About us
Precision · Discretion · Expertise
Our Story
Gamma Conservation was founded by Galia Kirilova and Marie Miller, whose professional backgrounds in the conservation field and shared passion for art history brought the organisation to life. Together with Ricky Morrell and Dr Ivan Bonchev, they established a conservation studio based in London. With a team of highly skilled and long-standing conservators, Gamma Conservation now manages a wide range of projects across the United Kingdom and internationally.
Gamma was established with a two-fold purpose:
1. To deliver high-quality, conservation work that supports the long-term preservation, understanding, and value of artworks.
2. To increase the awareness of conservation through education initiatives and public engagement programmes.
We love working in conservation because it allows us to engage directly with artworks and their materiality, creating a rare and intimate connection with each object. Conservation can provide us with clearer insight into an artwork’s material history, revealing how it has been handled, how it has aged, and previous interventions that have shaped its journey.
By examining broken or deteriorating artworks and exploring how they were made, we can uncover the stories of their original makers, the lives of their owners, and the roles these objects had in shaping the experiences of their audiences. This greater understanding of an artwork’s history not only enriches our appreciation but also guides us in preserving it for future generations.
Gamma Conservation supports a diverse range of clients, including:
Our Team
Galia Kirilova
Co-Founder & CEO
Galia Kirilova is Co-Founder and CEO of Gamma Conservation, where she defines the practice’s strategic vision and direction. She combines a strong understanding of conservation with a clear awareness of the art market, ensuring that Gamma Conservation’s services respond effectively to the needs of private collectors and institutions.
At Gamma Conservation, Galia oversees business development, partnerships, and client strategy. She works closely with collectors, dealers, galleries, and auction houses to identify conservation priorities and deliver tailored, commercially informed solutions.
Marie Miller
Co-Founder & Director of Conservation Operations
Marie Miller is a Co-Founder of Gamma Conservation and plays a pivotal role in the strategic direction and daily delivery of the company’s conservation and collections care projects. She manages the London studio, oversees conservation logistics, and acts as a key bridge between the conservators and clients.
With a background in textiles and eighteenth-century material culture, Marie brings specialist knowledge to object assessment and treatment planning. Trained in conservation theory and ethics, she also leads the development of Gamma Education, supporting clients in the long-term understanding, care, and stewardship of their collections.
Ricky Morrell
Co-Founder & Finance Director
Ricky oversees Gamma’s financial management and strategic planning, ensuring the company’s operations run efficiently. He manages invoicing, contracts, and financial forecasting, providing the structural framework that supports the studio’s conservation projects.
He also manages programmes and projects, being Prince 2 qualified, working with insurers and other institutions.
Ricky shares a longstanding passion for Baroque art and conservation, which led him to co-found Gamma Conservation alongside Galia and Marie.
Dr. Ivan Bonchev
Strategic Partner
Dr. Ivan Bonchev is a Strategic Partner of Gamma Conservation, bringing specialist expertise in ancient art and numismatics alongside extensive leadership experience within the international art market.
He has over a decade of experience as Director of Apollo Auction and Orpheus Gallery, where he has managed, advised on, and authenticated significant historical collections. Holding a PhD in Classical Archaeology and Ancient Art from the University of Oxford, Dr. Bonchev combines rigorous academic research with practical market insight.
At Gamma Conservation, Dr Bonchev contributes strategic advice on ancient material, provenance, and collection context.
Our Values
Community and Collaboration
At Gamma, we believe that the best conservation happens when conservators, advisors, and clients are aligned in trust and purpose. We value each individual’s expertise and foster a collaborative environment where knowledge flows freely and ideas are exchanged. Our network encourages conservators from various specialities to share their insights, techniques, and experiences, enriching each other’s practice and ensuring the best outcomes for collections and cultural heritage.
Respect at Every Level
Respect is the foundation of how we work — respect for each other’s time, skills, and perspectives, as well as for our clients, their collections, and the history behind every object. We actively promote clear communication, honest feedback, and mutual support across all relationships.
Uncovering Hidden Histories
Conservation isn’t just a service—it is an act of cultural storytelling, where materiality can reveal the history and meaning embedded in every work of art. We approach each piece with sensitivity, curiosity, and respect for its cultural context and significance. Our work seeks to uncover layered histories and amplify diverse narratives, recognising that conservation is not about imposing a singular view of restoration, but about researching and honouring the communities, makers, and stories within every object.
Support and Empowerment
Gamma is a platform for conservators to grow. We invest in our people by providing the tools, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed and prosper. Together, we empower each other by sharing knowledge, supporting one another’s growth, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued. By lifting each other up, we not only empower our team but also strengthen the field of conservation as a whole.
Commitment to Conservation Standards and Ethics
Our work is guided by internationally recognised standards of best conservation practice, ensuring that treatment decisions respect the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of each object. We prioritise minimal intervention, employing reversible and stable methods that preserve an object’s integrity while allowing for future treatments. Combining scientifically informed techniques with art historical expertise, we can improve an object’s stability and appearance as discreetly as possible, without compromising authenticity or long-term preservation. Every stage, from examination to treatment, is meticulously documented with written reports and photographic records, in line with the Institute of Conservation’s (ICON) ethical guidelines.