Conservator (Paper & Photographs)

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, housing a collection of over 2.8 million objects that document 5,000 years of human creativity from across six continents. The Museum holds many of UK’s designated National Collections, including sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, têxtiles, and furniture, including extensive collections of prints, drawings, posters, photographs and portrait miniatures. It is also home to the National Art Library, which holds the UK’s most comprehensive public reference library for the fine and decorative arts, as well as special collections on the art of the book ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Archive of Art and Design holds extensive archives of over 1,000 individuals, associations and companies involved in the art and design process. The new expanded Photography Centre is the largest space in the UK dedicated to a permanent photography collection, celebrating the V&A's vast photography collection dating from the 1800s to the present day.

As Conservator (Paper & Photographs) you will provide excellence in the conservation of paper-based collections (including prints, drawings, posters, miniatures and other 3D paper-based objects) and photographic materials including analogue and digital prints, negatives, glass plates, lantern slides and other contemporary materials. The postholder will have suitable experience in the treatment of prints, drawings and contemporary works including works with digital and/or software elements, and the ability to undertake technical examination and scientific analysis. Familiarity with time-based media conservation and preservation issues will be an advantage as the team often works on collections of hybrid nature. An excellent knowledge and understanding of the properties of materials used in their construction and conservation is essential. You will be familiar with mounting and re-housing techniques and willing to train in the use of digital cutting systems.

The postholder, through a combination of examination, assessment, documentation, interventive and preventive measures, will support the delivery of the museum’s Public Programme, strategic objectives, and the Conservation and Care of Collections workplan. The postholder will work closely with the Conservation Operations team, the Preventive Conservation team, the Conservation Science Team, and other stakeholders such as Technical Services, Curators, and external borrowers.