Art Restorer
What is an art restorer?
An art restorer is someone who repairs and preserves artworks such as paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts to restore them to their original condition.
What does an art restorer do?
Usually, an art restorer does the following:
- Examines artworks to assess their condition and identify areas that need restoration
- Cleans and removes dirt, grime, and varnish from artworks using specialized techniques and materials
- Repairs damages such as cracks, tears, or paint loss using various restoration methods
- Retouches and repaints areas of an artwork to restore its original appearance
- Uses archival materials and techniques to ensure the long-term preservation of the artwork
What does the day-to-day life of an art restorer look like?
An art restorer usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the employer or if you are self-employed. The tasks of an art restorer can vary depending on the specific project they are working on. For example, one day you might be cleaning a painting, and the next day you could be repairing a sculpture. You may also have to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Where does an art restorer work?
Art restorers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Museums and art galleries: Many art restorers are employed by museums or galleries where they work on restoring and preserving the institution's collection of artworks.
- Conservation studios: Some art restorers work in private conservation studios where they provide restoration services for individuals, collectors, and institutions.
- Self-employment: Some art restorers choose to work as independent contractors, freelancers, or start their own restoration businesses. In this case, they may work on-site or have clients bring artworks to their studio.
What tools/materials does an art restorer use?
An art restorer uses a variety of tools and materials, including:
- Microscopes and magnifying glasses: To examine artworks in detail and identify areas that require restoration.
- Cleaning solvents and solutions: To remove dirt, grime, and varnish safely from the surface of artworks.
- Paintbrushes and pigments: To retouch and repaint areas of an artwork.
- Adhesives, fillers, and consolidants: To repair and stabilize damaged areas of an artwork.
- Archival materials and techniques: To ensure the long-term preservation of the restored artworks.
What do I need to become an art restorer?
There are a number of ways you can become an art restorer, including:
- Bachelor's degree in art restoration or conservation: Many universities and art schools offer specialized programs in art restoration or conservation. These programs provide a comprehensive education on the techniques and principles of art restoration.
- Apprenticeships and internships: Some art restorers start their careers by working as apprentices or interns under experienced professionals. This hands-on training allows them to learn the practical skills and techniques required in art restoration.
- Continuing education and workshops: Even after obtaining a formal education or completing an apprenticeship, it is essential to continue learning and staying updated with the latest techniques and advancements in the field of art restoration.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to you as an art restorer, including:
- Senior Art Restorer/Conservator: With experience and expertise, you can advance to a senior position where you may lead restoration projects or manage a team of art restorers.
- Curator: After gaining a deep understanding of artworks and their historical context through restoration work, you may choose to pursue a career as a curator in a museum or gallery, where you will be responsible for managing collections and planning exhibitions.
- Art Historian: Your knowledge of art history and the technical aspects of restoration can lead to a career in research, teaching, or writing about art history.
What jobs are similar to an art restorer?
- Art Conservator: Similar to an art restorer but with a stronger focus on the preservation and preventive care of artworks.
- Archaeological Conservator: Specializing in the conservation and restoration of archaeological artifacts.
- Furniture Restorer: Repairing and restoring antique furniture to its original condition.
- Paper Conservator: Specializing in the restoration and preservation of paper-based artworks, such as manuscripts, prints, and documents.
What made you want to become an art restorer?
How did you get your first art restorer job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an art restorer?
Are you an art restorer? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to art restoration. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.