At a Glance
- Tasks: Support conservation of historic textiles and prepare them for display and exhibitions.
- Company: Join the Royal Collection Trust, a leader in textile conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days leave, a generous pension plan, and complimentary lunch.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by preserving history for future generations.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in textile conservation and relevant practical experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
It’s safeguarding a magnificent collection for future generations. It’s taking pride in the role you play. It’s the satisfaction of caring for historic textiles within one of the world’s great collections. This is what makes working for Royal Collection Trust so different.
The breadth of textiles and textile objects across the Royal Collection is vast, dating from the seventeenth century to the present day. In this new role, you’ll join the Conservation team at our Windsor Castle studio, supporting the Textile Conservator with all aspects of practical and preventative conservation work. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in treatment, collections care and conservation projects, under the guidance of and in collaboration with the Textile Conservator. You’ll be supported every step of the way, honing your skillset to take your career forward.
Key Responsibilities- Support the Textile Conservator with conservation work on a wide range of textile objects to prepare them for display, installation in exhibitions and for loans.
- Carry out conservation and condition assessment of historic textiles for display, loan and storage, working independently on straightforward treatments and supporting more complex projects under guidance.
- Assess condition, propose treatments and accurately document all work on the collections management system, contributing to surveys and audits as required.
- Support the preparation of textiles for exhibitions and loans, including packing, mounting, mannequins and occasional couriering.
- Help ensure textiles are stored, packed and transported to support long‑term preservation, identifying risks and areas of concern.
- Work closely with the Textile Conservator and other colleagues across the organisation to deliver conservation priorities and routine care programmes.
- Adhere to Health & Safety requirements, contributing to COSHH and risk documentation and maintaining safe studio practice.
- Actively develop your knowledge through research and engagement with best practice, sharing and discussing your work within the team and beyond.
- You hold a recognised qualification in textile conservation (or equivalent) with some relevant practical experience, strong manual skills, and a desire to develop your career further in textile conservation.
- You have a sound understanding of textile materials, deterioration processes, preventive care and conservation ethics, and can apply this knowledge in practice.
- You’re confident assessing condition and proposing practical, best-practice treatments, knowing when to work independently and when to seek support.
- Highly organised and self‑motivated, you can prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands.
- A clear and engaging communicator, you build positive working relationships and explain condition and treatment decisions clearly in writing and in person.
- You bring a thoughtful, solutions‑focused approach and a genuine desire to learn, develop and maintain the highest standards of conservation care.
- Comfortable using Microsoft applications and collections databases to support documentation and day‑to‑day work.
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best. That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities. Enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) dependent on the length of time you have worked for us. Our excellent non‑contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on‑site to keep you fuelled throughout the day. We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.
Assistant Textiles Conservator in Windsor employer: Royal Collection Trust
At Royal Collection Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within one of the world's great collections at our Windsor Castle studio. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, with generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a non-contributory pension plan, and various wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that our employees thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the preservation of historic textiles for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Textiles Conservator in Windsor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the textile conservation field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous conservation work, including before-and-after photos and detailed descriptions of your processes. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Collection Trust and understanding their values and mission. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in safeguarding historic textiles and that you align with our commitment to conservation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Textiles Conservator in Windsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Textiles:When writing your application, let your love for textiles shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for conservation and how you’ve engaged with historic textiles in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us how your background aligns perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Collection Trust
✨Know Your Textiles
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of textile materials and conservation techniques. Familiarise yourself with the specific types of textiles in the Royal Collection and any recent conservation projects they’ve undertaken. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in textile conservation. Bring examples of past projects or treatments you've worked on, and be ready to explain your thought process behind condition assessments and proposed treatments. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the conservation team’s current projects, challenges they face, or their approach to preventive care. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Whether discussing your qualifications or explaining conservation ethics, clear communication is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively.
