Furniture Restorer / Conservator
The Work
Furniture restorers / conservators preserve and restore items of modern and antique furniture. Conservation involves ensuring that items retain their original characteristics. Restoration may involve the use of new materials to protect and update existing features. In order to do this, restorers / conservators combine their specialist knowledge with a variety of practical techniques, such as veneering, marquetry, upholstery and polishing.
They make detailed observations of the piece of furniture and its condition in order to decide on the best way to conserve or restore it. The process involves the use of a range of materials and equipment, and the restorer / conservator will need to keep up to date with developments in these. They also need to be well-informed about furniture and its history, and of why and how furniture deteriorates.
The work will also include sourcing materials, keeping photographic and written records of projects, liaising with clients and colleagues, and providing specialist information to colleagues and the public.
Restorers / conservators often work on a self-employed basis, and may specialise in furniture of a particular type or period. Self-employment will include involvement in marketing, financial and business activities.
Hours and Conditions
The work is usually workshop-based, and restorers / conservators may work alone or alongside other restorers.
Hours of work will vary, especially as a lot of restorers / conservators are self-employed so may not work set hours.
As some travel may be involved, a driving licence is useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a furniture restorer / conservator you need:
Training
Restorers / conservators need to update their skills and techniques on an on-going basis. Museums or heritage sites may provide specialist training for their restorers / conservators, and there may be opportunities to focus on particular types or periods of furniture.
Membership of professional bodies such as BAFRA, UKIC or the Guild of Master Craftsmen is useful for establishing and maintaining a professional reputation. These bodies set quality standards and provide for professional development.
The UK Institute for Conservation (UKIC) runs a Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers (PACR) scheme. This is a professional membership qualification which accredits professional capability against explicit standards, and ensures maintenance and enhancement of capability through continuing professional development (CPD). Completion of this allows details of professionals to be listed in the UKIC register. This is available on their website for use by organisations and members of the public who are looking for reputable conservation or restoration services.
BAFRA also maintain a directory on their website. This is linked with their membership route, which has levels linked to professional experience. Graduates from the courses recognised by BAFRA with four years' experience and membership of BAFRA's student section are eligible to apply for full membership. Details can be found on their website.
Opportunities
Furniture restorers / conservators may work for organisations such as museums, auction houses, historical or heritage sites or antique dealers. Because there are relatively few job opportunities there is a lot of competition for employment.
Many set up their own businesses, carrying out work for organisations and members of the public, or may work on a consultancy basis for the kinds of organisations listed above.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Starting salaries may range between £15,000 and £24,000+ a year.
Salaries for those with experience may vary between £20,000 and £40,000+ a year.
Further Information
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British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association (BAFRA)
Tel: 01305 854822
www.bafra.org.uk
United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Tel: 020 7721 8721
www.ukic.org.uk
The Guild of Master Craftsmen
Tel: 01273 478449
www.thegmcgroup.com
Museums Association
Tel: 020 7426 6970
www.museumsassociation.org
