Become a Conservator
The Grenada National Archives hopes with the new Library facilities being built within the University of the West Indies Grenada Campus in 2013, that we shall be able to realise a long awaited dream of to become renowned as a foremost forerunner in the field of Document Preservation and Conservation. We hope to be able to offer courses at the new campus and train anyone from around the world in this exiting and developing field.
Apprenticeships and Internships
Elsewhere, before the establishment of graduate degree programs in conservation, apprenticeships were the primary method of training, and apprenticeships and internships continue to be an excellent source of education and training. Today, graduate education has become the more recognized route into the profession. A traditional apprenticeship refers to an in-depth, long-term training period. A student may elect to pursue a traditional apprenticeship or series of apprenticeships as an alternative to a graduate program. This approach often takes longer than a degree program to acquire comparable education. To acquire a complete conservation education, the student must supplement practical training with readings, course work, and research.
The term internship refers to workplace training at any level of a conservator’s development. Introductory level internships, often referred to in the profession as pre-program internships, help prepare individuals for more advanced study. Graduate internships are part of a degree program curriculum.
Graduate Programs
Graduate degree programs generally require two to four years of study. For example, North American education programs in the conservation of cultural property offer either a master’s degree in conservation or historic preservation or a master’s degree in a related discipline along with a certificate or diploma in conservation. These programs require four to six semesters in residence (or the equivalent) and may also require summer internships. Many of these programs require a full-time, internship in the final year in which students work under the guidance of experienced conservators.
Many graduate programs, like the ones we hope to develop, require the fulfillment of academic prerequisites, including courses in chemistry, in the humanities (such as art history, anthropology, architecture, and archaeology), and in studio art. Potential candidates should contact the programs directly for details regarding prerequisites, application procedures, and program curriculum. In addition to required course work, graduate programs strongly encourage students to obtain some conservation experience, which can be gained through an undergraduate introductory internship or fieldwork. Appropriate experience may include conservation work in regional, institutional, or private conservation laboratories.
More Information on Getting Into a Graduate Conservation Training Program>>Many programs also require a personal interview in which candidates are usually asked to present a portfolio of art and conservation project work that demonstrates manual dexterity and familiarity with techniques and materials.
A limited number of Ph.D. programs have also been established for advanced study in conservation to prepare conservators with an interest in pursuing research in conservation or fields related to conservation.
Study Abroad
Degree programs, internships, and apprenticeships abroad offer excellent opportunities for students to explore a wider variety of education and training. Students may expect to encounter somewhat different philosophies and procedures. ICON maintains listings of programs in the UK, and ICCROM maintains an international listing of programs worldwide.
Listings of programs in the United Kingdom>>
Listings of international listing of programs worldwide>>
Post Graduate Education and Training
Many conservators have cited post-graduate fellowships as a valuable experience in their professional development. Such fellowships allow intensive research and practice or exposure to diverse professional staff or significant collections.
Continued Professional Development
Due to rapid changes in each conservation specialty, practicing conservators must keep abreast of advances in technology and methodology. Their knowledge and skills are expanded through reading publications, attending professional meetings, and enrollment in short-term workshops or courses. It is the responsibility of each conservator to take advantage of such opportunities and to contribute to them.
Undergraduate Prerequisites
Prerequisites for admission to graduate conservation programs include undergraduate coursework in science, the humanities (art history, anthropology, and archaeology), and studio art. Some schools consider previous working experience and gained expertise in conservation practice. Specific admission requirements differ and potential candidates are encouraged to contact the programs directly for details on prerequisites, application procedures, and program curriculum. With careful planning, an undergraduate curriculum can be tailored to satisfy the academic requirements of these graduate programs.
Science
One full year each of general and organic chemistry with laboratory work is typically required. These courses should usually be freshman and sophomore level requirements for chemistry and biology majors. Supplemental studies recommended, but not always required, often include biology, biochemistry, geology, materials science, physics, and mathematics.
