Job Descriptions

Furniture Conservator/Restorer Job Description

What is the job description of a Furniture Conservator/Restorer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Furniture Conservator/Restorer? What does a Furniture Conservator/Restorer do?

Job description of a Furniture Conservator/Restorer

Furniture conservators or restorers are involved in the preservation and restoration of antique and modern furniture by using practical and scientific restoration techniques. They also advise on the storage and protection of the furniture. The relationship between conservation and restoration is complex and depends on the purpose and utility of the piece.

Conservation involves ensuring that items retain their original features; restoration may involve the use of new materials to protect and update existing features. Furniture conservators or restorers may specialize in a particular type or period of furniture. There is scope to work in museums or in a private business, or be self-employed. Self-employed conservators must also manage their own marketing, financial and business activities. They may go on to work in the antiques sector and/or work in a consultancy role.

This Furniture Conservator/Restorer job description example includes the list of most important Furniture Conservator/Restorer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Furniture Conservator/Restorer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Furniture Conservator/Restorer Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Conservator/Restorer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Liaising with clients to discuss and agree on the conservation and/or restoration of a piece of furniture;
  • Sourcing materials for use in the conservation and restoration process;
  • Applying preventative measures in relation to environmental, biological and human conditions, in order to protect and preserve furniture;
  • Observing and assessing the state of a piece of furniture to decide on the best way to restore or conserve it;
  • Taking photographs of pieces of furniture and their components and maintaining detailed records of their condition and special features before and after work is carried out;
  • Communicating with the client about the sometimes complex treatment processes involved;
  • Providing photographs and other records for clients when work is complete;
  • Keeping up to date with research and developments in equipment and techniques;
  • Working on a number of projects concurrently;
  • Traveling to a variety of locations to work on pieces in situ;
  • Working closely with a range of materials and equipment in precise and detailed ways during the conservation and restoration process;
  • Combining specialist knowledge of furniture with practical techniques in order to prolong and protect the survival of a piece of furniture;
  • Providing advice and information on conservation and restoration issues to the public.

Furniture Conservator/Restorer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Furniture Conservator/Restorer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A relevant degree or diploma in a subject such as furniture-making, furniture conservation and restoration, fine art, art history, or 3D design
  • Excellent practical skills and technical ability to deal with the detailed and delicate nature of the work
  • A combination of artistic and scientific ability and interests
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in order to explain complex information clearly to clients
  • Patience and a methodical approach to work
  • Self-motivation and the ability to manage an independent workload
  • The ability to work to tight deadlines
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • A flexible and adaptable approach
  • Perseverance, commitment and a genuine enthusiasm for the work
  • Excellent administration and marketing skills, if you're setting up your own business.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Furniture Conservator/Restorer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Furniture Conservator/Restorer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Furniture Conservator/Restorer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.