Prospective students resources

Frequently asked questions

• What is ‘cultural materials conservation’?

  ‘Cultural materials conservation’ refers to the conservation (or restoration, as it is sometimes known) of works or items of cultural, historical or scientific significance. Conservation isn’t just about restoring paintings – this is probably the most widely publicised aspect of conservation, but it is an image that doesn’t convey the breadth of work that conservators actually do. The term “cultural material” refers to all types of objects, made by humans in every form of endeavour. It encompasses all items of historic, aesthetic, scientific, sentimental and monetary value. The conservators at this University have worked on pieces ranging from architectural drawings, tapestries, oil paintings, old or rare books and manuscripts, architectural interiors, Greek antiquities, photographs, and some interesting museum pieces such as a stuffed polar bear.

  Conservators are concerned with the long-term preservation of cultural heritage material. In everyday practice they apply conservation technologies in order to preserve material objects - be they paintings, textiles, ceramics or old boots - as long as they’re significant in some way! But they also strive to understand the role cultural material plays in the growth of social capital and community identity – it is about preserving the meaning as well as the physical object. Day-to-day conservation work involves the scientific and technical detail of conserving pieces, and inherent in this work is a much broader awareness of the philosophical, intellectual and scientific aspects of professional practice.

• What kind of career outcomes are there after studying conservation?

  Students who complete courses at the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation generally go on to work in museums, galleries, libraries, archives, archeological sites, and many other specialist areas. Conservators generally specialise in certain areas, ie. paper, paintings, objects.

• I'm an art history graduate and I don't have much chemistry knowledge. Is there a course I can do to catch up?

  A Chemistry Bridging course may be run on demand for applicants who don’t have the chemistry prerequisite. This course will only be offered if there is sufficient demand. To register your interest please email Dr Petronella Nel.

• How do I apply?

  All applications and enrolments are coordinated by the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences. If you have any queries, please contact the Academic Programs Manager in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies. The Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation is part of the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.