Humanities
Broadbased coursework in art history, anthropology, and archaeology must cover various cultural traditions and historical periods. At least four to six courses are typically required. Sample subjects include:
| African art American art Ancient civilizations Art and crafts of Native South Americans Art in the East and the West Baroque art Early Renaissance art Greek and Roman art History of architecture History of textile design | Indian art Introduction to art history Introduction to ethnic arts Introduction to prehistoric archaeology Medieval art 19th-century art Oceanic art Technology and culture 20th-Century Art Studio Art |
Formal course work in drawing, painting, photography, and three-dimensional design (including, but not limited to, ceramics, metalworking, sculpture, and textile art) may be required. Upon application to a graduate conservation program, candidates are expected to present a portfolio demonstrating manual dexterity, knowledge of techniques, and an understanding and affinity for art materials.
Languages
Reading proficiency in one or two foreign languages may be required.
Additional Coursework
Courses in museum studies, drafting, and library science may also be recommended.
Professional Experience
In addition to coursework, candidates to graduate programs are strongly encouraged to have had some conservation experience. Internships, volunteer, apprenticeship, or paid work in regional, institutional, or private conservation laboratories is appropriate. Involvement in supervised collection care projects such as collection assessments, rehousing, and exhibition design, as well as examination and treatment of individual artifacts is encouraged. Above all, applicants are expected to be thoroughly acquainted with conservation as a career option and to have a fundamental knowledge of conservation philosophy, ethics, and basic working procedures.
Resources for professional development:
FAIC Professional Development Opportunties>>AIC News Listings: Courses, Conferences, and Seminars>>Conservation OnLine: Education and Training>>TRAINING DIRECTORY
Full-time and some part-time courses and programmes in the United Kingdom This is a list of the main or the longest established courses, but it does not claim to be comprehensive. To be admitted to one of these programmes you will need to demonstrate an enquiring and flexible mind, the ability to work with your hands, considerable patience, and enthusiasm for working with art or heritage items. Prior qualifications in science are generally required, and initial studies in related topics, preferably to A-Level, are generally an advantage if not a formal requirement.
To select a programme which best suits you:
- Consider the material or object type about which you feel most inspired
- Review the institutions' programmes on their website on in the brochure
- Speak to someone in that institution to discuss whether the programme might suit you.
Selection procedures are rigorous, usually including a practical test.
Material and discipline areas
| Archaeology/Objects | Furniture |
| Applied & Decorative Arts | Preventive Conservation & Conservation Science |
| Books/Paper | Textiles/Organics |
| Building/Crafts | Stained Glass |
| Fine Art/Paintings |
Building/Crafts
Training Details of most craft and building conservation training (plus many other shorter courses) can be found at:
Building Conservation Directory
COTAC (Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation)
Robert Gordon University
Details of International conservation training can be obtained at:
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation & Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
Canadian Association for Conservation
Conservation On-Line (CooL) (NB much of the UK data here is out-of-date)
Archaeology/Objects
Institute of Archaeology, University College London
Conservation for Archaeology and Museums MSc - Two years
Principles of Conservation MA -One year
Graduate Admissions
Institute of Archaeology
University College London
31-34 Gordon Square
London
WC1H 0PY
Tel: 020 7679 7499
Fax: 020 7383 2572
Email: ioa-pgadmissions@ucl.ac.uk
Cardiff University
Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology BSc - Three years
Professional Conservation MSc - One year
Conservation Practice MSc - Two years
Jane Henderson
Department of Archaeology and Conservation
School of History Archaeology and Religion
Cardiff University
Humanities Building
Colum Drive
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
Tel: 029 2087 5629
Fax: 029 2087 4929
Email: hendersonLJ@cardiff.ac.uk
Durham University
MA in the Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects
Postgraduate Admissions Secretary,
Dept of Archaeology,
Durham University,
South Road,
Durham
DH1 3LE, UK
tel: 0191 334 1109 (Monday - Thursday)
fax: 0191 334 1101
email: pgarch.admissions@dur.ac.uk
University of Lincoln
Conservation & Restoration BA (HONS) - Three years full-time
Conservation of Historic Objects MA - One year full-time, 2 years part-time
Lincoln is now able to offer a Distance Learning package which combines flexibility, support and academic rigour. The programme can be accessed by those already working in conservation and not wanting to take a break in their paid employment,or for Continuing Professional Development.To be eligible for this route, you will need to have either a previous undergraduate qualification in Conservation or significant equivalent experience as a practitioner.Working as a distance learner, you are able to submit projects from your employment towards the practical modules.
