Special Collections has two qualified paper conservators who look after all aspects of the physical care of the collections. They are also responsible through Special Collections for the physical care of other collections belonging to the University.
The Conservators are responsible for a wide range of material such as manuscript books and documents, seals, maps, photographs, film and possibly magnetic recordings and machine readable records, such as computer punch cards, art works, artefacts etc. They are also responsible for the physical mounting and arrangement of all exhibitions curated by Special Collections.
This involves applying methods to clean, treat and repair items and to reduce the risk of damage and deterioration while they are in store or are being used. Much of the work is done in house, but specialist material including the Middle Eastern bindings from the Mingana Collection are outsourced to specialists in their fields.
A valuable contribution is made to our conservation work by volunteers from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS).
You can view some examples of our conservation work.
Interested in finding out more about a career in Conservation?
The skills
Archive conservators need to have a unique combination of skills. A high level of manual dexterity is obviously necessary, as is an understanding of chemistry and a lot of patience and concentration. Conservators also need to be:
The work place opportunities
Many archive conservators work in local authority archives, library and university archives, local history centres and museums. Employment possibilities don't just end in this country, as many UK trained conservators have found work all over the world, particularly in Europe, America and Australasia.
Some conservators choose to work on a freelance basis, working for organisations or private individuals. As freelance work can be particularly challenging, it is advisable to gain some experience before considering the pressures of working independently.
Most local authority and university jobs are advertised through the Society of Archivists recruitment publication, which is sent to all members of the Society and available slightly later through the Society’s website. Jobs are also advertised through the Conservation On-line (CoOL) discussion list , and the archives-nra email discussion list , and the national and local press.
How to take things further
Many conservators take a general course in conservation and specialise in books and archives. Colleges that offer such courses are:
Training posts are occasionally offered by record offices wherein the trainee undertakes the Society of Archivists Conservation Training Scheme. The scheme provides a three-year block release course giving practical and theoretical training by certified instructors. There are also S/NVQs available in Collections Care and Conservation at Levels 3-5.
Entrance requirements naturally vary from course to course and you must make enquiries to each institution. As far as the Society's scheme is concerned candidates should have at least 5 'O' Levels/GCSEs, including English Language. It would be useful to demonstrate craft skills and to have an appreciation of the intrinsic value of historical material.
The Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers scheme (PACR) accredits the continuing competence and skills of those who are suitably experienced. It entitles them to use the letters ACR (Accredited Conservator-Restorer) after their name. For further information see http://www.pacr.org.uk
