2 answers
Emily
Student
Jackson Township, NJ
1
Question
Updated
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How do you start a career in art restoration? #Fall25
What majors and minors in college will help me? What kind of internships should I be looking for and how can I find them? I'm currently working to get a degree in art history and minor in painting or museum studies. I'm currently involved in various art-related activities as a senior in highschool. Art Club, National Art Honor Society, Stage Crew (Set Painter/Makeup Artist) I also have strong academics (High Honor Roll, 4.2 [W], 3.9 [UW], 13 honors, 2 AP’s, Environmental Club Officer) #Fall25
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2 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
109
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Emily,
Phill makes an excellent point: There are different kinds of restoration and all kinds of skills related to each and various points of entry, so there's a lot to think about there. But if you're particularly interested in painting, I'd definitely check out Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration's YouTube channel as well as their website, which has a nice history section that could also be helpful. The videos are fascinating and you'll get an idea of the day-to-day work of a conservator.
You might consider trying to get a job or internship at a high-end frame shop in your area. You'll also want to study materials science, so maybe there are some paint manufacturers that might offer useful experience. Golden Paints in New Berlin, NY might be an interesting place for you to check out. Their outreach is excellent; they have residencies and are very interested in what their customers want and are doing with their products, so they have a structure in place to communicate with the public.
I'd also see if the Met has any educational programs you could take advantage of--or one of the smaller museums closer to you as well.
If you're going to try to approach galleries for info, I'd reach out to universities and colleges rather that private galleries unless you have a contact. And you'd probably get better results if you find someone who deals in secondary market (not new art) because if a contemporary work needs to be repaired, the representing gallery will go back to the artist to have it fixed rather than having it restored by someone else.
Hope these are some useful things to think about.
Best wishes to you.
Phill makes an excellent point: There are different kinds of restoration and all kinds of skills related to each and various points of entry, so there's a lot to think about there. But if you're particularly interested in painting, I'd definitely check out Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration's YouTube channel as well as their website, which has a nice history section that could also be helpful. The videos are fascinating and you'll get an idea of the day-to-day work of a conservator.
You might consider trying to get a job or internship at a high-end frame shop in your area. You'll also want to study materials science, so maybe there are some paint manufacturers that might offer useful experience. Golden Paints in New Berlin, NY might be an interesting place for you to check out. Their outreach is excellent; they have residencies and are very interested in what their customers want and are doing with their products, so they have a structure in place to communicate with the public.
I'd also see if the Met has any educational programs you could take advantage of--or one of the smaller museums closer to you as well.
If you're going to try to approach galleries for info, I'd reach out to universities and colleges rather that private galleries unless you have a contact. And you'd probably get better results if you find someone who deals in secondary market (not new art) because if a contemporary work needs to be repaired, the representing gallery will go back to the artist to have it fixed rather than having it restored by someone else.
Hope these are some useful things to think about.
Best wishes to you.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Emily,
It is great to hear that you are looking to get into art restoration and art studying art history and painting. There are a few ways you can get into art restoration. As it is a competitive field, it is important to stay persistent. Instead of looking for an internship, try finding an apprentice who is looking to get some help and teach someone. Find a craftsman that specializes in art restoration. It might take some time, but if online searches do not work, then try talking to artists, gallery owners, or museums. Some museums will actually have a whole department in this and they might be able to directly connect you with someone.
You can also get into other kinda of art restoration. There is painting, but theres also glass and furniture restoration. Do not be afraid to try something new and out of your comfort zone. If you have artistic ability then they will be able to see that you can learn the skills for numerous trades. Try researching furniture makers and glass workers to see if they can direct you anywhere. Even if they do not do restoration, they might be able to direct you to someone who does. Make sure to share you are eager to learn.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are looking to get into art restoration and art studying art history and painting. There are a few ways you can get into art restoration. As it is a competitive field, it is important to stay persistent. Instead of looking for an internship, try finding an apprentice who is looking to get some help and teach someone. Find a craftsman that specializes in art restoration. It might take some time, but if online searches do not work, then try talking to artists, gallery owners, or museums. Some museums will actually have a whole department in this and they might be able to directly connect you with someone.
You can also get into other kinda of art restoration. There is painting, but theres also glass and furniture restoration. Do not be afraid to try something new and out of your comfort zone. If you have artistic ability then they will be able to see that you can learn the skills for numerous trades. Try researching furniture makers and glass workers to see if they can direct you anywhere. Even if they do not do restoration, they might be able to direct you to someone who does. Make sure to share you are eager to learn.
Best of luck on your journey!