Individuals who work in the field of antique conservation can have a variety of job titles. Some professionals, such as antique restorers, furniture designers, and furniture restorers, specialize in antique furniture, while others also conserve and restore works of art, historic artifacts, and documents. Antique preservation is a subset of or in addition to the regular job of some people in related fields, such as academia. Self-taught furniture restorers to professionals with PhDs in chemistry or fine arts are all employed in antique preservation. A true antique conservator is someone who is concerned with preserving an antique’s current condition, even if it is less than ideal, and preventing further deterioration. Conservators, on the other hand, frequently perform restoration and repair work on a one-on-one basis.
Although most people associate the term “antique” with furniture, it can refer to any old collectible object valued for its beauty, craftsmanship, or sentimental value. Individuals who work in the field of antique conservation may restore old automobiles or boats, repair and clean antique toys, or repair and restore appliances from earlier eras in history, depending on the definition of antique.
Restoration and conservation of antique furniture can be done for antique malls, auction houses, or universities. If an antique conservator works with extremely rare or valuable antiques, he or she may have an advanced degree in science, chemistry, or art history. Re-upholstery, woodworking, and refinishing are all skills that an antique furniture restorer may possess. Some antique conservationists may be skilled at creating environments that provide special conditions for on-display objects. The ideal levels of humidity, temperature, and light must be strictly maintained for the best preservation. A knowledgeable antique conservationist will be familiar with the chemical principles that are required to maintain those conditions.
Professionals in antique conservation clean and preserve antique paintings and historical documents. If the document is to be displayed, it must be framed using acid-free materials that will not react with the artwork’s chemicals. Some jobs in antique artwork conservation entail not only the conservation of artworks, but also the restoration and repainting of damaged canvas areas. To restore these items to their original state, these people will need fine arts skills as well as chemistry knowledge. Conservators of art work for universities, museums, and galleries.
An antique conservationist may work as a college professor, art appraiser, or furniture designer in addition to doing antique conservation as part of his or her larger job. Some may teach antique conservation courses at the university level to those interested in pursuing a career in the field. As a consultant to art dealers or investors, art appraisers may perform antique conservation or restoration.
Antique cars may necessitate a significant amount of conservation, restoration, and repair in order to maintain their value. Restoration mechanics for antique automobiles have a thorough understanding of auto mechanics and technical skills, as well as a thorough understanding of historical automobiles. An antique car or motorcycle may need to be rebuilt entirely or partially using replacement parts. This necessitates extensive technical knowledge of automobiles from various eras.