Conservator

To become a Conservator, you typically don’t need specific subjects, but a strong foundation in relevant subjects and skills can be beneficial for pursuing this career. Conservators are professionals who preserve and restore cultural and artistic artefacts, such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, and historical objects. Here are some relevant subjects:

1. Art and Art History: Art and Art History courses can provide a foundational understanding of art techniques, styles, and history, which are crucial for conserving and restoring artwork.
2. Chemistry: A basic understanding of chemistry can be valuable for conservators, especially when dealing with the chemical properties of materials, pigments, and restoration processes.
3. Biology: Knowledge of biological processes can be relevant when conserving organic materials, such as textiles or taxidermy specimens.
4. Physics: Some conservation work involves understanding the physical properties of materials and their reactions to environmental conditions.
5. History: History courses can help you understand the historical context of artifacts and the preservation of cultural heritage.
6. Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills are essential for measuring, calculating proportions, and documenting conservation processes.
7. English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary for documenting conservation treatments, writing reports, and communicating with colleagues and clients.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering

University

The subject you study will depend on the type of conservation you want to work in.

Examples of conservation specialisms include:

• fine art
• buildings and heritage
• archaeology
• books and paper
• textiles
• human customs and cultures

There are also specialist degrees, diplomas and postgraduate qualifications in conservation.

Apprenticeship

You can start out by doing a cultural heritage conservation technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to qualify.

You could also apply for a cultural heritage conservator degree apprenticeship if you have the right experience and qualifications.

Work

You may be able to move into certain kinds 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.

If you want to specialise in conservation of crafts, like stained glass, decorative stonework or metalwork, you’re more likely to build up your skills and experience in work.

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a useful way to get practical experience after studying.

You’ll have an advantage when looking for courses and jobs if you have work experience at a museum collection or historic site.