Remedial Conservator - Textiles

Job Description

Summary As Europes leading conservation charity, the National Trusts world class textile collections are located in over 200 major historic houses open to the public. We help to care for over 150,000 textile objects including tapestries, carpets, furnishings,upholstered furniture, state beds and costume many of which are of international significance.We are looking for a Textile Conservator who is passionate about undertaking conservation treatments and who enjoys sharing stories about the amazing objects you will be privileged to work with. Your role will develop remedial treatments and explore thematerials and techniques used in the production of textiles. Working with internal and external specialists you will support the continuing growth of knowledge around our internationally important collection of textiles.Internally youll be known asRemedial Conservator - Conservation Studio. What its like to work here The National Trust, Textile Conservation Studio was founded in 1976 at Blickling Hall in Norfolk. Since 2002, the Studio has been based in a specially converted, award-winning barn on the Blickling estate which has extensive conservation facilities to undertakelarge-scale complex remedial treatments.Reporting to the Senior Conservator you will be part of a team of 10 Conservators and a Conservation Technician. You will undertake practical textile treatments both in the studio and occasionally on site. The open plan studio is perfect for teamwork, wherethe team can share their skills and expertise to deliver conservation treatments. What youll be doing Most of your time will be spent at the studio undertaking remedial conservation work on textiles. Youll have a good understanding of textile materials and structures and some knowledge of the history of manufacture. You will also have a solid foundationin the options available for textile conservation treatments e.g. surface cleaning, wet cleaning, stitched and adhesive support treatments. This is an exciting chance to gain experience working within one of the countrys top textile conservation studios.On occasion youll work at other National Trust properties, which may require overnight stays, activities will include remedial conservation, removing and installing tapestries, surveys, and estimates.Your work will include collaboration with curators and analytical specialists to contribute to the identification of materials and techniques. The role will require you to promote our conservation activities to other conservation specialists and non-specialistsalike via a range of delivery methods for example talks, tours, written material, film, and audio. Who were looking for You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You dont need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. For this positionwere looking for someone who has:

• Formal vocational/professional qualification and relevant conservation experience in the conservation treatment of textiles

• Working within Icon conservation standards and ethics, or equivalent.

• Knowledge of health and safety, compliance, risk and COSHH

• Ability to create and maintain accurate conservation documentation and photography and experience of collections management systems

• Evidence of good practical and problem-solving skills being able to manage your time and prioritise tasks

• Able to work as part of a team, sharing ideas and learning

• Able to develop conservation briefs with clients such as curators, collection managers, and regional conservators

• Participate in public engagement activities, using a range of formats, e.g., social media, conservation in action and presentations to tour groups

• Experience of supervising students and volunteers

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.