Case studies: Senior conservator/restorer: John

Communication is as essential a part of the job as technical ability – it’s part of the conservator’s role to describe what’s possible and also to advise on what’s appropriate, which may require the conservator to act as an advocate on the object’s behalf.

I didn’t carry on into further education, but left school with no clear career plan. I started an apprenticeship at a local furniture making firm - the son of the owner had trained in furniture restoration at West Dean College, and was establishing that side of the business. Fortunately although unplanned, it was and is a career I enjoy. I’ve been working for over 25 years, and during that time the emphasis has become more on conservation and less on restoration, although in practice most objects being treated require both.

As a company, we carry out furniture conservation/restoration for the National Trust and other heritage organisations. In order to stay in this work, and for my own personal development, I applied (successfully) for accreditation with The Institute of Conservation (Icon). I was aware of my lack of academic training and felt the need to formalise my position as a conservator/restorer. An important part of the accreditation process is continuing professional development, to meet the areas highlighted by the assessors, and I undertook an MA in Preventive Conservation, via part time distance learning with Northumbria University. I’ve found this very useful and would strongly recommend a good grounding in preventive conservation. Part of the course was working with a heritage organisation and I worked with the National Trust. This has been of lasting benefit, as it gave me a much better understanding of the needs and concerns of a heritage organisation, and balanced my working life in private practice.

The job has changed. When I started, I was working full time at the bench, now at least a quarter and sometimes more of my time is spent away from the bench. I carry out condition reports, assessing pieces of furniture and some architectural woodwork, drawing up treatment plans, discussing options with clients, costing these, carrying out the work and finally recording the work done. The skills necessary for clear and accurate recording are vital, and these elements of the job have grown in importance.

I enjoy most parts of my job and it has many aspects. In addition to writing reports and working out of treatment options, there’s satisfaction to be gained from solving complex problems. I still find it pleasing to reassemble a pile of broken fragments into a united whole, and working with clients over a long period of time is also enjoyable.

Less pleasurable parts of the job are those arising from economic pressures, the need to work to very tight deadlines and the necessity for better marketing and promotion of our skills and services. I’d like my career to continue to be a balance between private practice and working with heritage organisations, ideally on large projects.