Preserving careers in conservation: how can our interns benefit your restoration project?

Conservation is a complex and challenging vocation that requires great artistic and scientific skill, this is why our team at Fine Art Restoration Company has always focused on the future of this prestigious career through our comprehensive conservation interns programme. 

Every year our studio invites conservation students and recent graduates to join us in our specialist studio, where they get the chance to work alongside experienced conservators and put into practice the various techniques and treatments they have been taught over years of study. 

Above: one of our interns working on the surface clean of a small portrait under UV light whilst our senior conservators supervise

Whilst helping to nurture the future of our profession, our interns also benefit our clients by creating a unique opportunity – a lower cost restoration with all of the same professional treatments and knowledge, the only difference is that it will take a few weeks longer and that it is performed by our interns under the full supervision of our senior conservators.

This is a limited time offer due to the nature of our conservation internship programme which only runs for a select few weeks of the year. We also have limited slots for this opportunity, so we strongly recommend getting in touch as soon as possible to secure a place for your artwork. If you would like to find out more about how your restoration project could be undertaken by our skilful interns and give them a great chance to add to their professional experience, please contact our team via [email protected] or call 0207 112 7576.

Above: our team discussing artworks prepared for restoration in our Carlisle studio 

Our interns are always grateful for the chance to work on your precious artworks, so we would like to introduce you to two of our current students who have come to our northern studio from Ukraine and Spain in pursuit of their careers in conservation.

Meet Anton 

Anton spent four years studying for his Bachelors degree in conservation in Kyiv, Ukraine where he specialised in easel paintings and monuments. He has also undertaken placements in museums around Ukraine and specialist studios across Europe and China. Anton is currently working towards his Masters degree in Conservation of Easel Paintings at Northumbria University.

Above: Anton working on a large Rubens altarpiece copy for Farnborough Abbey in our studio

Why did you decide to study painting conservation? 

I want to develop my career in restoration and conservation as this is one of my greatest interests. I am especially interested in private client restoration because we see a larger flow of work. At Fine Art Restoration Company I get to see many more paintings than at my university and I appreciate the experience this provides.

What do you enjoy most about your internship at Fine Art Restoration Company? 

А great team and atmosphere with a spacious workshop that has everything necessary for comfortable and productive work. The quality of the paintings with which I have to work on delights me.

Which artist or genre is your favourite to work on? 

I would like to have a rich restoration and conservation experience every time, no matter the artist. At the moment I would give preference to portraits as a genre, because in recent years I have not been able to work on them as much as I would like to.

Meet Georgia

Georgia spent two years training as an apprentice under a senior painting conservator in Spain before completing formal training in Florence, Italy. Since then, she has gained experience in several museums and studios across Europe and the United Kingdom. Georgia specialises in the conservation of easel paintings and murals.

Above: Georgia conducting a varnish removal on a landscape painting in our studio

Why do you want to pursue a career in conservation?

Simply, because it is the best career in the world! Admittedly, that is a bit of a silly statement but for me, despite its challenges, it still feels true. Before retraining in conservation, I was constantly looking for something that allowed my brain and my hands to collaborate in a meaningful way – conservation offered me the solution.

What do you enjoy most about your internship at Fine Art Restoration Company?

I enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the Carlisle studio and its team. They understand the importance of creating a supportive environment where an intern can ask questions but they also recognise the value of an intern’s contribution by assigning independent projects and providing a much-needed stipend.

What has been your most memorable conservation project so far?

It is difficult to choose as lots of projects are memorable for me for different reasons. I once had to repair a canvas that had been practically torn into two pieces by a traumatic impact – the damage had been aggravated by two previous interventions which had created a fatal imbalance in the tension of the canvas. Repairing such dramatic damage, which returned creative function to a painting after it had been completely lost, was a very rewarding experience.

How can our internship programme benefit you?

If you are interested in our conservation interns restoration programme for your artwork or specialist item, please contact our helpful team who will be happy to advise further. You can email [email protected] or call 0207 112 7576.

Above: our team working together to professionally assess an artwork in our care

You might also be interested in:

• Different routes into art conservation
• The path to becoming a conservator