Art

Restoration
and
Conservation
Thank you for downloading this document.
This is part of the series “Unusual careers”.
Lesser known careers are being researched and
compiled by Mrs. Shobha Mathur.
They are graciously being hosted on
Karmayog.org and can be accessed at
http://karmayog.org/careercounselling/ Unusual
This document provides valid links to various careers
courses. All the links are working and secure as
on June 2011.
For any suggestion, amendment, criticism or
praise, please contact me at
shobham@yahoo.com
Unusual Courses Art Restoration

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Art Restoration and Conservation

Introduction
Traditionally the role of the conservator involves the examination,
conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage objects. He has to
use appropriate methods to keep the property as close to its original
condition as possible for as long as possible.
The conservator applies simple ethical guidelines, such as:

• Minimal intervention.
• Appropriate materials and methods that aim to be reversible to reduce
possible problems with future treatment, investigation, and use.
• Full documentation of all work undertaken.

Art restoration and conservation are sometimes used synonymously,

but there is a difference.
Restoration is trying to put the picture or artifacts to their original
state, and conservation is trying to keep the piece clean and stopping
from deterioration.
Art restoration refers not only to the restoration of paintings
but also to the restoration of murals, photographs, manuscripts,
sculptures, textiles and other art objects.
Art conservators preserve the actual objects, as well as create
a safe environment to keep the object.
Some objects will be kept in storage, while others will be on constant
display.

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The art conservator needs to know how light, temperature, and

humidity can affect the object in the long term. Art conservators
also advise the museum curators or owners on the best ways to
preserve and treat the various objects.

Apprenticeship and Formal Training Programs

There are two distinct routes for entering the world of art
conservation: apprenticeship and formal training programs.

The Apprenticeship
It is a traditional, time-tested approach used by almost all professions
for centuries. The apprentice works for the master for several years
having practical, on-the-job experience. When he has learned the
techniques, materials and methods of the trade, he may be ready to
work independently.

Training In A Formal Program

The second alternative is a relatively recent development, only a few
decades old.
Here the steps are clearly defined and the training is time bound.
Most training programs require a B.A. degree and strongly
recommend some practical experience before entering the program.
Museums, regional centers, or private conservators often provide this
training. Although this work experience may be similar to that of the
beginning apprentice, these individuals are expected to apply for
admission to a training program.
Training programs are found world-wide, offering a variety of
degrees, certificates and diplomas.

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Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in a field such as fine art, art history,
anthropology, cultural studies, fine art, organic chemistry, or science
is needed as the first step.
The curriculum includes, among other topics, lessons in Organic and
Inorganic Chemistry. Students are also taught the basic aspects of
painting and the development of art techniques; they are also given
training on the various pigments used and how they react to the
environment while their eye is trained to look for defects
The graduate courses can be up to 3 years. Here the Art graduates
learn the sciences and vice versa.
In India so far we have short courses and more on the job training.
In India several scholarships and grants are available.

Course Work
Art conservation teaches students how to ascertain the context,
technical background and aesthetic values of a piece to know how to
conserve it.
The conservation programs teach how to conserve paintings, textiles,
wood, paper, photographs, natural science collections, library
materials or anthropological, decorative, historical and art objects
made from any type of material.
It is a multi faceted and multi disciplinary subject.
Students learn about archeology, materials science, art and artifact
technology, craft skills, preventative maintenance and treatment
techniques.
They also have additional courses in chemistry, ethics and philosophy.

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To successfully graduate, students have to undergo written and oral

examinations. They usually have to submit a research paper, but not a
full thesis.
Degree Information
Art Conservation (M.S.) programs typically take three years.
Theory is mixed with internships (usually during the summer) .
Usually there is a combination of written and oral examinations and a
research paper, but rarely a thesis.
For some programs, students specialize only after a few semesters.
Other programs are very specialized and require specific skills. For
example, a furniture-restoration program will require competence in
woodworking.

Is this for you? Ask Yourself.

• Are you passionate about art work?

