Conservator (Art)

Overview

At Imperial War Museums (IWM), our collective mission is to help people understand the effects of conflict on society and individuals. As part of this, you'll join a dedicated team of conservation and collection professionals committed to preserving nationally significant artifacts. Collaboration is essential in ensuring these exceptional objects remain accessible for exhibition, research, and education for future generations. We prioritize expertise, ongoing learning, teamwork, and responsible collection stewardship.

Role Importance

In the role of Conservator (Art), you will be crucial in safeguarding paintings and related objects within IWM's collection. Your efforts support exhibitions, loan arrangements, research, acquisitions, and community engagement by maintaining the stability, safety, and accessibility of collection items.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct conservation evaluations, treatments, and condition reporting of paintings and associated collection pieces.
• Create conservation strategies and advise on suitable treatments, preventive measures, and collection care protocols.
• Offer specialist guidance on exhibitions, storage, loans, acquisitions, packing, and installation of objects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external experts to identify and implement optimal conservation approaches.
• Maintain thorough conservation documentation including records, reports, and risk assessments.
• Support exhibitions, loan programs, and broader collection care initiatives throughout the museum.
• Train and oversee contractors, volunteers, interns, students, and technicians to uphold collection care excellence.
• Engage in public outreach and educational activities that connect audiences to IWM's collections and mission.
• Continuously update professional knowledge and advance conservation expertise and practices.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a relevant conservation qualification or equivalent professional experience in a specialist conservation area.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of conservation ethics, principles, and best practices.
• Familiar with COSHH regulations and occupational health and safety standards pertinent to conservation.
• Have experience working within a responsible professional environment.
• Skilled in creating and maintaining detailed records and documentation.
• Comfortable using IT platforms and databases in a workplace context.
• Experience in handling museum collections and executing collection care tasks.
• Excellent organizational capability and keen attention to detail.
• Effective communicator able to collaborate across diverse teams and with various stakeholders.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and upholding high standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of analytical tools such as FTIR, XRF, MFT, and Oddy tests.
• Previous experience in museums, visitor attractions, or similar institutions.
• Experience managing volunteers or supervising contractors.
• ICON accreditation or progress towards achieving accreditation.
• Interest in 20th-century history and IWM collections.
• Familiarity with working at heights and/or possession of a clean driving license.

Working Environment and Collaboration

This position involves regular cooperation with colleagues from Conservation, Collections Care, Curatorial, Exhibitions, and Operations departments to support object care, transport, and display. Interaction with external specialists, contractors, and lenders will be necessary to execute conservation treatments and initiatives. The role encompasses practical conservation work alongside advisory duties, documentation, and personnel training, ensuring collections are preserved and usable across the museum.

Success Expectations (First 6-12 Months)

• Establish strong collaborative relationships within conservation teams and wider IWM partners.
• Deliver conservation treatments that meet professional quality standards.
• Be recognized as a reliable source of expert advice regarding display, storage, loans, and preservation methods.
• Contribute effectively to exhibitions, loan projects, and collection care efforts.
• Maintain precise and comprehensive conservation documentation to aid decision-making.
• Support training programs, knowledge exchange, and cooperative conservation activities.
• Consistently adhere to safe working practices and comply with health, safety, and risk management protocols.