ABOUT PLOWDEN & SMITH | CAREERS | Vacancy: Decorative Arts Conservator Fixed Term

Take your career in the fine art restoration sector to the next level with Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the UK’s largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation company. Operating out of new purpose-built premises in Mitcham, our team of experienced, skilled restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All treatments are guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Plowden & Smith is committed to supporting employees with their continued professional development and training.

We advertise current vacancies on our website, listed below, however we are always interested in hearing from talented professionals at all stages of their careers. Please send CVs to info@plowden-smith.com. We will be in touch should a suitable vacancy arise.

Why work for Plowden & Smith?

Work with some of the world’s most rare, beautiful and interesting artworks and artefacts, as well as national and international collections
Work in a stimulating, creative environment
Free entry to museums and exhibitions being held in the UK and around the world
Opportunities throughout the year to attend preview nights and private view events
Personal Continued Professional Development fund
Child Care Voucher Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Hybrid Working

About Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is a leading fine art and furniture conservation and restoration company.

In December 2018 we moved to purpose-built premises in Mitcham where our team of experienced and skilled conservators and restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All our object treatments are informed by science, guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Staff are committed to continued professional development and training.

Decorative Arts Conservator

We are seeking a Decorative Arts Conservator. The conservator will work with Conservation Management and Client Services to ensure delivery of quality conservation treatments within agreed estimates.

We are regularly required to work on objects that are gilded, composed of mixed materials, and created using non-traditional art materials. An excellent knowledge of materials and their properties is a pre-requisite for this position. A high level of water and oil gilding aptitude is also necessary.

The Decorative Arts Conservator will undertake examination and assessment of 2D and 3D objects and must be proficient in producing accurate written and photographic documentation, and generating condition reports to a high standard.

Position: Permanent fixed-term (1 year), Full time – Parental Cover
Working hours: Normally Mon to Friday 9am – 5pm (Part-time or compressed hours may be considered for this role)
Salary: £31, 000 – £33, 475 depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment proposals and methodologies and treatment reports.
Complete high quality conservation treatments, on time. Treatments can include cleaning, stabilisation, consolidation, repair and reintegration.
Water gilding – surface preparation, bole preparation, gilding, burnishing and toning.
Oil gilding: preparation of surfaces, gilding, toning, and finishing.
Keeping stock of studio materials and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time with the Conservation Assistant.
Liaising with the Conservation Manager and Client Services to ensure the smooth running of your personal workload.
Work on site as well as in the workshop. This may include major galleries, museums, private homes, heritage sites and storage facilities.
Provide practical conservation advice and guidance to other conservators, client services and clients.
Work with other departments in the company on collaborative jobs.

About You

A qualified conservator with a minimum of two years post qualification experience in conservation of Decorative Arts/Objects.
Experience working in private practice is desirable as you will be required to work under your own initiative and effectively manage your workflow to meet deadlines in a commercial environment.
Reports are a vital part of this role, and a clear and concise writing style is essential.
Treatments are carried out both in the studio and in-situ willingness to do so is required.
You will be a personable and effective team worker with good communication skills.
You will be confident in making decisions with objects whilst maintaining exceptional ethical standards in your approach to all tasks.
Robust chemistry for conservation knowledge.
We handle large and oversized work frequently, managing studio space and safe handling with the team is vital to the role.
IT: Good working knowledge of Word and Excel and file sharing services.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, portfolio and covering letter of no more than 250 words to emily.harris@plowden-smith.com and include ‘Decorative Arts Conservator’ in the subject line. The closing date for applications is Friday 25 July 2025.

Interviews to take place WC 4 and 11 August 2025. Please send applications in ASAP if interested. Role to commence in September.

Please note that you must have the right to live and work in the UK. We cannot support any individual in applying for a visa.