• Are you interested in curatorial work?
• Does History excite you?
• Do you know what you want to specialize in, whether a particular
material or group of objects such as documents and books, paintings,
decorative arts, textiles, metals, or architectural material?
• Do you want to work in the geographical area after you graduate?
This is especially important when determining internships.
• Who are the instructors? What work have they done? How accessible
are they?
• With what organizations (such as museums) does the school have
relationships?

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After Graduation you can opt for any one of these

Get a postgraduate degree in art conservation.
Apply for a graduate position in an art conservation department,
where you get on-the-job training.
Get an internship after your schooling. A career in art conservation
often leads to conservation framing and painting restoration.

Job Prospects
In India trained and skilled art restorers can certainly find openings at
any of the three National Museum Centers (Restoration Departments)
or at private art firms or even start their own practice.
Some other options are teaching, art journalism, archaeology,
art dealing (involves trading art materials which requires a good
business sense and artistic skills.
Traditional attitudes about art are changing. Earlier broken or
damaged objects were considered inauspicious and thrown away.
Today, they are considered precious antiques.
This radical change in attitudes has fuelled the art restoration
business. Even though restoration takes place at selected places
(museums, private art firms), the need for skilled restorers is
desperately felt. This is therefore, a promising future for all art-
lovers.
Courses
In India previously there were only short term courses run by the
National Museum from time to time.
Few institutions now have some Diploma courses, and few more are
planning.
Most of the training is done on job.

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I have given the names of Indian Institutes as well as western ones, as

this is an established career there.
I have checked all the links. They are all secure and working as on
June 2011.

Institutes
1. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal

http://bhojvirtualuniversity.com/

PG DIPLOMA IN HERITAGE MANAGEMENT (PGDHM)

http://www.bhojvirtualuniversity.com/cc/pgdhm.html
The objective of this programme is to provide professional skill to the
students who are interested in chalking out carriers in the field of
Heritage Management, Museology and Museum, conservation and
preservation of national heritage etc.

Course Structure
• Concept, Policy & Management
• Bio-diversity, Heritage Laws & Organizations
• Archaeology and Heritage Management
• Museums and Conservation of Cultural Property
• Art Heritage and Structural Conservation
• Living Traditions

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• Making of Heritage Plans and Practical involving training in

Conservation & Basic Computer Applications

Duration: one year. ELIGIBILITY Graduation . Fee. Rs. 7,475

Address
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University,
Kolar Road,
Bhopal-462016
Enquiry -Reception : 0755-2492090, 2492091
Registrar
Dr. Anand Kamble,
M.P. Bhoj (Open) University,
Bhopal.
Telephone: Office: 0755-2492093(O)

2. Annamalai University

Diploma in ARCHIVES KEEPING

Duration: One Academic Year - Part-time - Evening Programme.
Eligibility for Admission: A pass in M.A. degree with History or
Archaeology as main subject.
This is a Job Oriented Course useful for the Post-Graduate Students of
History and Archaeology.
http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/fac_arts_postgp.htm

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3. Osmania University

www.osmania.ac.in

Pg Diploma In Archival Science And Manuscriptology

Duration 1 -YEAR
Eligibility : A pass in MA(AIHCA)/ MA (HISTORY)/MA (INDIAN
CULTURE) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
For in-service candidates: A Bachelor Degree with 3 year relevant
experience in Achieves/Record rooms and libraries including Oriental
manuscript libraries.
Osmania Univ contact
VC Vice Chancellor vc@osmania.ac.in

Registrar Registrar registrar@osmania.ac.in

coe@osmania.ac.in
COE Controller of Examinations coe_ou@rediffmail.com
OSD Officer on Special Duty osd@osmania.ac.in

SOIS Special Officer Infrastructure sois@osmania.ac.in

Director- Director Center for Distance
director_cde@osmania.ac.in
CDE Education
Director- Director for University Foreign
director_ufro@osmania.ac.in
UFRO Relation Officer
OUPRO Public Relation Officer oupro@osmania.ac.in
Web
Web Master webadmin@osmania.ac.in
Admin

4. The National Museum Institute

http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/nmi/index.htm
National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation &
Museology (NMIHACM) is an autonomous body under the
administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, Government of

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India, which is located at the National Museum, New Delhi. It offers

specialized courses in History of Art, Conservation & Restoration of
Works of Art, and Museology leading to the award of M.A.degrees in
the concerned disciplines.
Conservation and Museology came into existance in 1983 and now is
Deemed to be a University provides various Courses with its campus
at National Museum(New Delhi).

