Conservator

Conservators care for cultural collections and need to know how artefacts deteriorate, how to preserve them and how to give them a new lease of life

Depending on which area of conservation you're working in, you may be involved in treating objects directly - known as remedial conservation - to prevent deterioration, stabilise the object and undertake restoration (if appropriate).

Alternatively, you might focus on monitoring and controlling the environment in which collections are stored or displayed to prevent deterioration in the first place - this is known as preventive conservation. In some roles, you'll work on a combination of the two.

Conservators work in museums and galleries, historic properties, or archives and libraries. Work can be as an employee or on a freelance basis. You can also work in the private sector for a conservation practice.

Types of conservator

Conservators tend to specialise in an area of conservation, such as:

• archaeology
• archives
• ceramics and glass
• dynamic objects
• furniture and wood
• gilding and decorative surfaces
• historic interiors
• metals
• modern and contemporary art
• paintings
• paper and books
• photographic materials
• stained glass
• stone and wall paintings
• textiles.

Responsibilities

As a conservator, you'll need to:

• examine artefacts, both visually and using scientific tools such as x-rays, infrared photography and microscopic analysis, to determine the extent and causes of deterioration
• keep full conservation records by writing up notes on the object's condition and any previous restoration work that has been done
• produce a visual record of the object for identification purposes and to illustrate its condition
• monitor and record display and storage conditions in order to keep objects in a stable condition
• prepare treatment proposals and estimate the costs of treatments to prevent decay
• negotiate with colleagues to justify a proposed treatment regime
• organise the logistics of long-term projects and collaborate with other conservators
• work out creative solutions to clean, support and repair sensitive objects
• use a range of conservation instruments such as scalpels, cotton swabs, dental and carpentry tools, and solvents/adhesives
• recreate historically-accurate finishes, such as mixing traditional paints from scratch
• meticulously document any conservation work carried out
• develop and maintain appropriate professional standards within your specialist area
• collaborate with colleagues to ensure best practice in collections care and conservation
• contribute to ongoing catalogue publications
• clean and maintain specialist tools and equipment so they remain safe and ready to use
• undertake health and safety training relevant to your area of work
• keep up to date with the latest conservation techniques and practices through research and training.

You may also need to:

• host laboratory or site tours for school groups and other visitors
• deliver talks and presentations to amateur and professional audiences
• supervise volunteers, interns, junior conservation staff and students
• help with exhibitions and loans, including conducting condition reports and supporting storage, packing and installation
• advise other organisations on conservation issues
• accompany objects in transit to other locations
• handle fragile or decayed objects found during work in the field and on archaeological excavations
• get involved in advocacy work.

Salary

• According to The Institute of Conservation (Icon), salaries for conservators at the beginning of their career typically range from £25,483 to £32,000 (average £30,389).
• As a middle-ranking conservator, you can expect to earn between £35,885 and £46,704 (average £39,100). This rises to between £42,185 and £52,000 (average £48,103) for senior conservator roles.
• Icon recommends that these are minimum salary expectations. Based on their salary benchmarking, they recommend the following starting points for conservator salaries: early career - £32,000, mid-career - £46,704, and senior professionals - £52,000.

Salaries vary depending on your location, type of employer and contract, nature of the work, the level of responsibility, Icon accreditation and number of hours worked. Income for self-employed conservators may differ.

Salary levels are fairly consistent across all types of employer, although they may be slightly higher in the education sector and for some central government employers.

Salaries are typically higher for jobs based in Scotland, London and Wales, although the cost of living is also likely to be higher, particularly in London.

Income data from Icon (2025). Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are mainly 9am to 5pm, although you may do extra hours when working on site or to meet a project deadline.

What to expect

• Work is usually studio and laboratory-based with occasional field work. In museums and galleries, you'll typically supervise storage and display areas.
• Jobs are often available on short-term contracts or on a freelance basis. There may be little continuity of work, as contracts can range from three months up to five years, and terms can vary widely. Some staff are employed on specific independently-funded projects.
• It can be hard to find continuous work, especially during the early part of your career. You must be prepared to move to wherever you can find work.
• You may need to travel with objects or collections, which can mean time away from home.
• There are some opportunities to work abroad, particularly in Europe and the USA. Occasionally, work may be available on projects funded through international organisations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO).

Qualifications

A degree in conservation, followed by work-based development, is a typical entry route into the profession. Related subjects, usually in the arts or sciences, are also useful. Relevant subjects include:

• archaeology or archive and museum studies
• art conservation or art history
• ceramics and glass
• chemistry, biology or biochemistry
• fine art or visual art
• materials science, technology and metallurgy
• paper conservation or book arts
• textile technology.

If your first degree isn't in conservation, you'll usually need a postgraduate degree in the subject. Postgraduate courses typically require at least a 2:1 degree, although some course providers accept a 2:2. Some courses allow entry without a first degree if you have equivalent experience and skills. GCSE or A-level chemistry or equivalent is required for entry on to some courses.

Postgraduate courses often focus on a particular conservation specialism such as stained glass, easel painting, textiles or paper, for example, or more generally on the conservation of archaeological and museum objects. Some courses may ask you to submit a portfolio of work.

