Education
Working in the conservation field requires a broad knowledge of many subjects,
especially art and history. It also requires the hands of an artisan or carpenter.
Building a strong base in both areas can help conservation technicians move
into positions with more responsibility, such as museum curator. Many training
programs require that you get some chemistry under your belt as well.
"Manual dexterity is important," says Mary-Lou Simac, who works for a conservation
association.
"If they have a liking for science -- that's also quite a strong component.
So, it depends if the person has the interest for it, and the real curiosity,
and the desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment. If they want to
go into a career for the money, this is not the one to get into," she says.
The best background for this field is a broad-based undergraduate education
that includes history, art and art history. Many museums prefer employees
who have taken courses in museum studies, which focus on the processes of
restoration and the administration of museums.
You don't have to be into academics to go into the field. Some specialized
forms of conservation and restoration can only be learned through apprenticeships
and self-instruction.