Historic Royal Palaces are looking to recruit a Tapestry Conservation Intern on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
We are a team of passional individuals who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create spaces that inspire and captivate the spirits of all who visit.
With the generous support of The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and Lord Barnby’s Foundation, Historic Royal Palaces is offering a one-year tapestry conservation internship in the Textile Conservation Studio at Hampton Court Palace. This unique opportunity is open to recent textile conservation graduates who are eager to build on their knowledge and practical skills in the specialised field of historic tapestry conservation.
The internship will commence in October 2025, with interviews scheduled for 12-13 August 2025 at Hampton Court Palace.
About the Role
The Intern will be based at Hampton Court Palace, where they will gain critical insight and practical, hands-on tapestry conservation skills by working alongside experienced specialists in HRP's long-established tapestry conservation studio. In this unique environment, the Intern will also learn about preventive conservation practices, and conservation science research related to historic tapestries, and processes for condition auditing and documentation. Over the course of 12-month placement, the Intern will focus primarily on hands-on tapestry conservation treatment while also regularly collaborating with a wider multidisciplinary conservation team to conduct condition assessments and assist with onsite display work.
About You
Applicants should have completed a recognised textile conservation training programme or possess equivalent experience. An enthusiastic interest in tapestry conservation is essential as the successful candidate must be eager to develop their expertise in this specialism over the 12-month placement. Strong digital documentation skills and the ability to maintain detailed, accurate records of the work undertaken are required. Good team-working skills are crucial, and the Intern should be comfortable working at elevated heights. While not mandatory, prior experience caring for historic tapestries in historic houses and heritage settings would be beneficial.
The Intern is expected to be an enthusiastic communicator about HRP’s conservation efforts, actively contributing to the organisation’s communication activities and engaging its diverse audiences.
How to Apply
To find out more about this role and to apply, please visit the Historic Royal Palaces Vacancies Site before the role deadline on 28 July 2025 at 23:55.
Interviews will take place from 12-13 August 2025. Portfolios, including case studies of object conservation, should be submitted electronically by 10 August.
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.
Please be advised that Historic Royal Palaces is unable to provide sponsorship for the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role, as it does not meet the required eligibility criteria for this immigration route.