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Conservator

State/Territory Specific Information

Conservators plan, organise and undertake the preservation and conservation of materials and objects in private and public collections, including libraries, archives, museums, art galleries and historical and archaeological sites.

Conservators may perform the following tasks:

  • examine and evaluate the condition of objects and possibly confirm their identification and authenticity
  • organise systematic inspection of collections and prepare written and photographic reports
  • advise on the optimum storage and display conditions (e.g. correct light, relative humidity, integrated pest management and temperature control) for the objects in their care
  • advise on the correct methods for handling, storing, displaying and transporting works of art and artefacts
  • conduct research into the material or technological nature of collections and of materials and techniques critical to their preservation or conservation
  • undertake extensive research into deterioration problems within collections
  • undertake conservation and restoration procedures to correct damage or control deterioration and record details of measures taken.

Specialisations:

Conservators specialise in a range of areas including paper, paintings, photographs, ethnographic materials, ceramics, metals, bookbinding and archives, furniture, archaeological sculpture, buildings and historic sites, textiles and preventative conservation.

Personal Requirements:

  • patience for fine work
  • aptitude for science, in particular chemistry
  • aptitude for using computers
  • attention to detail
  • good with hands
  • professional and ethical
  • artistic and/or technical aptitude
  • normal colour vision
  • sensitivity to indigenous and ethnic cultural issues
  • interest in history, art history and materials technology.

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