Training in the Conservation of Paintings - Calouste Gulbenkian ...

TRAINING ALREADY AVAILABLE IN THE U.K.
certificate of proficiency at a less advanced stage of the restorer's
career, but has not seen its way to do so.
63. For conservators starting on a career in museums and galleries,
the Museums Association* would be prepared to award its Conservation
Certificate on the completion of an approved training in
the conservation of works of art (with final examination and recognised
award), and after a minimum period of full-time work on
conservation in a museum or gallery. At present, however, it awards
its Conservation Certificate, in conjunction with the City and Guilds
of London Institute, only to conservators of archaeological objects,
since this is the only branch of conservation in which the approved
training, with examination and recognised award, is given. The
training is a two-year course at the Institute of Archaeology, London
University; and the Museums Association Certificate is awarded to
holders of the Institute's Certificate, provided they also have two
years of full-time conservation service in a museum. The Museums
Association has been active in pressing for the establishment of a
similar advanced course in the conservation of paintings.
Student Finance
64. Neither the museums and galleries nor any independent restorers'
courses are regarded by the DES as institutions of further
education for the purpose of either local authority grants or Government
studentships. The Courtauld Institute, as part of London
University, and the Gateshead Technical College are so recognised
and students accepted by them are eligible for discretionary grants.
At present therefore, except for these two institutions, all students
of conservation in this country must be trained either at their own
expense or at that of their employer or teacher.
* The official body of the museum profession, with representation of the museum authorities as well as of
the staff.
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