Conservator (Objects)

At IWM, we’re united by a shared purpose: telling stories that help people understand conflict and its impact on all of us. You’ll be joining a team where collaboration, curiosity, and professional pride shape everything we do. As part of Collections Care, you’ll work closely with passionate experts across Conservation, Curatorial, Collections Access & Research, and our wider museum teams. Whether you’re preparing an object for display, assessing a loan, or advising colleagues on conservation risks, your skills will directly support how millions of visitors experience our collections. This is a place where expertise is valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution truly matters.

IWM holds one of the world’s most significant collections relating to conflict from 1900 to today. The conservation team plays a central role in ensuring these objects can be safely displayed, studied and preserved for future generations. As the Objects Conservator based at IWM London, you’ll be the lead Objects specialist on site, working alongside Paintings and Frames conservators, and collaborating closely with colleagues at IWM Duxford. Your work will shape how objects are cared for, understood and presented—ranging from small, intricate items like compasses to large composite objects like diving suits. Your expertise will directly protect and enhance our ability to share these stories with the public, researchers and partners.

Your work will be varied and central to IWM’s conservation activity. A typical week may include:

• Assessing, treating and documenting objects across the London collection.
• Preparing items for short and long term display, storage or loan.
• Carrying out condition reporting for Loans In and Loans Out.
• Using analytical equipment such as FTIR, XRF, MFT and Oddy Testing where appropriate.

Collections Safety, Quality & Standards

• Producing risk assessments and method statements for conservation activities.
• Ensuring COSHH and Health & Safety requirements are met at all times.
• Maintaining high quality digital conservation records and documentation.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Working with subject specialists, curators, conservation colleagues and external experts.
• Training and supervising technicians, students, interns, volunteers or contractors.
• Supporting public access to the collection and contributing to conservation related programming when needed.

Continuous Learning & Professional Practice

• Keeping your professional knowledge and skills up to date.
• Helping shape best practice across the museums and collections.
• Engaging with professional networks where appropriate.

This role will involve occasional work at any of IWM’s five sites.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• A relevant conservation qualification or demonstrable experience in object conservation.
• Strong knowledge of conservation best practice.
• Experience handling museum collections.
• Understanding of COSHH regulations and relevant Health & Safety legislation.
• Confidence using IT systems and creating accurate conservation data.
• Experience working in accountable environments where documentation and quality matter.
• A methodical, thorough and systematic approach to your work.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to excellent customer service.

Desirable

• Experience using analytical techniques (e.g., FTIR, XRF, MFT, Oddy testing).
• Experience working in a museum, heritage or visitor facing organisation.
• Experience supervising volunteers, students or contractors.
• Interest in 20th century history and IWM’s collections.
• Ability to work at height (training provided).
• Clean driving licence.
• ICON Accreditation or working towards it.
• Proficiency with MS Office and databases.

You’ll be part of a supportive, skilled, and collegial Conservation team. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Collections Care, Curatorial, Collections Access & Research, Learning & Engagement, and Digital teams. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your professional practice through internal learning and sector networks. We’ll support you to contribute ideas, grow your expertise and help shape the future of conservation at IWM.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 6–12 months, you’ll be:

• Delivering high quality conservation treatments and documentation.
• Providing clear, professional advice to colleagues across IWM.
• Ensuring object preparation for displays and loans is delivered smoothly and on time.
• Contributing to a positive, collaborative working environment within the conservation team.
• Demonstrating confident, safe and best practice‑led conservation work.