At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in tapestry conservation and contribute to exciting team projects.
- Company: Historic Royal Palaces, a leader in heritage conservation.
- Benefits: Professional mentoring, access to diverse development opportunities, and a unique placement experience.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and gain insights into various conservation practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving history while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for textile conservation and a recognised qualification or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
This long-standing conservation internship programme is offered by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) and based in the Textile Conservation Studio at Hampton Court Palace. This unique and generously funded opportunity is open to recent textile conservation graduates who are keen to build on their knowledge and practical skills in the specialised field of tapestry conservation.
The internship is designed to provide emerging conservators with structured, hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities across HRP's broader conservation team and disciplines. This year, the programme will also include a structured short-term placement outside HRP, providing an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into alternative conservation practice settings, broaden professional experience, and deepen understanding of tapestry conservation within the wider heritage sector.
The intern will be supported by HRP's Tapestry Conservation Team Supervisor and the Treatment Conservation Manager, who oversees the programme. Together, they will provide structured mentoring, regular feedback, and professional guidance to support the intern's development of technical skills, reflective practice, and professional competencies in line with Icon’s Professional Standards.
The Intern will develop practical experience in the conservation and care of historic tapestries through an individual tapestry project, while also contributing to a range of team projects. Working alongside experienced specialists in HRP's long-established Textile Conservation Studio, the Intern will build a broad understanding of tapestry conservation, treatment methodologies, and collection care.
Over the course of the 12-month placement, the Intern will focus primarily on hands-on tapestry conservation treatments, while also carrying out condition assessments, assisting with the display and installation of tapestries and historic furnishings, and contributing to the ongoing care, documentation, and management of these collections. As part of HRP's wider multidisciplinary Conservation Department, the Intern will have regular opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across different conservation specialisms.
The placement will provide insight into preventive conservation practices, conservation science research related to historic tapestries, condition auditing and documentation processes, and the use of collections management databases.
About You
You will have a passion for textile conservation and heritage, together with a recognised textile conservation qualification or equivalent experience. You will have a particular interest in historic tapestry conservation and be keen to develop your skills and expertise within this specialist field. You will be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team. You will be proactive and enthusiastic about learning, with a commitment to developing your professional knowledge and skills. You will also be comfortable working at height and enjoy engaging with a wide range of people, including colleagues, visitors, and other stakeholders, sharing your enthusiasm for conservation and heritage. Strong digital documentation skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain clear, accurate, and detailed records of conservation work. While not essential, experience of caring for historic tapestries within historic houses or other heritage settings would be advantageous.
Closing date: 23:55, 27 September 2026
The internship will commence in November 2026, with interviews scheduled for 12-13 October 2026 at Hampton Court Palace. Candidates will be required to present an electronic portfolio prior to their attendance to the interview, once shortlisting has taken place. Please be advised that Historic Royal Palaces is unable to provide sponsorship for the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role, as it does not meet the required eligibility criteria for this immigration route.
This long-standing conservation internship programme has been made possible through the generous support of The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and the Lord Barnby's Foundation, together with a new grant administered by the Institute of Conservation (Icon) through the Collaborative Conservation Skills Internship Programme. This programme is funded by a consortium of seven heritage funders: The Anna Plowden Trust, Idlewild Trust, Julia Rausing Trust, National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, Pilgrim Trust, The Radcliffe Trust, and the Swire Charitable Trust. The Collaborative Conservation Skills Internship Programme is a sector-wide initiative that addresses conservation skills shortages and supports the development of the next generation of conservation professionals. We are extremely grateful to all our supporters.
Tapestry Conservation Intern employer: Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the iconic Hampton Court Palace while contributing to the preservation and engagement of our rich heritage. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact. Join us in a role that not only enhances your professional skills but also allows you to be part of a mission that brings history to life for everyone.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tapestry Conservation Intern
✨Get Involved with Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local nonprofit events or volunteer opportunities. Not only will this give you hands-on experience, but you’ll also meet like-minded folks and potentially get inside info on internship openings or tips straight from the horse's mouth.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university career services are gold for finding internships in the nonprofit sector. Check out any early-talent programmes they host—these are often tailored to connect students with local organisations looking for interns. Plus, your institution might have connections that aren't widely advertised.
✨Network Through Niche Platforms
Join online communities and forums dedicated to social impact projects. Platforms like Idealist or NonprofitAF are perfect for connecting with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or sharing your own insights can give your profile a boost and help you stand out when it comes to applying for internships.
✨Show Your Passion on a Personal Website
If you don’t already have one, create a simple personal website or blog to showcase your experiences and thoughts on social impact topics. Link this in your applications—it shows any potential organisations, including Historic Royal Palaces, that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Tapestry Conservation Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector shine through! Share any volunteer experiences or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Let 'Historic Royal Palaces' see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the world.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to tailor your CV to reflect skills that are particularly valued in the nonprofit sector, such as communication, project management, and teamwork. Don't forget to include any coursework, workshops, or seminars that relate to the role, especially if they involve social justice or community engagement!
Craft a Meaningful Personal Statement:For internships in social impact projects, we like to see a personal statement that outlines not just what you've done, but why you care about these issues. Talk about the change you hope to make, and how an internship at 'Historic Royal Palaces' aligns with your future aspirations.
Include Examples of Initiative:Internships are all about your potential to learn and grow! We recommend sharing specific examples where you've taken initiative, whether it's starting a campus club focused on social issues or organising community service. This shows that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the mission at 'Historic Royal Palaces'.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Royal Palaces
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector. Share any relevant volunteer experiences or projects you've been involved in to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but one where you can make a real difference.
✨Know the Key Issues and Tools
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and key issues that impact the nonprofit sector. Highlight any experience with data analysis tools like Excel or project management software that might help you contribute effectively to Historic Royal Palaces’s mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. Think about examples where you've had to work in a team, overcome obstacles, or manage limited resources – these are golden opportunities to showcase your critical thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Curve
As it’s an internship, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Discuss what skills or areas you’re looking to develop, and how you believe an internship at Historic Royal Palaces could be a stepping stone to your career in social impact. This shows maturity and a willingness to grow.
