Meet the team

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  Kristine Rose-Beers
  Head of Conservation

  Kristine Rose-Beers
  Head of Conservation

  Kristine Rose-Beers is an accredited member of the Institute of Conservation. She is responsible for the conservation of a wide range of manuscript material at the Library. Kristine graduated from the Conservation programme at Camberwell College of Arts in 2002 before beginning work at Cambridge University Library, where her fascination with Islamic manuscript material was cemented. In 2008 she began work at the Chester Beatty Library as book conservator for the Turkish collection, and in 2011 Kristine was appointed Assistant Keeper (Conservator of Manuscripts and Printed Books) at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. After four years in Cambridge, Kristine’s passion for the unique Chester Beatty collections brought her back to Dublin in 2015.

  Kristine’s research interests include the conservation of Islamic manuscript material, early binding structures and the use of pigments and dyes in medieval manuscripts. She has taught and lectured internationally, and is a regular tutor at the Montefiascone Project in Italy. Kristine is also a member of ICRI and a member of the Board of Directors of The Islamic Manuscript Association.

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  Julia Poirier
  Book & Paper Conservator

  Julia Poirier
  Book & Paper Conservator

  Julia Poirier joined the team for a one-year Heritage Council Internship in 2012. Julia trained as a bookbinder in France before obtaining an MA in conservation of fine art, with a specialty on works of art on paper, from Northumbria University in Newcastle in 2010. After graduating, Julia worked as a paper conservator in private practices in Edinburgh as well as the special collection division of the University of Edinburgh, before joining the Derry and Raphoe Project conservation team in 2011.

  A growing personal interest in Islamic culture and material led her to visit countries including India and Uzbekistan. She also developed a strong interest in Japanese traditional conservation techniques and materials. She has attended workshops and placements with Japanese conservation experts and furthered her skills and travels by visiting Japan and traditional conservation studios and papermakers. Julia is an accredited member of the Institute of Conservator-Restorers in Ireland (ICRI) and currently the Membership Secretary. She is also a member of The Islamic Manuscript Association.

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  Sophie Coulthard
  Heritage Council Intern in Conservation

  Sophie Coulthard
  Heritage Council Intern in Conservation

  Sophie Coulthard became the Heritage Council Intern in Conservation at the Chester Beatty in November 2019. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London in August 2019 with an MA in Conservation, specialising in works of art on paper. Over the course of her studies Sophie undertook work placements at a range of paper conservation studios including those at the British Museum, National Maritime Museum, Museum Conservation Services and Bristol Museum of Art.

  Sophie has a background in the arts and spent 4 years studying Fine Art, with a major in painting, at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and University of Pennsylvania, USA. While there she worked part-time at the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, which introduced her to the world of conservation.

  Sophie is focused on developing her practical work, critical thinking and research skills. She is particularly interested in working with objects in unusual materials or formats and being involved with exhibition preparation.

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