About Fred Van de Walle
Fred Van de Walle is a cultural heritage specialist and marine archaeological conservator with over 25 years directing conservation programmes for major public institutions, national collections, and private sector clients across five continents.
From directing conservation for the world's deepest commercial shipwreck excavation at 4,700m, to leading a 40-strong conservation team for Singapore's National Heritage Board, to advising on fakes, forgeries and provenance in the Chinese art market — Holmes Heritage Consulting brings a broad depth of senior experience to every engagement.
Based in Greifensee, Zürich, Switzerland. Swiss Permit C. Available for director, consultancy, and project-based engagements in Switzerland and internationally.
Qualifications
MA in Conservation — Hogeschool Antwerpen, Belgium, 2000
BASc in Conservation of Marine Archaeological Materials — EVTEK Institute of Art and Design, Finland, 2002
Postgraduate Certificate in Art Crime & Cultural Heritage Protection — ARCA, Amelia, Italy, 2015
SVQ Level 4 Management — Scottish Qualifications Authority, 2006
Certified Management Drives Trainer — Management Drives Belgium, 2019
Certified Leadership Coach and Management Assessor
Crucial Conversations — VitalSmarts, Zürich, 2020
References
"Simply put, Fred is the most professional conservator I have seen in action in the last 20 years." — Dr Sean Kingsley, Director, Wreck Watch International (2011 & 2021)
"Frederick is one of the most able and knowledgeable conservators I have met in any field of museum conservation." — Dr Tom Flynn, Art Market & Museum Studies, Kingston University London (2015)
"I cannot recommend him highly enough." — Dr Theo Skinner BSc DipCon PhD, Conservator Marine & Wetland Archaeology, National Museums of Scotland
Full reference letters available on request — frederickvdw@gmail.com