Conservation Studies Graduate Diploma - One year full-time, 2 years part-time
For enquiries
Telephone +44 (0)1522 837171
Email aadenquiries@lincoln.ac.uk
Blog www.lsad.co.uk
Web www.lincoln.ac.uk
Online enquiry
Conservation and Restoration
School of Art and Design
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln
LN6 7TS
Applied & Decorative Arts
West Dean College
Diplomas & Professional Development Courses
Clocks
Books and Library Materials
Building Conservation Masterclasses
Buildings, Interiors & Sites
Ceramics & Related Materials
Furniture and Related Objects
Metalwork
Professional Conservators in Practice
Postgraduate Degree
MA Conservation Studies
The Academic Office
West Dean College,
West Dean
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0QZ
Diploma/MA enquiries Tel: +44 (0) 1243 818 208
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk
Professional Development enquiries Tel: +44 (0) 1243 818 219
Email: cpd@westdean.org.uk
London Metropolitan University
Undergraduate courses - BSc Restoration & Conservation (inc decorative surfaces, wood & metal)
Postgraduate course - MA Conservation (decorative surfaces)
Alex Schoulavloff
Admissions Tutor Conservation,
Sir John Cass Department of Art Media & Design
41-47 Commercial Road
London, E1 1LA
Tel: +44(0) 207 320 2825
Fax: +44(0) 207 320 1830
Email: a.schouvaloff@londonmet.ac.uk
City & Guilds of London Art School
Conservation Studies BA - Three years
Postgraduate Diploma: Conservation Studies 2 years
Postgraduate Diploma: Comparative Studies in Conservation Cleaning, techniques in relation to laser cleaning
For all courses above see the City & Guilds website
The School Office
City & Guilds of London Art School
124 Kennington Park Road
London SE11 4DJ
Tel: +44(0) 20 7735 2306
Fax: +44(0) 20 7582 5361
Email: info@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
Royal College of Art and Victoria & Albert Museum
Note: This course has unfortunately now closed
Books/Paper
Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London
Conservation MA - 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Conservation MA (2 year) – New 2 year full time course starting in October 2011
Camberwell College of Arts
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UF
Tel: +44(0) 20 7514 6302
Email: enquiries@camberwell.arts.ac.uk
West Dean College
Books and Library Materials
The Academic Office
West Dean College,
West Dean
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0QZ
Enquiries: Tel: +44 (0) 1243 818 208 or 811 301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk
Fine Art/Paintings
Northumbria University
Conservation of Fine Art MA - Two years full time (study easel paintings or works of art on paper)
Ayesha Ballinger (Course Secretary)
MA Conservation of Fine Art
Northumbria University
Burt Hall
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST
Tel: +44(0) 191 227 3250
Fax: +44(0) 191 227 3250
Email: ayesha.ballinger@unn.ac.uk
Hamilton Kerr Institute, University of Cambridge
Conservation of Easel Paintings PgDip - Three years full time
The Administrator
Hamilton Kerr Institute
Whittlesford
Cambridge
CB22 4NE
Tel: +44(0) 1223 832 040
Fax: +44(0) 1223 837 595
Email: hki-admin@lists.cam.ac.uk
Courtauld Institute of Arts, University of London
Conservation of Easel Paintings PgDip - Three years full time
Conservation of Wall Paintings MA - Three years full time
For PgDip enquiries:
Courtauld Institute of Arts Department of Conservation & Technology
Somerset House
Strand
London WC2R 0RN
Tel: +44(0) 20 7848 2191
Fax: +44(0) 20 7848 2878
Email: susan.pratt@courtauld.ac.uk
For MA enquiries:
Conservation of Wall Painting Department
Courtauld Institute of Arts
Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 0RN
Tel: +44(0) 20 7848 2848
Fax: +44(0) 20 7848 2878
Email: sharon.cather@courtauld.ac.uk
Furniture
Bucks New University
Furniture Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts BA (Hons) - Three years full time
Conservation of Furniture & Decorative Arts MA - One year full time, two years part time
Campbell Norman-Smith
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
Bucks New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe,
Bucks
HP11 2JZ
Tel: 0800 0565 660
Fax: +44(0) 1494 461 392
Email: cnorma01@bcuc.ac.uk
Rycotewood Furniture Centre
Level 3 Certificate in Making & Repairing Handcrafted Furniture City & Guilds Certificate - 2 years (one day per week)
Rycotewood Furniture Centre
Oxford & Cherwell Valley College
Oxpens Road
Oxfordshire
OX1 1SA
Tel: +44(0) 1865 551 557
Fax: +44(0) 1865 551 369
Email: enquiries@oxford.occ.ac.uk
London Metropolitan University
Undergraduate courses - FDA or BA Furniture Restoration
Alex Schoulavloff
Admissions Tutor Conservation,
Sir John Cass Department of Art Media & Design
41-47 Commercial Road
London, E1 1LA
Tel: +44(0) 207 320 2825
Fax: +44(0) 207 320 1830
Email: a.schouvaloff@londonmet.ac.uk
See Applied & Decorative Surfaces for more courses.
