Conservator
Summary
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.
Duties & Tasks
Conservators may perform the following tasks:
- examine and evaluate the condition of objects and confirm their identification and authenticity
- organise systematic inspection of collections and prepare written and photographic reports
- advise on the optimum storage and display conditions (correct light, relative humidity, integrated pest management and temperature control, for example) 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, as well as 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.
Personal Requirements
- patience and ability for fine manual work
- aptitude for science, particularly chemistry and physics
- aptitude for using computers
- attention to detail
- ability to understand and apply professional and ethical codes of conduct
- artistic and/or technical aptitude
- normal colour vision
- sensitivity to Indigenous and ethnic cultural issues
- interest in history, art history and materials technology.
