At a Glance
- Tasks: Preserve and care for historic and contemporary textiles in a leading art gallery.
- Company: The University of Manchester, home to the renowned Whitworth art gallery.
- Benefits: Market-leading pension, excellent health services, generous leave, and festive closures.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a welcoming environment for all applicants.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a real impact on preserving cultural heritage.
- Qualifications: Passion for textiles and a desire to learn about conservation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The Whitworth is one of the UK’s leading university art galleries. It holds pre‑eminent collections of historic, modern, and contemporary art, textiles and wallpapers, which are internationally renowned and designated as having national importance. The Conservator (Textiles) is responsible for the physical well‑being of all textile‑based material across these collections, including post‑Pharaonic textiles from Egypt, European textiles and vestments from the 15th to 18th centuries, Mediterranean and Islamic embroideries from the 17th to 19th centuries, work by William Morris and other Arts & Crafts designers, 20th‑century British furnishing textiles, and contemporary art textiles.
The role works collaboratively with conservation, collection care, and curatorial colleagues, as well as freelance conservators and technicians, aiming to preserve and increase public access to our collections through exhibitions, handling and public engagement activities, research and study visits, loan programmes, and national and international touring projects.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application. We are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please note that we will not be able to respond to questions about the role over the festive break, from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.
Conservator (Textiles) in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment, particularly for the Conservator (Textiles) role at The Whitworth, one of the UK's premier university art galleries. Employees benefit from a market-leading pension scheme, exceptional health and wellbeing services, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth through collaborative projects and public engagement activities. With a commitment to flexible working and a diverse community, this is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about preserving and sharing textile heritage.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator (Textiles) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art and conservation field, especially those connected to The University of Manchester. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, share your enthusiasm for textiles and conservation. Let them know why this role excites you and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into The Whitworth's collections. Familiarise yourself with their textile pieces and think about how your skills can enhance their preservation efforts. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The University of Manchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator (Textiles) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Textiles:When writing your application, let your love for textiles shine through! Share specific experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and expertise in textile conservation. We want to see what makes you tick!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Conservator (Textiles) role. Use keywords from the job description and relate your skills directly to the responsibilities mentioned. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at The University of Manchester!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Textiles
Make sure you brush up on the specific types of textiles mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with post-Pharaonic textiles, European vestments, and the works of William Morris. This knowledge will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with various colleagues and freelance conservators, be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork. Share examples of past projects where collaboration was key, highlighting how you contributed to the success of the team.
✨Engage with Public Access Initiatives
The job focuses on increasing public access to collections. Think about any previous experiences you have had with exhibitions or public engagement activities. Be ready to share your ideas on how to make textile collections more accessible and engaging for the public.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the gallery's future exhibitions or how they approach conservation challenges. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution, making you stand out as a candidate.
