Art Restorer Resume examples & templates
Copyable Art Restorer Resume examples
Ever wonder who brings the Mona Lisa's smile back to life after centuries of grime and decay? Art restorers are part scientist, part detective, and part artist—working behind the scenes to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. These specialized conservators blend traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to breathe new life into damaged or deteriorating artwork. The field has evolved dramatically in recent years, with digital imaging and spectroscopic analysis now complementing the restorer's traditional toolkit of solvents, scalpels, and brushes.
According to the American Institute for Conservation, nearly 77% of museums reported having a backlog of objects needing conservation treatment, creating steady demand for skilled professionals. This demand has fueled competition, with top positions at major museums requiring advanced degrees and 5+ years of specialized experience. While the work demands incredible patience (a single painting restoration can take 6-18 months!), it offers remarkable rewards. As climate-controlled storage becomes increasingly critical for preservation, art restorers are at the forefront of developing sustainable conservation methods that balance accessibility with protection—ensuring our artistic treasures survive for centuries to come.
Junior Art Restorer Resume Example
Lucia Morelli
Portland, OR 97205 • (503) 555-8142 • lucia.morelli@email.com • linkedin.com/in/luciamorelli
Recent Art Conservation graduate with hands-on experience preserving paintings, works on paper, and decorative objects. Skilled in both traditional and modern conservation methods with particular strength in analytical techniques. Seeking to apply my technical skills and art historical knowledge in a museum or private conservation studio where I can continue developing expertise under experienced conservators.
Experience
Conservation Assistant (Part-time)
Whitman Art Conservation Studio, Portland, OR
January 2023 – Present
- Assist lead conservator with treatment documentation, including before/after photography of 19+ historic paintings and works on paper
- Prepare materials for conservation treatments, including mixing adhesives and consolidants according to specific formulations
- Clean frames and perform basic surface dirt removal on stable artworks under supervision
- Maintain laboratory equipment and organize conservation supplies, improving workflow efficiency by 17%
Conservation Intern
Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR
June 2022 – December 2022
- Conducted condition assessments of 43 works on paper, identifying preservation priorities for upcoming exhibition
- Assisted with environmental monitoring in storage and gallery spaces, recording temperature and RH fluctuations
- Learned techniques for mold remediation and participated in emergency response training
- Helped create custom storage solutions for fragile textiles in the museum’s Asian art collection
Gallery Assistant
Riverside Contemporary Gallery, Eugene, OR
September 2020 – May 2022
- Handled artwork installation and deinstallation for 7 exhibitions, gaining practical experience in proper art handling
- Maintained gallery spaces and monitored environmental conditions
- Assisted visitors with inquiries about artists and artwork preservation
- Created condition reports for incoming and outgoing artwork loans
Education
Master of Arts in Art Conservation
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Graduated: May 2022
- Thesis: “Experimental Approaches to Consolidation of Flaking Paint on Early 20th Century Oil Paintings”
- Specialized coursework: Preventive Conservation, Paper Conservation, Instrumental Analysis
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Minor in Chemistry
Reed College, Portland, OR
Graduated: June 2020
Technical Skills
- Surface cleaning techniques
- Basic inpainting and retouching
- Condition reporting and documentation
- Microscopy (stereo and polarized light)
- Environmental monitoring
- Photography (visible & UV)
- Fiber identification
- Adhesive preparation and application
- XRF analysis (basic)
- PastPerfect collection software
Certifications & Professional Development
- Emergency Response and Salvage Workshop, Western Association for Art Conservation (2023)
- Health and Safety in Conservation Practice, American Institute for Conservation (2022)
- First Aid for Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage Without Borders (online, 2021)
Languages
English (native), Italian (intermediate), French (basic)
Mid-level Art Restorer Resume Example
Margo R. Whitfield
Boston, MA | (617) 555-8429 | m.whitfield.art@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/margowhitfield
Detail-oriented Art Restorer with 5+ years of experience preserving and restoring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works. Specialized in 19th century oil paintings and early modernist works. Known for meticulous documentation practices and developing gentle cleaning techniques for fragile surfaces. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage while maintaining artistic integrity.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Art Restoration Specialist | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | April 2021 – Present
- Lead restoration projects for 12-15 paintings annually, primarily focusing on American Impressionist and Hudson River School collections
- Developed modified solvent gel system that reduced cleaning time by 27% while improving preservation of original varnish layers
- Collaborate with curatorial staff on exhibition planning, providing technical assessments for 30+ artworks to determine display readiness
- Train 3 junior conservators in microscopy techniques and pigment analysis methods
- Authored conservation report templates now used department-wide, improving documentation consistency
Associate Conservator | Newbury Fine Art Conservation | June 2018 – March 2021
- Restored private collection pieces including oil paintings, works on paper, and gilt frames for clients throughout New England
- Specialized in tear repair and canvas re-lining, completing 47 successful structural interventions
- Photographed and documented condition reports for 200+ artworks, creating detailed before/after comparisons
- Assisted senior conservator with complex varnish removals and inpainting on museum-quality pieces
Conservation Assistant | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | September 2016 – May 2018
- Supported lead conservators through preliminary research, material preparation, and basic cleaning procedures
- Monitored environmental conditions throughout exhibition spaces, identifying potential humidity issues in the Dutch Room (saved a 1636 portrait from moisture damage!)
