Decorative Arts Conservator

We are seeking a Decorative Arts Conservator. The conservator will work with Conservation Management and Client Services to ensure delivery of quality conservation treatments within agreed estimates.

We are particularly interested in hearing from conservators with at least three to five years’ post qualification practical experience in a wide range of objects and decorative surfaces, ranging from traditional to contemporary.

 We are regularly required to work on objects that are gilded, composed of mixed materials, and created using non-traditional art materials. An excellent knowledge of materials and their properties is a pre-requisite for this position. A high level of water and oil gilding aptitude is also necessary.

The Decorative Arts Conservator will undertake examination and assessment of 2D and 3D objects and must be proficient in producing accurate written and photographic documentation and generating condition reports to a high standard.

You will be flexible in your approach with a proven track record of working to tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard and positive work ethic. The successful candidate will bring an enthusiastic approach to their work, have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as part of a team supporting the staff around them.

Duties include:

• Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment proposals and methodologies and treatment reports.
• Complete high quality conservation treatments, on time and sometimes to tight deadlines. Treatments can include cleaning, stabilisation, consolidation, repair and reintegration.
• Oil and water gilding – preparation of surfaces, gilding, toning, and finishing.
• Keeping stock of studio materials and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time with the Conservation Assistant.
• Liaising with the Conservation Manager and Client Services to ensure the smooth running of your personal workload.
• Work on site as well as in the workshop. This may include major galleries, museums, private homes, heritage sites and storage facilities.
• Provide practical conservation advice and guidance to other conservators, client services and clients.
• Work with other departments in the company on collaborative jobs.
  
  Essential Criteria:
• Minimum of three to five years post qualification experience in conservation of Decorative Arts/Objects.
• Experience working in private practice is desirable as you will be required to work under your own initiative and effectively manage your workflow to meet deadlines in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Reports are a vital part of this role, and a clear and concise writing style is essential.
• Treatments are carried out both in the studio and in-situ willingness to do so is required.
• You will be a personable and effective team worker with excellent communication skills.
• You will be confident in making decisions with artworks whilst maintaining exceptional ethical standards in your approach to all tasks.
• Robust chemistry for conservation knowledge
• We handle large and oversized work frequently, managing studio space and safe handling with the team is vital to the role.

Desirable criteria:

•          IT: Good working knowledge of Word and Excel, file sharing services

•          Experience with contemporary paintings.

•          Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required would be of value.

This job is offered on a permanent full-time basis with a salary of £32, 500 - £35,500 depending on experience.

Please send your CV, portfolio and covering letter of no more than 250 words to [email protected] and include ‘Decorative Arts Conservator’ in the subject line.

Closing Date: May 24th 2024. Interviews to take place WC May 27th 2024. Please send applications ASAP if interested.

Please note that you must have the right to live and work in the UK. We cannot support any individual in applying for a visa.

The Company

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation and restoration company in the UK.

In December 2018 we moved to purpose-built premises in Mitcham where our team of experienced and skilled conservators and restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All our object treatments are informed by science and the art of conservation, guided by contemporary ethical considerations, and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Staff are committed to continued professional development and training. Plowden & Smith employs several ICON-accredited conservators.