The Wilson Conservation Studio is a fully-equipped, paper conservation studio in the Cadbury Research Library. Qualified conservators look after all aspects of the preservation of the collections. They also provide advice for other collections of the University.
Conservation of Special Collections is divided into two complementary approaches: preventive conservation, which reduces the risk across the whole collection and interventive conservation, which treats individual items when specialist work is required. Preventive conservation is the most important form of care because it benefits the whole collection. Each year, a small proportion of the material held in Special Collections is treated in the conservation studio. Treatment may be required because an item is going on display, is at risk of further deterioration through handling in the reading room, or is a recent acquisition that needs conservation before it can be safely stored and used.
Careers in Conservation
Conservation of cultural heritage is a challenging and rewarding career with many specialisms. Conservators need good manual dexterity, strong studio discipline, patience, effective communication skills, a calm approach to problem-solving, and curiosity about history and material culture. If you are considering a career in the conservation of cultural heritage, the information below will help you to get started.
The Institute of Conservation (ICON) is the UK professional body for conservation. Its website provides information on training, internships and jobs: ICON. The Global Conservation Forum is an international discussion list where subscribers post questions, jobs, internships, conferences and courses.
The standard career path is to complete a postgraduate course in one of the conservation disciplines. Conservators may have undergraduate degrees in the arts or sciences, as the field combines art, history, chemistry, and practical skills. Newly-qualified conservators often begin with paid internships or entry-level roles. Competition can be strong, so flexibility about location is often important. Opportunities also exist overseas. In the UK, conservators work in national and regional museums, archives, heritage organisations, universities, and private practice. Employers include the British Library, the British Museum, the V&A, The National Archives, the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, and English Heritage.
Selected UK Conservation Training Courses
- Hamilton Kerr Institute, University of Cambridge - Master of Conservation of Easel Paintings.
- Cardiff University - MSc Conservation Practice (conversion course).
- City and Guilds of London Art School - BA (Hons) Conservation: Books & Paper; DipHE Conservation: Books & Paper.
- The Courtauld Institute - MA Conservation of Easel Paintings.
- Durham University - MA Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Professional Practice).
- Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage, University of Glasgow - MPhil Book & Archival Materials Conservation and Paper Conservation; MPhil Textile Conservation.
- University of Lincoln - BA (Hons) Conservation of Cultural Heritage; MA Conservation of Cultural Heritage.
- University College London - MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media; MSc Conservation for Archaeology and Museums; MA Principles of Conservation.
- Northumbria University - MA Conservation of Fine Art (Works of Art on Paper / Easel Paintings); MA Preventive Conservation (distance learning).
- West Dean College, University of Sussex - MA Conservation Studies.
- Centre for Conservation Studies, University of York - MA International Conservation Studies; MA Stained-Glass Conservation and Heritage Management; MA Conservation of Historic Buildings.
Useful Conservation Resources