Ref: 15XX Textiles Conservation
The Bowes Museum HLF Skills for the Future Internship
12 months Oct 2015 – Sept 2016 (1 of 2 placements)
Venue: The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
Supervisor: Katy Smith
Educational Stipend: £16,000
The Bowes Museum, in partnership with Icon, and with the generous support of the Heritage
Lottery Fund is offering a programme of Textile Conservation internships from 2014 to 2019. The
Museum will host two interns per year, to work within the Conservation Department, and alongside
the Department of Textile and Dress.
John & Josephine Bowes formed a fine collection of European textiles, including tapestries,
embroideries, furnishing textiles, lace, quilts and carpets. The costume collection includes haute
couture from the 1860s onwards, with an important group of costume and accessories which
belonged to Empress Eugenie of France. More information is available at
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
As part of the conservation team, the interns will gain practical, preventive and workplace skills,
tailored to help them develop their careers in conservation. The interns must have a good attention
to detail, be highly self-motivated, and able to produce work to a high standard. The interns must
have good written and verbal communication skills, and be able to maintain accurate records,
including photography. The interns will work towards the re-display of the Textiles and Dress
Gallery, with other projects throughout the year to include:
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Temporary exhibitions and displays in the Fashion & Textile Gallery
Assisting with the Integrated Pest management programme
Care of textiles on open display within the Museum
Ongoing improvements to the textile and costume stores
Regular contributions to The Bowes Museum blog
Assisting with conservation-related enquiries
Publicising the work of the department through networking with other professionals,
attending conferences, publications etc.
By the end of the internship, candidates will have produced a portfolio of their work, enabling them
to apply for posts in museum and galleries, historic buildings or further formal programmes in
conservation education and training.
No formal conservation qualification is required, although some previous experience of textiles or
conservation is desirable. We are looking for people with initiative, willingness to learn, and a
strong commitment to developing a career in textile conservation. The candidates must be able to
demonstrate good manual dexterity, hand-sewing skills and colour-matching.
Applications from minority ethnic backgrounds or people with disabilities are welcomed. This
Positive Action Training (PAT) is allowed for under Section 158 (c) of the Equality Act 2010,
enabling people from minority ethnic backgrounds, or people with disabilities to gain experience in
occupational sectors where they are under-represented.
For further information about PAT, please contact Mary Mickle, HR Officer
(mary.mickle@thebowesmuseum.org.uk). We are happy to have an informal and confidential
discussion about any queries you may have about the internship.
Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio with evidence of their conservation work
and/or related hand sewing skills at the interview.
Please apply using the application form on the Icon website only.
Closing date: 12 noon on 19th June 2015
Interviews will be held the week of 3rd August, with start date 19th Oct 2015