Join Our Team

Join our team at Fine Art Restoration Company for a unique 6-month internship in painting conservation, based at our flagship studio in Cumbria. This modern, collaborative space offers an ideal environment to develop your practical skills under the guidance of our experienced, multi-disciplinary conservation team.

Our studio works on a wide range of conservation projects, from historic oil paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures to antique furniture. We primarily serve private clients, historic estates and leading insurance companies. 

With a fast-paced, hands-on atmosphere, you’ll gain real-world experience in a thriving conservation business trusted by prestigious clients including The Royal Collection Trust, Durham Cathedral, Westminster Council, the US Ambassador’s Residence, Farnborough Abbey and Powderham Castle.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the day-to-day operations of a busy conservation studio.
• Conducting condition assessments, including photography, detailed examination, and documentation of artworks.
• Performing practical conservation treatments under senior supervision.
• Assisting with complex restoration projects as part of a team, with opportunities for practical skill transfer.
• Undertaking case study research to contribute to articles for our website.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with the following experience and qualities:

• A recognised qualification in the Conservation of Easel Paintings.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a collaborative approach.
• A strong desire to learn new techniques and expand practical skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational abilities.
• Clear and open communication with colleagues and leadership.
• Confidence working independently and within a team setting.
• Flexibility and interest in working on a variety of artworks, from heritage to contemporary.

Why Cumbria?

Our Cumbria studio is located in Carlisle, a historic city steeped in culture and surrounded by stunning landscapes. You will be located just minutes from the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.

The city features notable landmarks such as a 900 year old castle and cathedral. You’ll also find a lively mix of independent restaurants, shops, parks and museums – including the newly refurbished Tullie House.

Carlisle is also well-connected by public transport, with major train routes linking directly to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. A regular bus service runs between the city centre and our studio.

If you’re relocating, our friendly team is happy to provide advice about the area, practical tips and public transport options.

How to Apply

Please email the following materials to Sophie McAloone at sophie@fineart-restoration.co.uk

• Your up-to-date CV
• A portfolio showcasing relevant work
• Responses (max 200 words each) to the following questions:

1. What practical skills or experience do you feel are most relevant to this opportunity?
2. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from this internship?
3. How does this internship align with your career goals?

Application Deadline: 31st July 2026

Interviews: August 2026

Internship Start Date: September/October 2026

Location: Fine Art Restoration Company, Carlisle, Cumbria

Stipend: £10,000 (for the full internship period)

Accommodation: Provided in Carlisle

We are looking for a furniture expert to provide a vital part of our nationwide restoration service. Based in a state-of-the-art studio in Carlisle, you will have the opportunity to repair and restore a wide variety of antique and modern furniture.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience of traditional furniture craftsmanship including French polishing, veneers, staining and joinery. Historic skills such as marquetry and caning are advantageous but not essential.

You will have the ability to work as a team or independently with a flexible approach to the mixture of work that comes to the furniture studio.

We provide a bespoke approach to furniture restoration, either finishing pieces to a historically accurate standard or to a client’s modern taste.

What does the role offer?

• A professional studio setting where you will work alongside restoration experts who conserve paintings, paper, ceramics, frames, gilding and more
• The chance to work on a wide variety of high value and historically important pieces with a steady influx of new work every month
• Support from an administrative team who assist with customer service, purchasing new equipment and workflow
• Flexible working hours are considered for this position

To apply for this position, please email recruitment@fineart-restoration.co.uk with a covering letter and CV addressed to Chris Bull.

We are seeking a full-time Easel Painting Conservator with at least 3 years of working experience in Painting Conservation to join our busy Carlisle, Cumbria studio.

You will work on a range of practical treatments and assessments for our private clients, institutions and insurance companies.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Verbal and written assessments, condition reports and treatment proposals.
• Examination and treatment of historic and artistic paintings, painted surfaces and artefacts in the studio and on-site.
• Familiarity and adherence to the Icon practices of conservation and museum-quality standards.
• Varnish removal, re-varnishing, surface cleaning (from dirt, mould etc.), removal of overpainting and retouching of oil paintings and artworks.
• Repair of complex tears, dents, flaking paint, cracked and warped supports or delamination.
• Ability to complete routine filling, lining, stretching and in-painting with minimally intrusive techniques.
• Accurately match colours, paint application appearance and techniques of artists.
• Cleaning, repair and gilding of frames.
• Working under your own initiative in a fast-paced team environment.
• Solve complex treatment issues and work under pressure to meet deadlines whilst upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, risk management and an eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage workflow effectively.
• Travel for on-site conservation projects is possible.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION: Degree in Art Conservation, or commensurate conservation apprentice training and experience.

EXPERIENCE: At least 3 years of painting and painted surface conservation. Working knowledge of art history, chemistry, studio art technique and ICON conservation standards are a must.

To apply for this position, please email recruitment@fineart-restoration.co.uk with a covering letter and CV addressed to Chris Bull.