Conservation M.A.
B.Sc.(Honours) or B.Sc. (3 year course) with Chemistry or Physics as
one of the main subjects or B.F.A./ M.F.A. or M.Sc. in Chemistry,
Physics, Botany & Zoology.
It also awards 8 Merit Scholarships each @ Rs.20,000/- per semester
and 8 Merit-cum-Means Scholarships each @ Rs.12,000/- per annum.
National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi-110011
Telephones: 011-23011901/ 011-23792249/ Fax: 23011899
http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/nmi/aim.htm

Institute also runs short term courses in the History of Art stream
for general public. The courses are:
1. Art Appreciation Course (Enqlish)
2. India Art & Culture Course (English)
3. Bhartiya Kala Nidhi (Hindi)
http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/nmi/s_t_c.htm

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Professional education and Degree available outside India.

In UK 3 year courses are available in Fine Art Conservation as a PhD
or MA degree.
Here are some institutes

5. The Courtauld Institute, London

http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/institute/index.shtml
World renowned for its breadth and depth of coverage, The Courtauld
is a college of the University of London.
This has undergraduate courses, as well as graduate courses. Post
graduate courses are:
• Courtauld Graduate Diploma in the History of Art
• MA in the History of Art
• MA in Curating the Art Museum
• MA in Conservation of Wall Painting
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel
Paintings

General information for students

Fees- For different courses, varies from £3500 - £5500
approximately . I am not sure if it is yearly or one time. Please
check here:
http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/degreeprogrammes/generalinformat
ion/fees.shtml

Information for international students

Various requirements:
http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/degreeprogrammes/generalinformat
ion/international.shtml

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6. The Hamilton Kerr Institute, Cambridge.

The Hamilton Kerr Institute is a leading centre for teaching and

research in the Conservation of Fine Art.
The three year Post Graduate Diploma provides a combination of
academic teaching and supervised studio work. The Institute also
offers internships to graduates of academic courses to gain further
practical experience and an opportunity for research.
http://www-hki.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/courses/

Here is one site which talks about how to be a restorer, and

two sites which provide list of many schools worldwide.

7. How to become a restorer ?

Patience, eye for detail....

http://www.restoration.lifes-essentials.co.uk/how-to-become-a-
restorer.htm

8. Art Conservation and Restoration

http://www.zeroland.co.nz/art_conservation.html

9. Art conservation training

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_conservation_training

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Main Restoration Centers

A major proportion of the restoration and conservation work in India

takes places at the following places:

National Museum Centres

Situated in Lucknow, Delhi and Calcutta, these centers look after
their own art works and occasionally those of other state museums.
Most of their services are to the government collections and private
jobs are only taken if connected to our national heritage.
INTACH
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in
New Delhi provides restoration/conservation facilities to private
collectors and institutions and charge a nominal fee for their expenses.
Restoration Firms
A few of these firms take on work from private collectors, and may
charge high fees for their services.
Private Practice
Some restorers choose to have their own firms, but the high costs of
running the business tend to retard their growth and expansion.

