Preserve as Found?

Preserve as Found? Architectural Conservators:  Education and Training in England

There is a lack of guidance to colleges and other tuition providers to help prepare the next generation of architectural conservators, according to a research report published by English Heritage, in partnership with Icon.

Within the next 10-15 years, a large segment of the current generation of active conservators will be retiring, raising concerns over whether there will be a sufficient number of suitably qualified and experienced conservators available to fill their place.  While it seems clear that sufficient numbers of conservators are being trained each year in England, the question remains as to whether there are enough who can demonstrate the necessary skills, knowledge and relevant experience across the diverse material disciplines associated with the particular requirements of architectural conservation.

English Heritage, in partnership with Icon, commissioned the Centre for Education and Industry (CEI) at the University of Warwick to carry out the research which comprised in-depth qualitative interviews with training institutions, employers, and employed and self-employed practitioners. The report’s Action Plan calls for greater collaboration and sector-wide involvement to better define and map career paths, provide more detailed careers information and raise awareness of architectural conservation within the wider built heritage sector.