Object Conservator - Fixed Term Contract

WALLACE COLLECTION; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned museum in the United Kingdom seeks an Object Conservator on a fixed-term contract to oversee conservation treatments of various three-dimensional objects. The successful candidate will have a professional qualification and at least three years of experience in the museum or heritage sector. This role offers an engaging opportunity to maintain the collection's integrity and contribute to preventive conservation activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ practical experience in conservation treatment.
• Experience in the safe handling and movement of a wide range of objects.
• Sound understanding of COSHH regulations.

Responsibilities

• Undertake conservation treatment of three-dimensional objects.
• Oversee object assessments and conservation treatments.
• Collaborate in preventative conservation activities.

Skills

Object conservation expertise

Preventative conservation

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Professional qualification in object conservation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Object Conservator – Fixed Term Contract

Role Summary

Working closely within the Conservation team and in liaison with the relevant Curator, the Object Conservator will undertake and oversee the conservation treatment of the Collection’s diverse three-dimensional objects - including metalwork, arms and armour, sculpture, ceramics, and glass - for loan, display, exhibition, and photography. The postholder will also support object movements and contribute to preventive conservation activities managed by the team.

This role reports to the Head of Exhibitions and Collection Care.

Role Description

General

• Plan and carry out the conservation treatment and preservation of the Collection’s three-dimensional objects within your area of expertise, in accordance with professional conservation standards and ethical guidelines.
• Oversee object assessments and conservation treatments carried out by external conservators, and to supervise the work of conservation interns.
• Prepare treatment proposals and full post-conservation reports, where required, for approval by the Head of Exhibitions and Collection Care and relevant Curator.
• Assist in the movement objects for photography, study, display, loan and storage.
• Undertake condition surveys and assessments for loan, exhibition, and display purposes and prepare objects, as required.
• Collaborate within the conservation team in undertaking preventative conservation activities, including gallery cleans, pest control and delivering in-house object handling and salvage training.
• Maintain accurate and timely conservation documentation and records in accordance with conservation professional standards and Collection procedures.
• Ensure compliance to Health and Safety rules and regulations, including C.O.S.H.H, undertake risk assessments as needed.

Other

• Occasionally Chair the Preventative Conservation Working Group meeting.
• Keep abreast of advancements in the conservation profession and participation in relevant external networks.
• Carry out ‘Courier’ duties for objects from the Collection on loan to national and international venues, when required.
• Acting as 'Collection Representative' on duty for evening events, as required (for which overtime payments are made).
• Perform any additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Exhibitions and Collection Care.

Person Specification

Essential

• A recognised professional qualification in object conservation or relevant to the Wallace Collection’s diverse objects - including metalwork, arms and armour, sculpture, ceramics and glass.
• A minimum of three years’ relevant practical experience in conservation treatment, ideally gained within the museum or heritage sector.
• Experience in Preventative Conservation.
• Demonstrable computer skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• A sound understanding of COSHH regulations and related health and safety requirements for conservation.
• Experience in the safe handling and movement of a wide range of objects, either directly or in coordination with specialist teams, using appropriate equipment and following best practice guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrable organisational skills; including the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Able to work independently, under close supervision, or collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Work flexibly and calmly under pressure with a solution focussed approach.

Desirable

• Able to work at height and lift objects safely, using appropriate equipment and following safety guidelines.
• Experience of overseeing the work of freelance Conservators.
• Experience of Collection Management Systems.

How to Apply

Please complete the Application Form, and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, following the links provided on our website. Please note the equal opportunities form is used for monitoring purposes only and does not form part of the selection process. Both forms should be emailed by midnight 30/09/2025. Please note late applications or applications via a CV will not be considered.

Interviews for the role will take place on, 06/10/2025 and 07/10/2025. Candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted after the closing date. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it will not be possible to contact or give feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted for interview.

Start date: As soon as possible

Appointment to the role is subject to a satisfactory Basic Disclosure check. The Wallace Collection is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.