Icon internships, textiles conservation (UK)

  • Icon Internships, Textiles Conservation
  • The Bowes Museum HLF Skills for the Future Internship
  • 12 months Internship starting September 2018
  • Location: The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham Educational Stipend: GBP16,000 plus GPB1,000 training allowance

The Bowes Museum, in partnership with Icon, and with the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund is offering a program of Textile Conservation internships from 2014 to 2019. The intern to work within the conservation department, and alongside the department of textile and dress.

The Bowes’ formed one of the earliest collections of European textiles in Britain, including tapestries, embroideries, furnishing textiles, lace, quilts and carpets. The costume collection includes haute couture from the 1860s onwards, with an important group of costume and accessories which belonged to Empress Eugenie of France. More information is available at www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk.

The intern will join the Textile Conservator in working towards the re-display of the Textiles and Dress Gallery though conservation assessments, treatments and mounting. As part of the conservation team, the intern will gain practical, preventive and workplace skills, tailored to help them develop their careers in conservation.

Other projects throughout the year will include:

  • Temporary exhibitions and displays
  • Pest management programme in the textile and dress stores
  • Care of textiles on open display, including upholstery and carpets
  • Ongoing improvements to the textile and costume stores, including of the Blackbourne Lace Collection
  • Regular contributions to The Bowes Museum blog
  • Assisting with conservation-related enquiries
  • Publicizing the work of the department through networking with other professionals, attending conferences, publications etc.

Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio with evidence of their conservation work and/or related textile skills, at the interview

You can apply for this placement if you have a recognized qualification in conservation, preferably specializing in textiles. Applicants wishing to pursue a career in textiles conservation, without formal training, but with a demonstrable interest in museums conservation and heritage, and able to demonstrate a high level of manual dexterity will also be considered. Applicants must be self-motivated and proactive. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please apply using the application form on the Icon website only. https://icon.org.uk/what-is-conservation/internships.

  • Closing date: 5:00 p.m. on July 12, 2018
  • Interviews will be held on during the week of July 23, 2018.

Questions: pwhife@icon.org.uk.