This is a listing of training schools for the field of art conservation.
There are a variety of training and entry routes into the profession of conservation; for many the first step is a full-time academic course. Whereas training in Conservation has traditionally taken the form of an apprenticeship, in more recent years training in a recognized conservation course at a University has become the norm. Today it is more common for professional conservators to have taken a University course combined with a period of time as an intern.
"The scope of conservators' work has widened in recent years, and is no longer dominated by hands-on conservation. Conservators now expect to be involved with exhibitions, conservation science, preventive conservation, project management and advocacy work".[1]
Within the various schools that teach conservation, the approach differs according the educational and vocational system within the country, and the focus of the school itself.[2]
Many of the Conservation Associations and Professional Organizations also provide additional information about the schools in their respective fields and locations.
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Despite its rich archaeological heritage, Israel has only begun to develop conservation education. The Israel Antiquities Authority recently established a training program in the Old City of Akko, a World Heritage Site.
Since 1944 there has been a state school for art conservation training in the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro (formerly the Central Institute of Restoration) in Rome.[14]
Since 2006 its diploma is equivalent to a degree course, similar to a master's degree in the US. The courses are limited: to access one must pass an appropriate public contest announced by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The training lasts five years and the diploma is subject to the acquisition of 300 credits. In this school they taught such important art historians as Cesare Brandi, and other scientists of conservation-restoration, such as microbiologist Clelia Giacobini.
The other state conservation school, with a similar training program, is the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence.[15]
Private schools also exist, such as the Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro "Palazzo Spinelli" in Florence, which offers three-year technical specialization certificate programs in several categories of art restoration, as well as shorter courses.[16]
South Africa enjoys a national conservation training resource, which provides training in three specialisms of conservation, namely Metals Conservation, Paper Conservation and Ceramics Conservation.
There are numerous training facilities for conservators in the United Kingdom, whereas training in the United States tends towards an overview of the conservation profession as a whole, in the UK each institution tends towards their own area of specialism.
West Dean also offers a series of Diplomas & Professional Development Courses