West Dean College
Furniture and Related Objects
The Academic Office
West Dean College,
West Dean
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0QZ
Enquiries: Tel: +44 (0) 1243 818 208 or 811 301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk
Preventive Conservation & Conservation Science
Cardiff University
Care of Collections MSc - One year (part time routes available)
Jane Henderson
Department of Archaeology and Conservation
School of History Archaeology and Religion
Cardiff University
Humanities Building
Colum Drive
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
Tel: 029 2087 5629
Fax: 029 2087 4929
Email: hendersonLJ@cardiff.ac.uk
University of Lincoln
Forensic Conservation (Heritage Science) MSc - 1 year full time
Enquiry Centre
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln LN6 7TS
Tel: +44(0) 1522 882 000
Fax: +44(0) 1522 886 041
Online Enquiry
Northumbria University
Preventive Conservation MA - 1 year full time (on campus or distance learning), 2 years part time distance learning
Jean Brown - Programme Leader Conservation
Burt Hall
Northumbria
University Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
Tel/ Fax: +44(0) 191 227 3250
Email: jean.brown@unn.ac.uk
Stained Glass
MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management
History of Art Department
Vanbrugh College
University of York
Heslington
York YO10 5DD
Tel: +44 (01904) 432978
Fax: +44 (01904) 433427
Email: sf143@york.ac.uk
Textiles/Organics
University of Glasgow
Textile Conservation MPhil – 2 years full time
Frances Lennard – Programme Convenor
Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History
University of Glasgow
8 University Gardens
Glasgow G12 8QH
Tel: +44(0) 141 330 7607/4097
Fax: +44(0) 141 330 3513
Email: frances.lennard@glasgow.ac.uk
History of Art at the University of Glasgow also offers a one-year programme in MLitt Dress and Textile Histories. Contact rebecca.quinton@glasgow.ac.uk
Conservation Training Programs - US and Canada
United States
| Buffalo State College Art Conservation Department 1300 Elmwood Avenue Rockwell Hall 230 Buffalo, NY 14222-1095 ph 716.878.5025 fx 716.878.5039 artcon@buffalostate.edu | University of Arizona Heritage Conservation Science Materials Science and Engineering Mines Building, P.O. Box 210012 The University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721-0012 ph 520.621.6070 fx 520.621.8059 |
| Offers: Graduate Degree | Offers: Graduate Degree |
 Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
| Columbia University Historic Preservation Program Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation 400 Avery Hall 1172 Amsterdam Avenue New York, New York 10027 ph 212.854.3518 | University of California Los Angeles/ Getty Conservation Program Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation Cotsen Institute of Archaeology 308 Charles E. Young Dr. North A210 Fowler Building/Box 951510 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1510 ph 310.825.9407 fx 310.206.472 |
| Offers: Graduate Degree | Offers: Graduate Degree |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
| Getty Foundation Getty Graduate Internship Program 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 800 Los Angeles, CA 90049-1685 ph 310.440.7320 fx 310.440.7703 gradinterns@getty.edu | University of Pennsylvania Graduate Program in Historic Preservation 210 South 34th Street 115 Meyerson Hall Philadelphia PA 19104-6311 ph 215.898. 3169 fx 215.573.6326 pennhspv@design.upenn.edu |
| Offers: Graduate Internships | Offers: Graduate Degree |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
| Harvard University Straus Center for Conservation Harvard University Art Museums 32 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA 02138-3383 ph 617.495.2392 fx 617.495.0322 | Johns Hopkins University Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering Room 102, Maryland Hall Baltimore, MD 21218 ph 410.516.8145 fx 410.516.5293 |
| Offers: Graduate Internships | Offers: Graduate Degree |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
| University of Texas at Austin Historic Preservation School of Architecture 1 University Station B7500 Austin, TX 78712 ph 512.471.3792 fx 512.471.0716 holleran@mail.utexas.edu | New York University IFA Art Conservation The Stephen Chan House 14 East 78th Street New York, NY 10075 ph 212.992.5848/47 fx 212.992.5851 conservation.program@nyu.edu |
| Offers: Graduate Degree | Offers: Graduate Degree |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
