If you’re keen on a career in painting restoration, London is one of the greatest cities in the world for employment prospects. Home to countless museums and galleries, and private collectors from across the globe, you will never be short of opportunities to practice your craft.
Be aware, though – a career in painting restoration in London is not for the faint-hearted, and neither is it a straightforward career path. As you will be dealing with some of the world’s most celebrated works of art and extremely high-profile – and thus demanding – clients, the pressure can be significant.
In addition, you’ll also face a great deal of competition for your services. Some of the biggest names in the world of art restoration and maintenance choose to base themselves in London for the same reasons you are considering this location.
If you still feel that painting restoration in London is your vocation, here are the steps to enjoying such a career.
Confirm that you have the skills required to become an art restorer
Particular skills are essential to become an art restorer, in London or anywhere else. These include an unbridled passion for art, meticulous attention to detail, high levels of patience, and a steady hand to rival that of a surgeon.
You’ll also need to be able to park your own beliefs on how art should look, as when it comes to picture restoration, the owner’s wishes are final. You may feel that a painting should retain a vintage, muted pallet, but if the owner wants it to pop with contemporary colour schemes, that’s the service you will need to provide.
Study art restoration and gain appropriate qualifications
You will need to gain relevant qualifications to find work in the field of painting restoration in London. Study for a degree in Fine Art or the History of Art, and consider signing up for postgraduate education.
This is hard to come by in the UK, with only three bodies offering such a course, so the competition for places will be fierce. If you have contacts in the art world, you could skip straight to the next step – but the more qualifications you hold, the greater your reputation will be.
Gain work experience and build your client base
If you are to enjoy success in painting restoration in London, gaining clients in favour of your competitors, you’ll need work experience. Find work any way you can, building a reputation as a skilled and steady hand in the realm of art maintenance and restoration.
Take on a full-time full as an art restorer with a reputable gallery
Finally, your skills will be welcomed by a professional gallery once you have amassed enough experience – which will, in turn, provide you with the opportunity to hone your craft by working on some of the most legendary works of art in the world.
Consider applying for a full-time painting restoration role in London, joining a reputable name such as the Simon Gillespie gallery. This may take time, but the rewards will be legion.
There is no denying that painting restoration in London is among the most rewarding career paths in the world. If you have what it takes to make your way in this world, be sure to do so. Your services will always be essential to collectors from across the globe.
