Conservation of Fine Art (Works on Paper)
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, usually in chemistry, physics, art history or fine art, although applicants from other related fields will also be considered.
Months of entry
September
Course content
The MA Conservation of Fine Art programme (Works of Art on Paper) provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as a conservator of works of art on paper.
This postgraduate programme aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in both practice and research in the conservation of works of art on paper. Northumbria University’s Conservation of Fine Art MA is the only Masters programme in the UK that offers specialisms in both the conservation of Easel Painting and Works of Art on Paper.
The programme aims to develop your skills in critical awareness, research, ethics and philosophy, art history, conservation science and the care of collections, in addition to honing the meticulous practical skills that are necessary in becoming a professional conservator.
The combination of meticulous practical skill, a sound knowledge of science, and passion for art and art history will make this Masters programme of interest to those from both a science and arts background.
Integrating a combination of studio practice, science and art history, the programme covers a range of inter-related subjects. During the course, you will study conservation practice, conservation history, the history of materials and techniques, conservation theory and ethics, conservation science, art history, technical photography, technical art history, preventive conservation and research skills. Additionally, you will be introduced to studio management, the use of methodologies and materials in conservation and good health and safety practice.
Conservation is a multidisciplinary field, continuously informed by developments in cultural heritage, visual arts practice, sustainability, ethics, cultural policy, and materials science. The spirit and day to day practice within the course reflects the professional codes of practice established by the International Institute for Conservation (IIC), the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (ICON). The Conservation of Fine Art MA is a multidisciplinary based programme and on graduation you will leave with the highly specialised knowledge and skills required to formally enter the conservation profession.
In order to broaden your cultural perspective and enhance your practical learning experience, you will also have the opportunity to carry out a placement in the summer recess. Past students have carried out placements in studios in the UK and globally and have included the British Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, the National Museum of Australia the Tate and a number of world renowned independent conservation studios.
We welcome applications from students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Typically, but not exclusively, students will have a first degree in Fine Art, Art History or one of the Sciences. Students with a science background should be able to demonstrate skill in practical subject area (eg. painting, drawing, printmaking). Students from an art practice background should demonstrate a sound knowledge of science.
You may also be interested in Conservation of Fine Art (Easel Paintings), please click here for more information.
If you’d like to browse what other postgraduate programmes we offer or have any queries, please get in touch.
The field of fine art paper conservation involves the care, protection, cleaning, repair and mounting of a wide range of of objects on paper. These include prints, drawings, watercolours, posters, portrait miniatures, historic wallpapers and three dimensional objects, such as paper costumes and architectural models. As a support for writing, drawing and printing, paper has been in use for more than two thousand years across many world cultures. Thus, objects treated by paper conservators are not limited to western works of art, but also include Persian and Indian miniature paintings, Buddhist Thang-ka paintings, Japanese wood block prints and painted scrolls and and screens from China, Japan and Korea.
Paper objects are particularly vulnerable to physical damage, light, humidity and air pollution, as well as contact with harmful materials such as poor quality backing boards and mounts, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and ill-fitting frames. Deterioration of paper can also occur through improper handling and from the action of mould and insects. Conservation seeks primarily to stabilise the condition of a work on paper, preserve its physical and aesthetic integrity, and ultimately promote its long-term preservation to facilitate access, study and research.
Works on paper often represent the most numerous objects in a given collection and therefore, a paper conservator must not only possess the meticulous skill to carry out complex treatment techniques on a wide range of individual items, but also be responsible for the preservation and conservation needs of an entire collection.
Modern and contemporary art on paper also presents its own unique problems, particularly in regards to the widespread use of modern synthetic paints from the mid-twentieth century onward. This has led to the development of a number of innovative and cross-disciplinary treatment procedures and collaborative research projects.The scope of the paper conservator’s work has therefore significantly widened in recent years and the remit of the paper conservator also covers development of collection care strategies, management of exhibition and preservation storage standards as well as engaging in research, advocacy, public outreach and training. The profession therefore attracts highly proficient and academic individuals who not only possess significant practical skills but also strong research and interdisciplinary skills, .
The programme leads to a wide range of opportunities for employment in the heritage sector.
Information for international students
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent).
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Office
- bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk
- Phone
- 0191 227 4444