Conservators at NGV have diverse training backgrounds. Almost all staff undertook an undergraduate degree in a related field like Fine Art, Art History, Anthropology or Science before studying conservation in Australia or overseas. Conservators generally choose a particular material type to specialise in during their training. At NGV we have specialists in Objects, Fashion and Textiles, Frames and Furniture, Paper and Photographs and Paintings. During their careers, conservators further refine their area of specialisation through professional development opportunities and research.
All conservation specialisations require a good grounding in Chemistry so that is perhaps the most essential subject to study. Other fields such as History, Art History and Fine Art are beneficial.
Most Conservation Art Technicians have a Fine Art background. They have an excellent eye for detail, an aesthetic appreciation and refined problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
Conservators and Conservation Art Technicians work together to formulate display systems that ensure the safety of the NGV Collection and works on loan while presenting works to their best advantage. Conservators contribute their understanding of condition and points of vulnerability and Conservation Art Technicians provide their practical and problem-solving skills to help formulate a safe, subtle display system.
Voluntary work that gives you an insight into what conservation work is like is very helpful. Familiarise yourself with the conservation field by reading publications and joining a conservation organisation such as the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM).
Conservators balance different priorities throughout the day including assessing the condition and anticipating display and storage needs of new acquisitions, undertaking conservation treatment on works needed for exhibition, writing condition reports for works going on loan to other institutions and undertaking technical examination of artworks to inform treatment decisions and provide information about materials and techniques.
Yes, it is important to think about the artist and what their intention was for the artwork being treated. If an artist is still living, it is sometimes possible to interview them to document their intention and ask many other questions that will help conserve the artwork into the future. If the artist is not living, research may be required to understand their vision and choice of materials.
Yes, we supervise placements for students undertaking Post-Graduate studies in Conservation. Our ability to accommodate placements is dependent on the NGV work program.
It is important to protect your collection from damaging light levels, fluctuating humidity, insects and dust. If you need to handle your collection items, do so with great care to avoid causing accidental damage. There are many useful resources to help you care for your collection on the AICCM website including links to reCollections, Conserv-O-grams and CCI Notes