Paper Conservator, Acquisitions

Job Summary

Tate is looking for a Paper Conservator to support our programme of acquisitions.

The Paper Conservator for acquisitions provides specialist knowledge on the care and conservation of historical and modern works of art on paper. Day to day, you will undertake condition assessments, technical examination, conservation treatment and research on artists' materials and techniques, to ensure the long‑term preservation of the collection. You’ll provide advice on mounting, framing, installation, packing and storage, and advocate for the conservation of works of art on paper to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.

The Paper and Photographs Conservation team treat a broad range of artworks and enjoy being creative, pragmatic, testing out new ideas, providing solutions, and collaborating with colleagues. They work across all programme areas from Loans‑out, Acquisitions, Exhibitions & Displays and Library & Archive.

The Conservation department provides specialist conservation services to support the programme and care for Tate’s Collection and sits within the Collection Care division. Specialist areas include Time‑based media, Paintings, Frames and Workshop, Sculpture and Installation Art, Paper and Photographs, Conservation Science and Preventive Conservation. The department is led by the Head of Conservation – together, the department brings excellence and innovation to the care of Tate’s Collection, preventing damage and deterioration and ensuring that the Collection is available for future generations to enjoy.

• Professional qualification in conservation of works of art on paper or equivalent experience.
• Experience carrying out condition assessments, treatment estimates and documentation.
• Proven experience treating a wide range of works of art on paper, to a high standard with full consideration of practical and ethical issues.
• Demonstrable analytical and problem‑solving skills where complex conservation challenges arise.
• Understanding of the long‑term care issues in your specialist area and ability to provide expert advice.
• Proven experience providing advice and guidance for framing, storage, transport, installation of works of art in your specialist area.
• Effective communication skills, with experience advocating for conservation as well as the ability to collaborate and create networks at Tate and the wider conservation profession.
• Demonstrable organisational, time‑management and planning skills. The ability to work well under pressure and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.

• Assess and analyse the structure and condition of works of art, using a full range of specialist techniques.
• Apply conservation procedures to formulate treatments ensuring high standards of preservation and presentation; use innovative solutions to solve complex problems and to develop treatments.
• Undertake treatment and document works of art on paper in Tate’s collection and care.
• Investigate artists’ techniques, fabrication methods and conservation strategies.
• Create and update records for Tate’s collection management system (TMS) and Conservation Records.
• Liaise with Conservators, Registrars, Conservation Technicians and Art Handling Technicians to ensure works are safely packed and installed.
• Active involvement in the design, development, and implementation of long‑term collection care procedures, including packing, transport, storage, display, and installation. Create case specifications and design specialist storage.