Where to Apply
National Museum, New Delhi
Announce short term courses from time to time. Suitable scholarship
are awarded to deserving candidates.
Director
(Conservation)

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Sh. S.P. Singh

23016098, 23019272 Ext. 273
All matters related to Conservation of Art Objects.
http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/

INTACH - The Indian National Trust for Art and

Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

SCHOLARSHIPS AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES

http://www.intach.org/sch_training.htm

INTACH UK Trust Grant for Indian Citizens

INTACH UK Trust considers project grant applications from Indian
citizens living in India and Indian based organizations for
conservation projects in India.
Application Form – Project Grant for Indian Citizens

Charles Wallace Scholarships:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships-cwit.htm

Other British Council Scholarships:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm

Pupul Jayakar Fellowship for Heritage Conservation

Urban Renewal of Heritage/ Historic Zones
Instituted by INTACH Delhi Chapter

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Eligibility

The fellowship is aimed at recognizing and inspiring individuals and

institutions that wish to work in the fields of Urban renewal, heritage
conservation, heritage management, research, publication and other
related projects in context to the heritage of a city/town. The
fellowship is primarily for Delhi and NCR.

The fellowship is only open to Indian Nationals and Registered

Institutions. In the case of an individual the applicant must be a
graduate/postgraduate/research scholar from a recognized university
or a practicing professional maximum of 40 years of age and in the
case of a Registered Institution, the institution should have a record of
working either in the field of heritage conservation, culture, urban
planning, in context to the heritage of a city/town or awareness
programmes for the issue of heritage or publication related to heritage
and culture.

The proposal should not just be a compilation of reports but should

contain a well-researched proposal. It should include a plan of action
including field visits and the availability of archival material relevant
to that study. A preliminary bibliography of the reports, websites
browsed should accompany the proposal. Priority will be given to
such proposals, which are related to Delhi. The project proposal
should be of up to 1500 words.

All candidates/institutions should mail their CV and a short synopsis

of their project proposal to the address given below. For any further
clarification, you can email /call our Delhi Chapter Office:

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Program Officer
INTACH Delhi Chapter
71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003
Tel: 011-24632267, 24632269
Fax: 011-24611290
Email: intachdelhi@rediffmail.com
http://www.intach.org/home.htm

INDIAN COUNCIL OF CONSERVATION INSTITUTES (ICCI)

Click on any the conservation center for more information.
http://www.intach.org/material_heritage1.htm

INTACH Chitrakala Parishath Art Conservation Centre (ICKPAC),

Bangalore
Kumar Krupa Road, Bangalore
-,Karnataka560001, INDIA.
Phone: (080) 2250418;
Fax: (080) 2263424;
Email: ickpac@vsnl.net.in
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_ickpac.htm

ICI Orissa Art Conservation Centre, Bhubaneshwar

State Museum Premises,
Bhubaneswar-751014, Orissa, INDIA.
Phone: (0674) 432638;
Fax: (0674) 409209, 400599.
Email: icioacc@sancharnet.in
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_iciorissa.htm

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ICI Mehrangarh Art Conservation Centre, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur-342001, Rajasthan, INDIA.
Phone: (0291) 548790, 548992;
Fax: (0291) 548992.
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_icimehrangarh.htm

Indian Conservation Institute (ICI) Lucknow

B-42, Nirala Nagar,
Lucknow- 226020 , INDIA,
Phone: (0522) 787159,
Email: iccins@sancharnet.in
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_icilucknow.htm

Manuscripts Conservation Unit, Lucknow

Mrs.Usha Agrawal, Chief Coordinator
HIG-44, Sector-E, Aliganj,
Lucknow-226024, U.P.
Tel/Fax: (0522) 376858; 377814
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_mculucknow.htm

Art Conservation Centre, New Delhi

71, Lodi Estate,
New Delhi - 110003, India
Phone: (011) 4641304, 4692774;
Fax: (011) 461-1290.
Email: acc_delhi@yahoo.co.in,mhintach@intach.org
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_accnewdelhi.htm

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ICI Art Conservation Centre, Rampur

Rampur Raza Library,
Rampur-244901, U.P., INDIA.
Phone: (0595) 325045;
Fax: (0595) 340548
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_icirampur.htm

Mural Paining Conservation Research and Training Centre, Thrissur

C/o Mural Art Centre, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Thrissur-20,
Kerala
Phone: (0487) 321633;
Fax: (0487) 320800.
Email: mcrtthrissur@rediffmail.com
http://www.intach.org/materialheritage_mural.htm

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