Senior Art Conservator

Senior Art Conservator

Imperial War Museum Closing date: Mon, 10 Aug 2026

Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
London

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

As a Senior Art Conservator, you’ll help preserve and care for paintings and related items across IWM’s collections. Supporting exhibitions, loans, research, acquisitions and public engagement, you’ll use specialist conservation expertise to keep nationally significant collections stable.

Job Description

Carry out conservation assessments, treatments and condition reporting for paintings and related collection items.

Develop conservation plans and recommend appropriate treatment, preventive conservation or collections care measures.

Provide specialist advice on display, storage, loans, acquisitions, packing and installation of collection objects.

Work with internal and external specialists to identify and deliver the most appropriate conservation solutions.

Produce accurate conservation records, reports, risk assessments and supporting documentation.

Support exhibitions, loans and wider collections care programmes across the organisation.

Train, supervise and support contractors, volunteers, interns, students and technicians to maintain high standards of collections care.

Contribute to public engagement, learning activities and knowledge-sharing that help audiences connect with IWM's collections and mission.

Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge and continuously develop your conservation skills and practice.

Job Requirements

What You'll Be Doing
Carry out conservation assessments, treatments and condition reporting for paintings and related collection items.
Develop conservation plans and recommend appropriate treatment, preventive conservation or collections care measures.
Provide specialist advice on display, storage, loans, acquisitions, packing and installation of collection objects.
Work with internal and external specialists to identify and deliver the most appropriate conservation solutions.
Produce accurate conservation records, reports, risk assessments and supporting documentation.
Support exhibitions, loans and wider collections care programmes across the organisation.
Train, supervise and support contractors, volunteers, interns, students and technicians to maintain high standards of collections care.
Contribute to public engagement, learning activities and knowledge-sharing that help audiences connect with IWM's collections and mission.
Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge and continuous

Job Responsibilities

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

A relevant conservation qualification or equivalent professional experience in a specialist conservation field.
Strong knowledge of conservation principles, ethics and best practice.
Understanding of COSHH requirements and health and safety legislation relevant to conservation work.
Experience working in an accountable, professional environment.
The ability to create and maintain accurate records and documentation.
Experience using IT systems and databases in a workplace setting.
Experience handling museum collections and undertaking collections care activities.
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.
A commitment to continuous professional development and high professional standards.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Art Conservator
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 10 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Senior Art Conservator

Job: Senior Art Conservator

Organisation: Imperial War Museum

Postcode: SE1 6HZ

How to Apply

Please apply via the vacancies section of our website: https://imperialwarmuseums.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-4/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/693-Conservator-Art/en-GB