Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

The Work

Conservators work to preserve artistic and cultural objects and to preserve and protect artefacts from decay by applying scientific methods.

They use their knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of objects and storage materials to control the environment in which artefacts are stored, displayed and transported. They conserve artefacts that are deteriorating.

Some conservators work with a wide range of objects. Others specialise in archaeology; ceramics and glass; furniture and wood; gilding and decorative surfaces; historic interiors; metals; paintings; paper and books; photographic materials; stained glass; stone and wall paintings; textiles. Conservators also manage laboratories and do research projects.

Senior conservation work needs specialist qualifications with a major science element.They usually specialise in a particular material or group of objects such as architecture, archaeology, art on paper, books, decorative arts, natural science or ethnographic materials, paintings, photographs, sculpture or textiles.

The Conservators will analyse and assess the condition of an item, and try to understand the processes and evidence of deterioration. They may be involved in planning the care of a collection, or site management strategies to prevent damage.  They may carry out conservation treatments, and conduct research.

Conservation work is both art and science. It is an interdisciplinary field involving practical studio work, science, and the humanities. 

Conservators check that objects are genuine and put a date to them. They then combine craft techniques and scientific principles to treat the object. Treatments are reversible where possible, as new methods may replace previous work. So it is vital that the conservator keeps detailed records of what they do during the conservation process.  
 
Conservators also monitor and control the conditions in which objects are kept. To do this, they use their knowledge of physical and chemical properties of objects, and their reaction to light, temperature and humidity. They advise other museum staff on the correct handling and storing of objects. Senior conservators research new materials and methods. They also supervise junior conservators.

A Conservator’s responsibilities include:

• Examination to determine the materials, the method of manufacture, the properties or structures of objects, and the causes and extent of deterioration or alteration
• Scientific analysis and research to identify historic and artistic methods and materials of fabrication, and to evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of materials and procedures of conservation
• Documentation procedures to record the condition of an object or site at a specific time, or before, during, and after treatment, and to outline treatment methods and materials in detail
• Carrying out treatment, including intervention procedures, as well as passive measures to stabilise an artifact or retard its deterioration
• Restoration procedures to bring a deteriorated or damaged object or structure closer to a previous or assumed appearance or function
• Advising on procedures for the safe exhibition and travel of cultural materials

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
• Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
• Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
• Photograph objects for documentation.
• Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
• Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
• Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.
• Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.
• Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.
• Supervise and work with volunteers.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Accepted entry routes for Conservators include:

1. A substantial period of experience backed by practical training and Continued Professional Development (CPD).

2. A directly relevant degree followed by years of relevant experience

3. A less relevant first degree or period of practical training, followed by a full-or part-time postgraduate qualification and further experience.

Undergraduate or post-graduate degree areas include: History; Art history; Fine art; Science; Archaeology. This may be followed by specialist training in Conservation ICRI Pathways

Training & Development

FET PLC Courses: History, Art history, Fine art, Applied Science, Archaeology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: CGI Art Animation Apprenticeship NFQ level 9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: History, Art history, Fine art, Applied Science, Archaeology courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Most conservation courses ask for some experience before applying, so many people also volunteer in museums/galleries/libraries for a short-time too. PhD level research can also be undertaken.

The training options differ depending on country and specialism. There are no training courses in Ireland, so potential future conservators must train abroad, generally in the UK. A list of training courses in the UK is available [Click here].

Details of International conservation training can be obtained at the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation & Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)

National Gallery of Ireland 

(ICRI) Institute for the Conservators-Restorers in Ireland

International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €52k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ IMMA

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.

New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.

The strong five-year growth rate for this occupation masks the decline in employment that occurred in the year since 2019. These occupations have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, particularly air travel assistants and those directly employed in the travel and leisure industry. Employment recovery will be slow and dependent on the lifting of restrictions both nationally and internationally.

• Irish Museums Association

  • 11, Parnell Square East, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 873 4216
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Conservators-Restorers Ireland (ICRI)

  • The Greenhouse, 17 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Gallery of Ireland

  • Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
  • (01) 661 5133
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Institute of Conservation (ICON)

  • 1.5 Lafone House The Leathermarket Weston Street London SE1 3ER
  • +44 (0)20 3142 6799
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Library of Ireland

  • Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 603 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Heritage Council

  • Church Lane, Kilkenny
  • (056) 777 0777
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Gallery of Ireland

  • Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
  • (01) 661 5133
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Museum of Ireland

  • Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 677 7444
  • Click Here