What does it take to become an archive conservator?
To become an archive conservator, a person typically needs a blend of specialised knowledge, practical skills, and personal qualities.
Knowledge & Education
- A qualification in conservation, heritage studies, or related fields: Often a postgraduate qualification in archive or paper conservation is preferred, or a training/ apprenticeship route into the field.
- Understanding of materials science: Especially how paper, parchment, inks, and adhesives degrade over time.
- Knowledge of history and archival practices: To understand the context and significance of the items being preserved.
Technical Skills
- Conservation techniques: Skills in cleaning, repairing, stabilising, and storing archival materials.
- Preventive conservation: Ability to assess risks and implement strategies to prevent damage (e.g., environmental control, pest management).
- Digitisation: Familiarity with scanning and digital preservation methods.
- Documentation: Accurate recording of conservation work and condition reports.
Analytical & Research Skills
- Problem-solving: Diagnosing deterioration and choosing appropriate treatments.
- Research: Investigating historical materials and conservation methods.
- Attention to detail: Essential for delicate and precise work.
Personal Qualities
- Patience and dexterity: Conservation work can be slow and meticulous.
- Ethical judgment: Decisions often involve balancing preservation with accessibility.
- Communication skills: To collaborate with archivists, curators, and the public.
Experience
- Internships or apprenticeships: Hands-on experience in conservation studios or heritage institutions is highly valued.
- Portfolio of work: Demonstrating past conservation projects can be crucial when applying for roles.
What’s the difference between an archive conservator and a preventative conservator.
Preventative conservation involves measures and actions aimed at avoiding and or reducing the risk for future deterioration and/or loss of collections.
Preventative measures are often indirect and can involve work around the storage environment, including pest management, environmental monitoring, packaging, cleaning and assessment of risk.
Archive conservators usually have a responsibility for preventative conservation measures, but also a responsibility to enact interventive conservation measures on collections items. This can include paper repair and bookbinding as well as the responsibilities detailed above.
