Furniture conservator/restorer : Employers and vacancy sources

Typical employers include:

• furniture restoration companies;
• museums;
• auction houses;
• historical and heritage sites, such as stately homes;
• antique dealers.

It can be challenging to gain work in museums and entry may depend on the type of qualification you have. Some of the major museums run internship schemes for candidates with relevant degrees. These are usually unpaid positions and entry can be very competitive.

Working for antique dealers is usually more pressured than other types of employment because of the highly commercial nature of the antiques field. Salary levels are often lower in this area, although some restorers work on a profit share basis and may work for several dealers.

Self-employed conservators and restorers work for members of the public and other clients who require specialist skills to protect and preserve individual pieces of furniture. When you are starting out, it is advisable to take on all the jobs customers offer, even if they are relatively small-scale. This is an important way to build up a reputation and develop a client base.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Jobs File, available to members through The Institute of Conservation (Icon) , which also offers internships.
• Museum Jobs , Museums Association (MA)  and the websites of individual museums.
• Guardian Jobs  
• Websites of heritage organisations such as the National Trust , National Trust for Scotland  and English Heritage  
• Websites of auction houses.
• Furniture restoration/design course notice boards/members of staff.

Targeted, speculative applications may also be useful, particularly for work experience.

For self-employed furniture conservators and restorers, networking and establishing a reputation are central to securing work. Directories such as the Conservation Register  and BAFRA Directory may be useful. The British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA)  also has a list of companies dealing in furniture.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.