- Helped update conservation database with 150+ new entries, including high-resolution imagery and treatment histories
- Contributed to public education program, leading 12 behind-the-scenes conservation tours for museum patrons
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Conservation | Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation | 2016
Concentration: Paintings Conservation
Thesis: “Analytical Techniques for Identifying Synthetic Pigments in Early 20th Century American Paintings”
Bachelor of Fine Arts | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | 2014
Major: Studio Art with focus on Painting
Minor: Art History
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
XRF Analysis for Art Conservators, Getty Conservation Institute, 2020
Advanced Inpainting Techniques Workshop, American Institute for Conservation, 2019
FAIC Disaster Response for Cultural Institutions Certificate, 2018
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Microscopy & scientific imaging
- Varnish removal & application
- Tear mending & canvas treatments
- Inpainting & color matching
- XRF & FTIR analysis interpretation
- Solvent testing & formulation
- Environmental monitoring
- Conservation documentation
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Digital imaging & calibration
LANGUAGES
English (native), Italian (intermediate), French (basic reading knowledge)
Senior / Experienced Art Restorer Resume Example
Sophia Marquez-Chen
Boston, MA • (617) 555-8749 • s.marquez.chen@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/sophiamarquezchen
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Art Restorer with 11+ years specializing in oil paintings, wood panels, and mixed media conservation. Recognized for meticulous technical skill in preserving 15th-19th century European works while maintaining historical integrity. Previously led restoration projects for the MFA Boston’s Renaissance collection, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge conservation technology. Passionate mentor who’s trained 7 junior conservators while maintaining relationships with private collectors and institutions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Conservator | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | September 2018 – Present
- Lead a team of 4 conservators in the assessment, treatment, and preservation of the European paintings collection spanning from 1400-1900
- Restored 17 oil paintings from the Flemish masters collection, including a damaged Rubens that required innovative solvent gel application to remove 200+ years of discolored varnish
- Developed new protocol for documenting restoration processes using multispectral imaging, increasing treatment accuracy by 31%
- Collaborate with curators and scientists to determine appropriate conservation methods for high-risk pieces, with special focus on craquelure stabilization in Baroque works
- Secured $175,000 in grant funding for specialized equipment and materials for the conservation department
Art Conservator | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | March 2015 – August 2018
- Conducted comprehensive condition assessments on 45+ paintings, creating detailed reports and treatment recommendations
- Specialized in the restoration of gilded frames and panels, reconstructing damaged ornamental elements using period-appropriate techniques
- Performed technical analysis using XRF, IR reflectography, and UV fluorescence to identify original materials and previous restorations
- Partnered with the museum’s education department to create “Conservation in Action” public demonstrations, increasing visitor engagement by 27%
Associate Conservator | Newbury Fine Art Conservation | June 2012 – February 2015
- Treated and preserved private collection pieces including paintings, works on paper, and polychrome sculptures
- Managed client relationships with 30+ private collectors, galleries, and smaller institutions
- Assisted in the emergency response to water damage at the Beacon Hill Historical Society, stabilizing 12 period paintings
- Documented conservation treatments through detailed photography, written reports, and material analysis
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Arts in Conservation of Fine Art | Northumbria University, UK | 2012
Specialization: Easel Paintings
Bachelor of Fine Arts | Rhode Island School of Design | 2010
Major: Painting, Minor: Art History
Certificate in Advanced Microscopy for Conservators | Getty Conservation Institute | 2016
Training in Italian Renaissance Painting Techniques | Florence Academy of Art | Summer 2014
SKILLS
- Technical analysis (XRF, FTIR, SEM)
- Varnish removal and application
- Canvas tear repair and relining
- Inpainting and color matching
- Gilding (water and oil)
- Wood panel stabilization
- Preventive conservation
- Digital documentation (DSLR photography, Photoshop)
- Grant writing
- Italian (fluent), Spanish (conversational)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Institute for Conservation (AIC), International Institute for Conservation (IIC), New England Conservation Association (NECA)
How to Write an Art Restorer Resume
Introduction
Creating a resume for art restoration positions requires a delicate balance between showcasing your technical conservation skills and highlighting your artistic sensibility. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of art restorer applications, I can tell you that museums, galleries, and private collectors are looking for that rare combination of scientific knowledge and artistic talent. Your resume needs to reflect both your meticulous attention to detail (the same attention you'd give to a 16th-century painting) and your broad understanding of art history and materials science.
