Plowden & Smith is a leading provider of art conservation services now entering an exciting phase as we celebrate our 60th year of operation.
We are seeking an Easel Paintings 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 two to five years post qualification practical experience in a wide range of paintings including both traditional and modern materials.
The Easel Paintings Conservator will undertake examination and assessment of paintings 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.
About the Role
- Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment methodologies and treatment reports
- Undertaking treatments of paintings, ranging from those executed on traditional substrates such as canvas and panel to works in acrylics and other modern or mixed materials.
- Undertaking both structural and surface treatments including but not limited to – repair of tears, strip-lining, re-stretching, varnish and overpaint removal, consolidation, filling, retouching, varnishing, surface cleaning, and framing.
- Supporting the Senior Paintings Conservator, and interns, to ensure work in the department is completed to a high standard.
- Keeping stock of studio materials and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time in collaboration with the Senior Paintings Conservator.
- 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.
About You
- You will have a degree in Paintings Conservation and a minimum two to five years’ post qualification experience specialising in easel paintings conservation.
- 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 on site, 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
- IT: Good working knowledge of Microsoft suite, file sharing services.
- Experience with contemporary paintings.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required would be of value.
How to Apply
Please send your c.v., portfolio and covering letter of no more than 250 words to [email protected] and include Easel Paintings Conservator in the subject line before the role deadline of Friday 15 May 2026.
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.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates need during the recruitment process. If there are additional options, you would like to request please contact Kate Goad on [email protected] OR call +44 (0)20 8874 4005