Maria-Guilia has always had a love for art and particularly likes etchings and prints. Growing up in Italy, art has run in Maria-Guilia's large family for generations with many of her relations working as artists, restorers and architects.
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Simon Gillespie Conservation and Restoration Studio is situated in Cleveland Street in the heart of London's new art district, Fitzrovia. The studio is within easy walking distance of Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams and many of London's most prestigious galleries.
Our client list is extensive and includes leading auction houses, galleries and a large private client base. In addition, we are the first point of contact for museums without their own conservation departments.
Simon Gillespie
Simon has been a solid figure in London's art industry for over twenty-five years. Simon has an unerring eye when analysing paintings. Initially trained as a cabinet maker, Simon's passion for creative arts combined with a love of antiques led him into the world of restoration and conservation. Simon began a three year apprenticeship specialising in the conservation of old master paintings following which he studied chemistry in order to scientifically analyse and understand the structure of a picture.
Over the last 10 years Simon has devoted much of his time in building upon his conservation knowledge within the contemporary scene. Simon is now a leading figure within both the old master and contemporary conservation market. In response to working closely with contemporary artists, Simon is often asked to advise on the durability and capability of image of Simon Gillespie (then) mixing modern materials, combined with sometimes 'strange' techniques. In addition to the conservation and restoration work, Simon also works closely with private collectors; advising on their collections and how to expand upon them. Overall, Simon's wide-ranging knowledge and expertise forms a valuable part of any prospective purchase which involves a full inspection of the work and a detailed condition report.
Leonie Ainapore – Head Restorer
BA (Hons) in History of Art & History, Westfield College, University of London
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings, Courtauld Institute of Art
Leonie has over sixteen years restoration and conservation experience and has been a key figure within the studio for over four years. Leonie began her career with an internship at the Victoria & Albert museum and has worked for a number of private studios, museums and institutions, including The Tate and The National Trust.
As part of her restoration and conservation training Leonie studied the process of infrared reflectography and the digital processing of infrared reflectograms.
Leonie has a particular interest in portraiture, from the early Tudors and Elizabethan period to modern and contemporary pieces. In addition to her work in the studio Leonie has produced children's book illustrations and enjoys practising in oils.
Maria-Giulia Caccia-Dominioni – Restorer
BA (Hons) in Fine Art & Restoration, The Accademia Aldo Galli, Como, Italy
Maria-Guilia has been a firm fixture in the studio since joining in 2002. Following her training at The Accademia she was particularly drawn to the old master technique of fresco painting and spent several years of extensive training in painting and conservation in Italy before moving to London. At the studio Maria-Guilia has extensive experience working with easel paintings of all types. She works on old masters but more particularly enjoys working on contemporary pieces and the challenges presented by new materials.
Maria-Guilia has always had a love for art and particularly likes etchings and prints. Growing up in Italy, art has run in Maria-Guilia's large family for generations with many of her relations working as artists, restorers and architects.
Natalie Kurz – Restorer
Diploma in Conservation & Restoration of paintings - State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart
Natalie is our most recent member of the team and joined our studio in July 2008. Natalie began her career specialising in medieval polychrome sculptures where she often worked onsite in drafty and cold churches! Her training began with the City Museum of Ulm and the State Museum of Württenberg, Stuttgart. Natalie later specialised in 17th century Dutch paintings and late 16th/early 17th century Italian easel paintings, depicting scenes of a religious and mythological nature. However, Natalie's real passion is for modern and contemporary German art and she is interested in the different techniques and applied materials adopted by contemporary artists.
Aside from the conservation and restoration work, Natalie is also a keen illustrator and produces private watercolour illustrations for children.
Jacqueline Hillier – Studio Manager
Jacqueline joined the studio in March 2007 having spent over ten years in the public relations and marketing industry. Jacqueline is responsible for the day-to-day running of the studio and forms an essential part of our client facing activity. Working closely with our restorers Jacqueline is also responsible for building up research on artists and their techniques.
Jacqueline has always had an interest in the arts and is currently undertaking a BA in History of Art at Birkbeck University, London.
When Jacqueline is not deskbound, she enjoys practising art, photography and has a passion for cooking. She has even appeared on our television screens during the first series of Masterchef Goes Large and battled her way through various culinary rounds; one of which saw her cooking in the kitchens of The Almeida restaurant in Islington. She now keeps a close eye on our waistlines in the studio!
