Conservator (Objects)

Conservator (Objects)

Imperial War Museum Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
London

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

As the Objects Conservator based at IWM London, you’ll be the lead Objects specialist on site, working alongside Paintings and Frames conservators, and collaborating closely with colleagues at IWM Duxford.

Job Description

What It's Like to Work Here At IWM, we're united by a shared purpose: telling stories that help people understand conflict and its impact on all of us. But just as importantly, we care about how we work. You'll be joining a team where collaboration, curiosity, and professional pride shape everything we do. As part of Collections Care, you'll work closely with passionate experts across Conservation, Curatorial, Collections Access & Research, and our wider museum teams. Whether you're preparing an object for display, assessing a loan, or advising colleagues on conservation risks, your skills will directly support how millions of visitors experience our collections. This is a place where expertise is valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution truly matters. Why This Role Matters IWM holds one of the world's most significant collections relating to conflict from 1900 to today. The conservation team plays a central role in ensuring these objects can be safely displayed, studied and preserved for future generations. As the Objects Conservator based at IWM London, you'll be the lead Objects specialist on site, working alongside Paintings and Frames conservators, and collaborating closely with colleagues at IWM Duxford. Your work will shape how objects are cared for, understood and presented-ranging from small, intricate items like compasses to large composite objects like diving suits. Your expertise will directly protect and enhance our ability to share these stories with the public, researchers and partners.

Job Requirements

What We're Looking For We'd love to hear from you if you have: A relevant conservation qualification or demonstrable experience in object conservation. Strong knowledge of conservation best practice. Experience handling museum collections. Understanding of COSHH regulations and relevant Health & Safety legislation. Confidence using IT systems and creating accurate conservation data. Experience working in accountable environments where documentation and quality matter. A methodical, thorough and systematic approach to your work. Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders. A collaborative mindset and commitment to excellent customer service.

Job Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing Your work will be varied and central to IWM's conservation activity. A typical week may include: Practical Conservation & Object Care Assessing, treating and documenting objects across the London collection. Preparing items for short and long term display, storage or loan. Carrying out condition reporting for Loans In and Loans Out. Using analytical equipment such as FTIR, XRF, MFT and Oddy Testing where appropriate. Collections Safety, Quality & Standards Producing risk assessments and method statements for conservation activities. Ensuring COSHH and Health & Safety requirements are met at all times. Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing Working with subject specialists, curators, conservation colleagues and external experts. Supporting public access to the collection and contributing to conservation related programming when needed.

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Job Overview

  • Job Title: Conservator (Objects)
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026
  • Location:
    London

How to Apply