Museum Technicians and Conservators

About the Role

Museum Technicians and Conservators are professionals who preserve, restore, and maintain artworks and artifacts in museums and galleries.

Other Common Titles

  • Conservation Technician
  • Art Conservator
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Preservation Specialist

Typical Tasks

  • Assess the condition of artifacts and artworks
  • Perform conservation treatments to stabilize and restore items
  • Documentation of conservation processes and materials used
  • Research suitable preservation methods and materials
  • Collaborate with curators to plan exhibitions
  • Monitor environmental conditions in display and storage areas
  • Educate museum staff and the public about conservation practices

Notable People

  • Michael L. H. McNulty Pioneer in the field of paintings conservation known for his work on the conservation of masterpieces in major galleries.
  • Susan Taylor Renowned for her innovative approaches to textile conservation and her role in raising awareness about textile preservation.

Recommended Resources

  • The Conservation of Art and Artifacts - A Handbook for the Preservation of Works on Paper, Textiles, and Photographs

    A comprehensive guide on the techniques and principles of art conservation.

  • AIC - American Institute for Conservation

    A professional organization for conservators, offering resources, workshops, and conferences.

  • Conservation OnLine (CoOL)

    A resource providing access to conservation literature and the conservation community.

  • Artifacts Podcast

    A podcast that explores the stories behind museum objects and conservation projects.