| Winterthur/University of Delawaree The Department of Art Conservation 303 Old College University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716-2515 ph 302.831.3489 fx 302.831.4330 art-conservation@udel.edu | Smithsonian/ Museum Conservation Institute Conservation Research and Technical Studies Museum Support Center 4210 Silver Hill Road Suitland, Maryland 20746 ph 301.238.1240 fx 301.238.3709 MCIweb@si.edu |
| Offers: Graduate/Undergraduate Degrees | Offers: Graduate Internships/Fellowships |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
Canada
| Fleming College Collections Conservation and Management/ Museum Management and Curatorship Fleming College 599 Brealey Drive Peterborough, ON Canada K9J 7B1 ph 705.749.5530, ext 1368 fx 705.7495540 gmcintyr@flemingc.on.ca | Queens University Art Conservation Department of Art Ontario Hall, 67 University Ave. Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 ph 613.533.6000, x77776 fx 613.533.6889 artcon@queensu.ca |
| Offers: Undergraduate Degree | Offers: Graduate Degree |
| Visit their website>> | Visit their website>> |
This is a national membership organization of conservation professionals dedicated to preserving the art and historic artifacts of Americas cultural heritage for future generations.
The American Conservation Consortium provides a wide array of museum preservation and conservation services.
Archival Management: A Guide for Organizing, Cataloging, and Preserving Collections of Papers, Photographs, and Other Records.
ARMA International is the leader and authority on the education of information management issues such as e-mail management, retention schedules and e-discovery laws.
Through conservation science, treatment, and preventive conservation, the Canadian Conservation Institute supports the heritage community in preserving Canada's heritage collections so they can be accessed by current and future generations. This mission is accomplished through conservation research and development, expert services, and knowledge dissemination.
CCAHA specializes in the treatment of art and historic artifacts on paper and provides preservation education, training, and consultation. Established in 1977, CCAHA is the largest nonprofit regional conservation lab in the country.
For over 30 years, Heritage Preservation has been working to ensure the preservation of collections for present and future generations. We are the nation's leading nonprofit advocate for the proper care of all our cultural heritage--works of art, books and archives, documents and photographs, architecture, monuments, natural science specimens, and family heirlooms.
The NARA site offers the technical information paper 6 "Preservation of Archival Records: Holdings Maintenance at the National Archives" by Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler (1990).
Like the UK's National Archives, the Library of Congress is the USA’s oldest federal cultural institution, and it serves as the research arm of Congress. The 'preservation/care' section of the LOC website offered brief guides – essentials – in the care, handling and storage of the typical collections found in most family archives including books, paper (manuscripts, drawings, documents, etc.), Newspapers, photographs, scrapbooks and albums, film and more. They also have a very interesting guide – Preservation Guidelines for Digitizing Library Materials, that is geared more for the institutional organization. They also offered guides to Environmental (Lighting, Water Damage and Pollutants) that were also geared towards the professional librarian, archivist, curator, or exhibit designer.
The NCPC also offers free preservation information and consultations in addition to providing continuing education workshops on a variety of preservation topics. Their website offers online information on preservation topics under the “Resources” tab. Clicking on the topic of choice opens another page with links to other websites. The once exception to that was the link to removing mold – it was an actual article with instructions on what to do and who to contact in an emergency. They provided well categorized links to preservation materials on other websites, yet they are are low on original content.
The NEDCC offers preservation services including assessment & consultation, education, and disaster assistance. In particular, their educational service provide a wide array of offerings including workshops, webinars, conferences, training opportunities and an online Preservation 101 course (either instructor let for a fee or self-guided which is free of charge). For example, under resources, you will find an informative article about Preserving Family Collections. Offering a number of Preservation Leaflets covering Planning and Prioritizing; The Environment; Emergency Management; Storage and Handling; Photographs; Reformatting; and Conservation Procedures.
