Conservators of art work with historic and artistic works to preserve and restore them. They work in museums, libraries, laboratories, and other places, specializing in specific areas and materials like paintings, books, manuscripts, and sculptures. A master’s degree in conservation or historic preservation is usually required to work as an art conservator. If you want to be an art conservator, you may be able to get by with a graduate degree in a closely related field and specialized conservation training through a certificate or diploma program.
Because there are few graduate conservation programs available, competition for admission can be fierce. Undergraduate degree majors vary, but undergraduate coursework in art history, anthropology, and archaeology is typically required for acceptance into a program. Organic chemistry, materials science, and other sciences are frequently required. Studio art courses and prior painting, drawing, and three-dimensional art experience are frequently required. Applicants to many graduate conservation programs are required to submit portfolios of their artistic work.
Coursework in subjects such as museum studies, library science, and related topics can also be beneficial. Working experience in the field or a related field will often put you ahead of the competition. Internships, apprenticeships, regular employment, or even volunteering can all help you gain experience. If you want to work as an art conservator, knowing how to read and write in more than one language is also advantageous. Make sure to check with the conservation programs you’re interested in to learn about their specific requirements.
After you’ve been accepted into a conservation program, you can expect it to last between four and six semesters. Many programs require students to complete internships during the summer or after they finish their coursework. An internship that follows coursework could last up to a year.
Some art conservators gain experience by shadowing experienced conservators rather than pursuing formal education. It takes longer to be trained this way, and conservators without a formal education often have a harder time finding work than conservators with a formal education, but it can be a viable alternative. Another option for a master’s degree is to combine conservation, historic preservation, and art coursework with apprenticeships and internships to gain practical experience.
Manual dexterity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work alone or in a team environment are all desirable qualities for an art conservator. It is critical to understand how to use computers and computer software systems. Problem-solving and analytical abilities are also required.