Typical work activities Assessment, measurement, maintenance and control of the environment surrounding objects on display, in storage and in transit. Detailed visual and scientific examination of artifacts to determine condition and extent of decay. Proposing and estimating costs of treatments to arrest decay and reveal the true nature of objects. Recording and communicating any evidence revealed. Liaising with museum staff.
Conservators are increasingly likely to work on a freelance basis.
Clients include private collectors, auction houses, the National Trust and similar bodies. Many museums employ conservators on a freelance basis. Training Normally graduate, HND or postgraduate training. There is no recognised structure to training with most graduate courses aiming to provide a similar product to undergraduate courses. No uniform career structure with an increasing move to short-term contracts.