Museum/gallery conservator
Museum/gallery conservators care for cultural collections by applying scientific methods to preserve and restore artefacts. Their work mainly involves monitoring and controlling the environment in which collections are stored or displayed to prevent deterioration. They may also work to restore individual objects directly.
Conservators may also be involved in conservation science and preventive conservation and may manage laboratories or have individual research interests.
Some conservators are generalists, applying conservation techniques to a range of objects, while others specialise in any one of the following areas: archaeology; ceramics and glass; furniture and wood; gilding and decorative surfaces; historic interiors; metals; paintings; paper and books; photographic materials; stained glass; stone and wall paintings; or textiles.
These include:
Other areas of work may include:
A degree in conservation, followed by work-based development, is a typical entry route to the profession. Most degree courses focus on conservation of fine art or objects and archaeology. In general, there is very little conservation training in areas such as furniture, stained glass, textiles and books.
It is also possible to enter the profession with a degree in a related subject, usually in the arts or sciences. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:
A relevant postgraduate qualification is essential if your first degree is not in conservation. Postgraduate courses normally require at least a 2:1 degree, although some allow entry without a first degree if you have equivalent experience and skills. A-level chemistry or equivalent is also required for entry to some postgraduate courses.
Courses may be generalist or may enable you to specialise in a certain subject area, such as paper, painting, textiles or ceramics conservation. A directory of full-time and part-time accredited postgraduate courses can be found on The Institute of Conservation (Icon) website, along with details of potential sources of funding.
Entry to areas of conservation using materials such as stone, large metalwork, archives or natural history is via work-based development in the form of an apprenticeship or internship.
Before applying to postgraduate courses, it is important to visit conservation studios, talk to practising conservators and work shadow if possible. There are many disciplines of conservation and it is important to find out first which you are most suited to.
Science is an increasingly important aspect of conservation work and many applicants for courses have already achieved the distance-learning module Chemistry for Conservators, run by International Academic Projects .
Work experience in a museum is also highly beneficial. See the Museums Association - Volunteering Opportunities for advice on finding volunteering opportunities. The Museums and Galleries Yearbook provides contact details of UK museums and galleries and can be useful when making speculative applications.
Conservators will need to show evidence of the following:
Work-based development is vital for entry to the profession. Icon internships are available through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund . Internships involve work-based learning alongside experienced practitioners and help to bridge the gap between training and a first job for new conservation graduates. They also provide opportunities for those without conventional conservation training to enter the workforce. Icon recommends that interns undertaking work-based training are paid a stipend of £15,500.
Work-based training placements are advertised by employers on the Icon website. Members who are searching for a placement can advertise their training needs as well as view employer placements.
Membership of Icon is also useful for showing your commitment to the profession. Student membership is available to students and trainees.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
There is no formal structure to training and most conservators learn on the job, initially taking one-year internships or working as an assistant to a fully experienced conservator to gain practical experience.
Work-based learning via The Institute of Conservation (Icon) internship scheme (available through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund ) is open to both recent graduates and others with relevant skills.
Substantial work experience is needed before a conservator is considered competent. The principal professional qualification for conservators is the Professional Accreditation of Conservators-Restorers (PACR) scheme, which ensures that a conservator is a fully qualified and capable professional, applying a common standard across the profession regardless of specialism. This is usually applied for after five years' experience for those with a conservation degree or postgraduate conservation qualification (or after eight to ten years' experience working in conservation, including practical training). For further details, see the Conservation Register and the PACR section of the Icon website.
Icon also provides advice about training and professional development, including a directory of short courses.
Other specialist professional qualifications are available, including fellowship of The British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers and membership of the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association (BAFRA) .
It is usual for people to spend several years undertaking internships and short-term contract work before gaining a permanent museum/gallery position. There has been a move within the industry towards more short-term contracts and fewer permanent positions. Those keen to improve their promotion or salary prospects may therefore need to be prepared to move jobs and sometimes to relocate.
Museum conservation departments may employ only one or two conservators, so even those who manage to gain a full-time permanent post can expect only limited promotion prospects. Promotion to higher grades may be possible in larger laboratories, for example, in national institutions such as the National Gallery , The British Museum and the National Museums Liverpool . Such promotion tends to lead to management roles with little or no practical work.
Many conservators work either as self-employed freelancers or within private studios, and contract out their services. Networking skills, a proven track record and a portfolio of work are essential for this type of work. Membership of a professional body such as The Institute of Conservation (Icon) will offer opportunities to network, for example at seminars and conferences, and to enhance skills through sharing knowledge and continuing professional development (CPD). The Conservation Register provides information on the businesses of accredited conservator-restorers in the UK and Ireland.
There are some opportunities to work abroad, particularly in Europe and the USA. Opportunities are listed on The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works website. Occasionally, work may be available on projects funded through international organisations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) .
There are over 2,500 museums and galleries in the UK. These range from small, independent or specialist museums, which rely mainly on volunteers, to large national institutions, which employ large teams of specialist staff. There are museums and art galleries in both the public and private sectors. Typical employers include:
Self-employed freelance conservators may include any of the above as clients and may also work for art dealers, auction houses, the antiques trade and private collectors.
Conservation departments in museums have been severely cut back in recent years. With the exception of national museums, full-time, permanent posts (and even part-time posts) for conservators in museums are comparatively few and there is fierce competition for all posts. Provincial museums have taken the brunt of the cutbacks. In some instances conservation laboratories have been closed and replaced with area services that provide assessment services and then subcontract the practical conservation work to private practices. However, there have been corresponding increases in the availability of project and private sector work.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet