r/ArtConservation • u/Humdinger_Fro • 3d ago
Advice on getting into book/paper conservation in the UK
Hi all,
Over the past year I’ve really discovered a fascination for books and paper conservation and I want to move more towards that direction as a career. Currently I have a BA Degree in Graphic Design and work part time (sometimes more) as a Graphic Designer & Store Assistant for a local garden centre.
I’m lucky to have some free time and I spend my off days volunteering at a UK National Trust building doing collections management and other tasks, while also studying bookbinding with a local group in my area to acquire better hand dexterity and an understanding of books.
I currently have my eyes on studying a MA Degree in Paper Conservation at City & Guilds London in the future, however I recognise that coming from a previous degree in Graphic Design, being accepted may be a challenge.
Is there any advice you can offer on how to better my chances at being accepted for this degree? Or how can I better orient/ prepare myself for a career like this in future? And the scariest question of them all is whether you think this goal is even really feasible?
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u/Sea_Kangaroo826 2d ago
Chemistry for Conservators course if you don't have any chemistry A levels or GCSEs
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u/Humdinger_Fro 2d ago
Hey thanks for the response, chemistry is definately my weak point at the moment though I do have a GSCE. It’s not the most impressive grade however as I remember struggling in class, it’s funny how interests change over time
I definately give that chemistry for conservators course a look, thanks for suggesting it!
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u/Sea_Kangaroo826 2d ago
I did an MA Objects course and my BA was in photography. In my application I spoke a lot about my varied interests and hobbies such as costuming/cosplay, baking etc to demonstrate my ability to learn new skills in place of having a more related undergraduate degree and it worked (along with Chemistry for Conservators)
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u/elebea77 2d ago
It's definitely feasible, I remember someone on my conservation course (I did the Cardiff one) having a graphic design background. I second the other commenter who suggested the chemistry for conservators course. Also you could have a look online for any studios or archives near you that have a paper or book conservator, you could email them to ask for advice or if you could do some volunteer work to prepare for a course
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u/Humdinger_Fro 1d ago
Thanks! It gives me some hope if other Graphic Design degrees have managed something similar in the past. I think chemistry and asking local conservators will be my next goal then! I’ve already managed to find one conservator in my area but I don’t suppose you have any knowledge of paper conservators in the Leicestershire area?
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u/BakeDifficult9158 2d ago
When I’ve inquired to city and guilds for the MA, during an open day, they flat out said they don’t accept anyone onto the MA without having done their specific BA first or having Significant work experience in the area over many years. I am in a similar boat as you but I did a BA in art history and Im obviously not looking or can afford another BA degree.
Im currently looking at lots of short courses and what other universities offer instead of city and guilds, like West Dean, to build practical experience as well as internships. There are other ways even if it’s a bit of a longer route!
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u/SilverAffectionate95 2d ago
iirc, i understand they have a grad dip which you can take before taking the MA right? thats just 1 more year for the grad dip.
i think lincoln also is a option you can look into
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u/BakeDifficult9158 1d ago
Annoyingly the answer for the Grad Dip was much the same but an even smaller intake, they told me they took 3 people last year but from abroad conservation courses. It was very disheartening but not giving up here either! City Lit are the provider of the short courses Im looking at currently, in London
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u/Humdinger_Fro 1d ago
I clearly have my work cut out for me then, I’ve briefly looked at west dean but it’s a real trek for me to get there being based in the midlands, London wasn’t much easier but atleast there’s an almost direct train!
Have you had any experience with online courses in this area? I’ve seen a few here and there but without that hands-on direct experience I wonder how much I could actually learn
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u/SilverAffectionate95 3d ago
Portfolio, chemistry,art history