Furniture conservator/restorer : Job description

Furniture conservators or restorers are involved in the preservation and restoration of antique and modern furniture by using practical and scientific restoration techniques. They also advise on the storage and protection of the furniture.

The relationship between conservation and restoration is complex and depends on the purpose and utility of the piece. Conservation involves ensuring that items retain their original features; restoration may involve the use of new materials to protect and update existing features.

Furniture conservators or restorers may specialise in a particular type or period of furniture. There is scope to work in museums or in a private business, or be self-employed. Self-employed conservators must also manage their own marketing, financial and business activities. They may go on to work in the antiques sector.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary according to the particular piece of furniture being treated and the needs of the customer and will also depend on whether you are self-employed, working for a museum or heritage organisation, or employed in a private business.

Typical activities include:

• liaising with clients to discuss and agree on the conservation and/or restoration of a piece of furniture;
• communicating with the client about the sometimes complex treatment processes involved;
• observing and assessing the state of a piece of furniture to decide on the best way to restore or conserve it;
• combining specialist knowledge of furniture with practical techniques in order to prolong and protect the survival of a piece of furniture;
• taking photographs of pieces of furniture and their components and maintaining detailed records of their condition and special features before and after work is carried out;
• providing photographs and other records for clients when work is complete;
• working closely with a range of materials and equipment in precise and detailed ways during the conservation and restoration process;
• applying preventative measures in relation to environmental, biological and human conditions, in order to protect and preserve furniture;
• sourcing materials for use in the conservation and restoration process;
• keeping up to date with research and developments in equipment and techniques;
• travelling to a variety of locations to work on pieces in situ;
• working on a number of projects concurrently;
• providing advice and information on conservation and restoration issues to the public.