Conservator
Conservators clean, repair and restore objects, artworks, books and manuscripts, and buildings of historical and cultural importance.
Also known as: Conservation officer
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£38,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 41 a week
What you'll do
As a conservator, you could:
- assess the condition of items and plan conservation options
- keep written and digital records before, during and after work
- analyse items like paintings, using scans, x-rays and microscopic examinations
- use scalpels, cotton swabs and solvents to clean objects
- repair antique books and historical manuscripts
- restore items using traditional craft skills and materials
- manage display and storage conditions, like temperature and humidity
- give talks and presentations to visitor groups and professionals
Working environment
You could work in a museum, in a workshop, in a laboratory, at a library or visit sites.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- an interest and knowledge of history
- knowledge of the fine arts
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a conservator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can study a subject related to the type of conservation work you want to do.
Examples of conservation specialisms include:
- fine art
- architecture and heritage
- archaeology
- books and paper
- textiles
- human customs and cultures
You can also do postgraduate qualifications in conservation after completing a first degree.
The Institute of Conservation (ICON) has details of universities offering degree and postgraduate courses .
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship . These include:
- Collections Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Cultural Heritage Conservator Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a postgraduate degree
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You may be able to move into certain types of conservation work if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, building conservation may be suitable if you're a qualified stonemason, plasterer or roofer.
You could also work as a collections technician in a museum or gallery, supporting conservation staff and curators. With further training, you could become a conservator.
Volunteering
You'll also have an advantage when looking for courses and jobs if you have work experience with a museum collection or at an historic site .
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior or principal conservator, managing a collections team.
You may have more opportunities for career development if you join a larger institution, like a national gallery or museum.
Other options include:
- research and teaching in higher education
- working with a commercial conservation company
- setting up as a freelance specialist, doing contract work on projects
Career tips
You could apply for The Institute of Conservation's internship programme . It can be a useful way to get practical experience after studying.
Guides for this industry
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