Resume Structure and Format
Art restoration is a field that values tradition and precision, but that doesn't mean your resume should look like it's from 1982. Here's what works:
- Keep to 1-2 pages maximum (even senior restorers rarely need more)
- Use a clean, professional font like Garamond (appropriate for the field) or Arial
- Include subtle visual elements—a thin border or dividing line can work well
- Maintain generous white space—crowded documents suggest disorganization
- Organize sections with clear headings: Profile, Experience, Technical Skills, Education
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a .doc file)
Always tailor your resume to each specific position. A textile restoration specialist applying to a paintings conservation lab should emphasize transferable conservation techniques rather than textile-specific methods.
Profile/Summary Section
Your summary should capture your conservation philosophy and technical expertise
in 3-4 sentences. This isn't the place for generic statements—be specific about your specialization and approach.
For example, instead of: "Dedicated art restorer with extensive experience."
Try: "Paintings conservator with 7+ years specializing in 18th-19th century oil portraits, combining traditional inpainting techniques with modern spectroscopic analysis. Known for minimalist intervention approaches that prioritize artwork integrity."
Professional Experience
This is where most art restorers go wrong. They list job duties instead of restoration accomplishments. Each bullet point should showcase either:
- A challenging restoration project you completed
- A technical innovation or approach you implemented
- Quantifiable results (number of works restored, timeline improvements)
- Collaboration with notable institutions or on significant collections
For instance: "Restored a severely water-damaged Rococo frame, reconstructing 14 missing ornamental elements using traditional gesso techniques and 23k gold leaf while documenting the entire process for the museum's conservation archives."
Education and Certifications
Art restoration typically requires specialized training. Format this section with:
- Formal degrees (MA/MS in Conservation, Art History, etc.)
- Conservation-specific training programs
- Internships at major institutions (these can be listed here instead of experience for early-career restorers)
- Workshops with master conservators
- Memberships in professional organizations (AIC, ICON, IIC, etc.)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many larger institutions use Applicant Tracking Systems. Include these terms naturally throughout your resume:
- Conservation techniques: inpainting, consolidation, cleaning, stabilization
- Analysis methods: X-ray fluorescence, IR reflectography, UV examination
- Materials: specific pigments, adhesives, solvents you're experienced with
- Documentation: condition reporting, treatment proposals, photomicrography
- Period-specific terminology relevant to your specialty
Industry-specific Terminology
Show your expertise by correctly using technical language. Some examples:
- Preventive conservation
- Loss compensation
- Reversible treatments
- Minimal intervention
- Media-specific terms (e.g., cupping, craquelure, foxing)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen too many promising restorers get overlooked because of these errors:
- Using artistic language without balancing it with scientific terminology
- Failing to mention experience with specific materials or periods
- Not including before/after documentation capabilities
- Omitting experience with environmental controls and preventive measures
- Using restoration and conservation interchangeably (they have distinct meanings in the field)
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for restoring paintings and frames."
After: "Led conservation treatments on 17 oil paintings from the museum's Dutch Masters collection, including a particularly challenging treatment of van Ruysdael landscape that required stabilizing flaking paint, removing discolored varnish, and developing a custom humidity-controlled display solution to prevent future deterioration."
Remember that your resume is itself a restoration project—carefully preserving your professional history while presenting it in its best light. Good luck!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Art Restorer resume
- Meticulous attention to detail in object analysis and treatment planning
- Clear communication of technical findings to both conservators and non-specialists
- Patience during delicate, time-intensive restoration processes (some spanning 300+ hours)
- Cross-functional collaboration with curators, scientists, and historians
- Adaptability when unexpected issues emerge during treatment
- Cultural sensitivity when handling objects of religious or community significance
Hard skills for your Art Restorer resume
- UV/IR Reflectography Analysis for initial artwork assessment
- Inpainting techniques using reversible materials (Gamblin Conservation Colors)
- Canvas tear repair and structural reinforcement
- XRF Spectroscopy for pigment identification
- Gilding and gold leaf application (water and oil methods)
- Varnish removal using tailored solvent systems
- Digital condition reporting and documentation with IIIF standards
- Microclimate monitoring for preventive conservation
- Archival framing and mounting techniques