What Is an Art Conservator
An art conservator is trained to care for and preserve works of art. Art collections can span thousands of years, and museums and government agencies need experts who can research and document the existence of all the art in their collections. They also need professionals who can maintain the quality and extend the life of the pieces.
Art conservators know how to examine works of art and determine what they were made of and how modern elements, such as modern paint or preservation chemicals, can be applied in order to preserve the pieces or bring them closer to their original look. They also do research to re-create materials that may have been used to create the work of art during the time of it’s conception, such as paints mixed with natural materials. Conservators may specialize in different parts of history, different genres of art or particular materials, such as textiles or wood. Art conservators provide invaluable expertise to the maintenance of an art collection.
How to Become an Art Conservator
Most employers seek candidates who have at least a master’s degree in conservation when hiring an art conservator. An individual must first attain a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as anthropology, history, art history, chemistry, archaeology or studio art. One must then go on to postgraduate work in an art conservation program.
There are few conservation programs in the United States, so competition is high. Students must have a relevant bachelor’s degree and, preferably, internship experience in art curating or work experience in a related field. Graduate art conservation programs typically last two to four years. It is possible, but uncommon, to enter the field of art conservation through an apprenticeship. For students who have master’s degrees, not in conservation, but in a related discipline, an apprenticeship in a museum, for a non-profit organization, or with a private conservator could open a door into the field. Apprenticeship training, however, is not a substitute for a conservation degree.
Art Conservator Career Outlook & Salary
Conservators work as regular employees of a museum or similar institution, or they may be contracted out to work on particular restoration projects. Conservators who work on individual projects typically work as private contractors. The majority of art conservators working for the federal government are employed by the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives and Records Administration.
The career outlook for art conservators in the United States is projected to be good, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of archivists, curators and museum technicians is estimated to increase by 20% from 2008 to 2018. Public interest in art, science, history and technology will remain strong, and museum attendance is projected to remain good.
Art conservators can expect strong competition for jobs. Median annual wages of conservators in 2008 were $36,660. The middle 50% made from $28,030 to $49,170. The lowest 10% earned under $22,320 per year, and the highest 10% earned over $66,060 annually.
