Textile Conservation Intern

National Trust; Costessey; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free entry to NT places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Discounts

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

The National Trust is offering a two-year fixed-term internship in textile conservation at the Blickling Estate studio near Norwich. Under supervision, you will gain practical experience in textile treatments, preventive conservation, and studio operations while supporting staff and visiting properties.

You will work full-time from the studio with opportunities to visit National Trust properties, and you will develop skills in textile techniques, conservation science, and audience engagement

Qualifications

• Degree-level conservation qualification or higher.
• Strong knowledge of textile techniques and needlework.
• Understanding of conservation science.
• Interest in textile history and open display in historic properties.
• Strong time management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake practical treatments in the studio and on site under supervision.
• Assist with organisation and maintenance of equipment.
• Conduct preventive conservation activities within the studio.
• Engage with audiences through open displays and interpretation.

Skills

Textile techniques

Needlework

Conservation science

Textile history

Time management

Public speaking

Teamwork

Education

Conservation qualification (degree or higher)

Job description

Summary

The National Trust is Europe's leading conservation charity, responsible for caring for significant textile collections, across more than 300 historic houses open to the public in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Textiles are a key component in the presentation of historic properties, and the Trust's collections comprise over 150,000 items which includes more than 700 tapestries, at least 20 state beds and 40,000 pieces of fashion, dress and accessories.

We are committed to developing the next generation of conservators through training, internships and student placements. Textile conservation also offers great opportunities to engage audiences, through a variety of media channels, in person tours, and interpretation of our work at our properties.

This is a two-year fixed-term internship has been created through a collaboration with NEXT.

What it's like to work here

The Textile Conservation Studio offers services to external clients, as well as undertaking major projects for the Trust. The Studio is housed on the Blickling Estate in a large, converted barn providing excellent facilities. We have completed some challenging projects, ranging from the 25-year Gideon Tapestry project at Hardwick Hall to preparing objects for inclusion in "100 Things to Wear" (NT publication 2025).

Your contractual location will be the studio near Norwich and there will be an expectation for you to work from the studio full time with opportunities to visit National Trust properties.

What you'll be doing

You'll be a recent conservation graduate looking to build on your practical skills in the specialist area of textile conservation. Under supervision, you'll undertake practical treatments both in the studio and on site. You'll assist and support studio staff with the organisation and maintenance of equipment and undertake preventive conservation activities within the studio. You'll be passionate about conservation, and will bring drive, commitment and a willingness to learn to this role. It is a great starting place for a career that could grow and grow. Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

To be successful in this role, you'll need to have;

• A recognised conservation qualification at degree level or higher
• A good understanding of textile techniques and excellent needlework skills
• Understanding of conservation science
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in textile history, particularly in the context of open display in historic properties
• Good team working with a flexible approach
• Ability to organise own time, plan and meet deadlines
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations
• Ability to work at height from scaffold towers and ladders (training will be given)

The package

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.