Exploring a Career as a Cultural Heritage Conservator with a Level 7 Degree
Are you interested in a career that combines art, history, and science? Consider becoming a cultural heritage conservator! As a conservator, you would be responsible for preserving and restoring cultural artifacts such as paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. With a level 7 degree in conservation, you can have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this exciting field.
What is Cultural Heritage Conservation?
Cultural heritage conservation involves preserving and restoring cultural artifacts, historical sites, and buildings. As a conservator, you would use scientific methods and techniques to prevent further damage to these objects and restore them to their original condition. Conservation work is essential because it helps to protect cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Why Pursue a Career in Cultural Heritage Conservation?
If you have a passion for art, history, and science, a career in cultural heritage conservation might be a great fit for you. It’s a challenging and rewarding field that offers a variety of opportunities. As a conservator, you may work in museums, galleries, archives, or private conservation practices. You may also have the chance to travel to different parts of the world to work on conservation projects.
How to Prepare for a Career in Cultural Heritage Conservation
To become a cultural heritage conservator, you’ll need to have a level 7 degree in conservation. This degree program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes coursework in chemistry, materials science, art history, and conservation theory and practice.
In addition to formal education, you’ll also need to gain practical experience working in a conservation lab. Internships and volunteer opportunities are a great way to get this experience and build your skills. Joining professional organizations such as the International Institute for Conservation and the American Institute for Conservation can also be helpful for networking and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Cultural Heritage Conservator
To succeed as a cultural heritage conservator, you’ll need a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include knowledge of materials science, chemistry, and conservation techniques. Soft skills include attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Excellent communication skills are also important, as you’ll need to explain your work to non-technical stakeholders such as museum directors or art collectors.
Case Study: Conserving the Mona Lisa
One of the most famous conservation projects was the restoration of the Mona Lisa by the French art restorer Jean-Baptiste Champeaux in 1809. After being damaged by vandals in 1956, the painting underwent several more rounds of conservation in the following decades. Most recently, a new conservation project involving the painting was launched in 2019. The project uses scientific methods such as imaging and chemical analysis to study the painting and inform the conservation work.
Conclusion
A career in cultural heritage conservation is a challenging and rewarding choice for those with a passion for art, history, and science. With a level 7 degree in conservation and practical experience, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this fascinating field. Remember, the work of a conservator is critical to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
