The Full Story
KURA
Our ethos is rooted in the philosophy of the word Kura across cultures. In Japanese, Kura (蔵 or 倉) refers to traditional storehouses used for preserving food, valuables, and important cultural items. In Te Reo Māori, Kura has multiple meanings all linked to heritage, knowledge, and education. In Greek, Kura (Κουρά) means healing or care, relating to concepts of well-being.
At KuraLab, this symbolic and functional meaning informs every aspect of our approach: thoughtful preservation, purposeful planning, and long-term stewardship.
Our Expertise
KuraLab was founded by Katerina Laina, A-ICRI and Tamar Maor, ACR, who met while working at Tate. Together they have worked across the globe for leading institutions, organisations, and collectors sharing their skills and expertise.
Tamar holds a BSc in Neuroscience and an MA and MSc in Conservation from UCL. She was a sculpture conservator at TATE for 10 years before setting up a private studio in Houston in 2018, and in London in 2021. Tamar has published on unbound pigment, the performative nature of installation, and her practical research in the development of the NanoRestore Gels. Tamar is an ICON accredited conservator and a Professional Member of AIC.
Katerina holds a BA in Conservation and an MSc in Sustainable Heritage from UCL. She spent 8 years as a paper conservator at TATE before taking on the role as Collection Care Manager for the Parliamentary Archives. She is an ICRI accredited conservator.
They have focused their knowledge of preventive conservation and keen interest in technology and innovation into KuraLab with the aim of bringing collections care and risk management to a wider audience.
Katerina & Tamar have worked for the following institutions, in addition to many other galleries and private collectors:
TATE, Houses of Parliament, Science Museum, V&A, Horniman Museum, British Library, Arts Council Collection, British Council Collection, The Design Museum, Guggenheim
Values
Preservation with Purpose – We believe that every collection, whether private or institutional, deserves thoughtful and effective care to ensure its longevity and historical significance.
Empowerment through Knowledge – We make expert-led collection care available to all, offering tailored solutions that meet the needs of diverse clients.
Sustainability – Our conservation strategies incorporate eco-friendly practices that align with responsible stewardship of cultural heritage.
Expertise and Innovation – With decades of professional experience, we provide cutting-edge solutions while staying true to traditional conservation principles.
Cultural Respect and Adaptability – We recognise and honour the diverse meanings of heritage across cultures, ensuring that our approach is adaptable and respectful of different traditions and needs.
Mission
At KuraLab, we are dedicated to empowering collectors and institutions with practical, sustainable, and expert-driven solutions for preserving their valuable collections. Inspired by the concept of "Kura" across cultures, we blend the wisdom of heritage preservation with modern accessibility, ensuring that cultural treasures remain protected for future generations. Our mission is to make professional collection care approachable, actionable, and environmentally responsible, bridging the gap between high conservation standards and real-world practicality.