The conservation profession is highly qualified and many conservators hold either a Masters degree or a PhD. Search for postgraduate conservation courses.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate courses that teach Icon's professional standards in conservation are listed at Icon - Directory of conservation programmes.

There are many disciplines of conservation and it's important to find out which you are most suited to. Before choosing a course, make sure that it meets your career needs and areas of interest. Also, visit conservation studios and talk to practising conservators.

Entry to areas of conservation using materials such as stone or large metalwork tends to be via work-based development in the form of an apprenticeship or internship.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• a strong interest in, and knowledge of, cultural objects and their historical context
• an understanding of the importance of heritage conservation and its context
• observational skills
• computer literacy
• excellent communication skills, tact and diplomacy
• analytical and problem-solving skills
• patience and attention to detail
• the ability to plan and prioritise your own workload, work to deadlines and set achievable goals
• project management skills
• good team work and collaborating skills
• a flexible and adaptable approach to work
• self-motivation and the ability to manage an independent workload
• business awareness in order to work to a budget and cost projects
• administration skills to record and document work
• tenacity and a commitment to the profession.

You'll also need good manual dexterity, for handling fragile objects and using a range of specialist conservation tools, and good colour perception.

Work experience

Entry into the profession (and on to postgraduate courses) is competitive and you'll need relevant work experience. Make the most of your course and the contacts you make during your studies. Some courses, for example, include work placements, which will help develop your practical skills and your network of contacts.

Seek out voluntary opportunities to build your knowledge and skills and contact conservation laboratories or professional conservators in your area to ask if you can visit or shadow them. Becoming a student member of Icon and attending conferences and events can also help you make new contacts.

Relevant work experience opportunities may be available with organisations such as:

• national and local museums, galleries and archives
• heritage organisations
• historic houses
• collecting institutes, such as archaeological repositories
• archaeological sites.

Paid internship opportunities are available through the Icon Internship Programme (IIP). Internships involve work-based learning alongside experienced practitioners and help to bridge the gap between training and a first job for new conservation graduates. Work-based training placements are advertised by employers on the Icon website. Icon internships must pay a minimum of £17,000 per year (or the equivalent pro rata).

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Conservators are employed by museums and galleries in both the public and private sectors. These range from small, independent or specialist museums, which rely mainly on volunteers, to large national institutions, which employ large teams of specialist staff.

Typical employers include:

• national museums and galleries, which receive central government funding
• municipal organisations, which may fall under the leisure/cultural services department of the local authority
• university galleries or museums
• central government
• libraries and archives
• charities
• independent organisations, which may have a more commercial emphasis and are likely to use freelance conservators
• heritage bodies, such as English Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Wales and the National Trust, which employ a small number of conservation staff
• regimental museums and armouries
• Historic Royal Palaces - an independent charity managing six unoccupied royal palaces
• private conservation studios and practices.

If you're working as a self-employed freelance conservator, you may have any of the above as clients, as well as art dealers, auction houses, the antiques trade and private collectors.

Look for job vacancies at:

• The Institute of Conservation (Icon)
• The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) - includes overseas jobs.
• Museums Association - Find a Job - you need to register to view jobs.
• Museum Jobs
• National Museum Directors' Council (NMDC) Jobs

Vacancies may also be advertised on conservation course noticeboards. Course lecturers may also have useful contacts.

Professional development

There's no formal structure to continuing professional development and most conservators learn on the job, building up experience through internships or working as an assistant to an experienced conservator to gain practical experience.

With experience, you can apply for Icon Accreditation to become an Accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR). Achieving ACR shows that you've got a high degree of competence, as well as in-depth knowledge of the principles underpinning conservation practice. Icon accreditation is based on an in-depth peer assessment process, during which you must show that you've met the proficient level of Icon's Professional Standards.

You must be a pathway member of Icon to become accredited and will be supported by a mentor as you work towards the accreditation application and assessment process. As an ACR, you are eligible to join Icon's Register of Accredited Members.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of becoming and remaining accredited. CPD activities can include attending courses, conferences, seminars and other events, reading publications, undertaking teaching, training or research and getting involved in specialist groups and networks.

Icon provides advice on training and CPD and has a directory of short courses and events. There may be grants available to support training and CPD.

Courses and events in specialist areas may also be available from relevant organisations, such as the:

• Archives & Records Association (UK & Ireland)
• British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association (BAFRA)
• British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers
• British Horological Institute
• Institute of Conservator-Restorers in Ireland (ICRI)

Career prospects

Conservation departments in museums have been subject to funding cuts in recent years, with smaller, regional museums taking the brunt of the cutbacks. There are few permanent posts available, except in national museums, and many jobs are on fixed-term contracts, dependent on funding.

Competition for jobs is fierce with some work subcontracted out to private practices. However, the skills and expertise of conservators are still highly sought after by employers and there are more opportunities in project and private sector work.

Museum conservation departments may employ only one or two conservators, so even if you manage to gain a full-time permanent post you can expect only limited promotion prospects. However, promotion to higher grades may be possible in larger institutions such as the British Museum or The National Gallery. 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.