Art conservators preserve and restore historic and artistic works, typically requiring a master’s degree in historic conservation or preservation. Undergraduate degrees in art history, anthropology, and archeology are typically required for acceptance into a program. Experience in the field, internships, and apprenticeships are also useful. The program lasts four to six semesters, and manual dexterity, communication skills, and problem-solving skills are required.
Art conservators preserve and restore historic and artistic works. They work in museums, libraries, laboratories, and elsewhere, and often specialize in specific areas and materials, such as paintings, books, manuscripts, or sculptures. To become an art conservator, a master’s degree in historic conservation or preservation is typically required. Sometimes a graduate degree in a very close field, along with specialized training in conservation through a certificate or diploma program, is acceptable if you want to become an art conservator.
Competition for graduate conservation programs can be intense because not many programs are offered. Undergraduate degrees can vary, but undergraduate degrees in areas such as art history, anthropology, and archeology are typically required for acceptance into a program. Often, courses in organic chemistry, materials science, and other sciences are also required. Studio art courses and experience in painting, drawing, and three-dimensional art are often expected. Many graduate conservation programs require applicants to show portfolios of their artwork.
Other courses that may be useful include in subjects such as museum studies, libraries and related topics. Having experience actually working in the field or a related field will usually put you ahead of the pack. Experience can be gained through internships, apprenticeships, regular employment or even volunteering. Knowing how to read and write in more than one language is also useful if you want to become an art conservator. Be sure to check out the conservation programs you are interested in to find out the specific prerequisites for each program.
Once you are accepted into a conservation program, you can expect it to last four to six semesters. Many programs require students to also undertake internships during the summer or after completing courses. An internship after the course can last up to one year.
Some art conservators learn the trade by learning from experienced conservators and do not seek formal education. It usually takes longer to be trained this way, and Conservatives without formal education often have a harder time finding employment than those with formal education, but it can sometimes be another route into the countryside. Another alternative to a master’s is to pursue a combination of conservation, historic preservation, and art courses, while gaining work experience through internships and internships.
Traits that are helpful in becoming an art conservator include manual dexterity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work alone or in a team environment. It is important to know how to use computers and software systems. Having problem solving and analytical skills is also required.
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