Furniture Conservator

We’re  looking for a furniture conservator who is passionate about undertaking conservation treatments and enjoys sharing stories about the amazing objects they interact with.

As a furniture conservator or restorer, you'll use practical and scientific restoration techniques to conserve and restore heritage furniture. You'll also advise on storage and protection.

This is a development opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in furniture conservation and cabinet making skills. 

(Internally this role is known as Remedial Conservator - Conservation Studio)

We care for over 56,000 pieces of furniture, across more than 300 properties nationwide one of the largest and most significant collections of furniture in the world.  The prime strength of the collection lies in English furniture, with outstanding European and Asian pieces, and a full range of types, from practical domestic objects through to the finest examples of the cabinet-making craftmanship.   

You’ll be part of a small team specialising in different fields of conservation, also including paintings, frames and objects. The open plan studio is perfect for multi-disciplinary teamwork, where specialists share their skills and expertise to deliver conservation treatments on National Trust collections with each other and with visitors to the studio. 

Your contractual location will be our Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio in Knole, Kent, and there will be an expectation for you to attend the studio. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. This role involves travel and overnight stays when visiting sites for works required. Please note some weekend working will be required as the Conservation Studio is open to the public. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.  

Most of your time will be spent at the studio undertaking remedial conservation work on furniture. You will have a good understanding of the construction of furniture, history of manufacture. You will be able to solve complex conservation problems using your knowledge of modern   conservation materials and techniques supported by strong traditional craft skills. 

On occasion you will work at other National Trust properties which may require overnight stays; on-site activities will include conservation treatments, conservation in action projects, surveys and estimates.

You’ll collaborate with Collection and House teams, curators and other conservators to foster a great working environment and to creatively promote our conservation activities to specialists and non-specialists alike. 

You will need to have the following skills and experience, but not limited to:

•Formal vocational/professional qualification and/or relevant conservation experience in the conservation treatment of furniture .

•Evidence of good practical and problem-solving skills in conservation

•Ability to manage your time and prioritise tasks

•Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships

•Creation and maintenance of accurate documentation in a timely manner using a range of methods, e.g. text records, photography, video.

•Ability to develop skill based on research and investigation

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

•Rental deposit loan scheme

•Season ticket loan

•EV car lease scheme 

•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

•Flexible working whenever possible

•Employee assistance programme

•Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.