Conservation studies: How to become a conservator

Are you curious about the art and science of restoring and preserving historical artefacts? Passionate about protecting cultural heritage for future generations? Then you could find a career as a conservator both exciting and rewarding.

What is a conservator?

Becoming a conservator is more than just learning how to fix old items. Conservators engage in delicate and highly skilled work, combining hands-on craftsmanship with scientific analysis to understand the materials and techniques used in creating objects and how to develop strategies to restore, repair and preserve them for future generations.

This can involve cleaning, stabilising and finally repairing the an object using methods that respects its history and origin. An example of this is when our Book Conservation students worked on a rare piece of text handwritten by Jane Austen. The aim was to stabilizse the text for an exhibition and to enable the handwriting concealed between the pasted sheets to be viewed. Initially, a full condition and treatment report, documenting the condition of the book and identifying issues was prepared. The students then undertook work to stabilise the inks after their exposure to moisture and house the book and fragment for safe storage. The team were also tasked with repairing the book, including reattaching the cover and text block, which had separated.

Why does conservation matter?

Training to become a conservators ensures that cultural and historical objects are preserved for future generations to study and enjoy. It’s not just about restoring beauty but also protecting our history. Without conservation efforts, many priceless objects and artefacts would deteriorate, become damaged, or be lost forever. 

Cultural artefacts, whether paintings, manuscripts, or historical structures, are windows into the past, helping people understand their heritage and identity. A Conservator ensures these items remain accessible for research, education, and public enjoyment. By protecting these objects, conservators preserve not only their material form but also the stories and knowledge they hold.

Careers in conservation

Whether your interests lie in object conservation or museum conservation, we offer several specialised courses and professional qualifications in conservation to help you become a professional conservator. We offer conservation courses at a level 6 which is the Graduate Diploma in Conservation studies as well as a Masters in Conservation studies, students on either programme choose from one of five specialisms:

-Books & Library Materials

This course focuses on the preservation and restoration of rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials. Students undertake hands on training in book binding, paper conservation and techniques to maintain historical library materials.

-Ceramics

Practical training in the conservation and restoration of ceramic objects. The course combines hands on learning with historical and scientific studies to equip students for professional roles in museums, private practices, or heritage institutions.

-Clocks

The course emphasizes practical skills combined with theoretical knowledge. Students get to work on real projects from both private and public collections, gaining experience in historical and technical contexts.

-Furniture

With access to well-equipped workshops and objects from historical and private collections, students gain an excellent grounding in woodworking crafts and the application of treatments to a wide range of materials.

-Metalwork

Students develop practical skills in areas such as blacksmithing, silversmithing, and toolmaking, while also learning the historical and theoretical aspects of the craft.

In addition to our specialist courses, we also offer professional development opportunities such as the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Care & Management for Collections and the Diploma in Historic Building Conservation. These programmes provide invaluable hands-on experience, enabling you to develop practical skills in managing and conserving heritage collections and historic buildings:

- Graduate Diploma Conservation Care & Management for Collections

This course uses the historic interiors, collections, and archive at West Dean College as your teaching environment, offering practical experience in heritage collection care and management. Students develop key skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and professional practice, culminating in a final portfolio that demonstrates their ability to manage and conserve collections.

-Historic Building Conservation

Our one-of-a-kind Ruinette at West Dean is purpose-built for practising conservation and repair techniques in realistic conditions. As you study for a Diploma in Historic Building Conservation, you will learn skills that are in high demand, in the company of expert tutors with strong connections in their field.

West Dean conservation alumni have gone onto work in some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as well as the independent sector. Examples include, The British Museum, The Royal Collections at Windsor Castle and Columbia University Libraries (New York, USA). Learn more here.

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