History
The Willard family business was founded by Herbert Willard in 1923. The company began making conservation equipment in the 1950s when Herbert’s son Jack, an electrical engineer and toolmaker, produced the very first commercial Heated Spatula a young trainee conservator living in Chichester. This was soon followed by requests from other Conservators for additional tools and by the early 1960’s Jack had designed and manufactured the very first heated vacuum table, this was gradually followed by a range of tools and equipment built to meet specific conservation needs. Jack Willard passed away in 2007 at the age of 79. He dedicated most of his working life to the production of high quality, innovative products for the benefit of conservators and advancement of conservation around the world.

Today the company is managed by Paul Willard who joined his Father in the family business in the 1980’s, Paul continues with the very successful established products and is also dedicated to the origination of new products lines. Willard hand tools, suction equipment, easels, washing tables and other conservation technologies are used in leading museums, galleries and archives and in private studios of all sizes.

Commitment
Willard aims to work in close collaboration with conservators to expand and refine its existing range as well as finding answers to new challenges. For each conservation discipline the appropriate tools are available to ensure essential work is reliably carried out using reliable dedicated equipment. The company continues to be driven by the desire to produce the finest conservation tools & equipment.

As Paul Willard says “We have seen many companies and individuals ‘borrow’ our ideas over the years, they are simply driven by financial gain, whereas we are dedicated to the continued development of the best conservation tools in the world”

Products and Services
The ever widening range of products is hand crafted in Willard’s own workshops by a team of skilled engineers using the best available materials and components. It is therefore possible to offer a reliable servicing, re-calibration and maintenance operation. Another advantage of this ‘hands on’ approach is the ability to tailor equipment to precise needs. Willard offers a truly bespoke service, just ask.

Staying in touch
We are always happy to hear from you, whether it’s a query or a comment. By maintaining contact we can continue to deliver exactly what is required.