Keyword

Restorer, Lace and Textile

Minimum Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)/Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Not required

The tasks a Restorer, Lace and Textile is expected to perform include:

Restoring and preparing ancient textile and lace materials and getting the textile ready for displaying them in the textile museum

Cleaning the fabric using cleaning compounds, using techniques based on historical knowledge of fabric manufacture

Analyzing the effects of cleaning upon fabrics

Developing new cleaningcompounds and methods when available means are inadequate or tend to harm the fabric

Repairing and reweaving worn, torn and decayed fabrics, making use of techniques that are based on knowledge of weaving and lace methods

Mounting the fabric on a frame or suitable background

Knowledge of restoring ancient textiles

Skilled in working with lace materials and restoring them without damaging them

Familiar with different cleaning agents used on antique textiles

In-depth knowledge of the history of different types of textiles

Skilled in selecting the appropriate restoration technique according to the textile type

Skilled in developing new cleaning compounds

Skilled in repairing all sorts of worn, torn and decayed fabrics

Knowledge of weaving and lacing methods

Manual dexterity

Steady hand

Training in Art Restoration

Attention to detail

Observant

Meticulous

Perfectionist

Persistent

Patient

Aesthetic appreciation

Hardworking

It is not a desk job

Need not handle a team

Local travelling is not a part of this job role

Part-time work and contractual jobs maybe available

Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Museums usually work for 5/6 days a week and 6/7 hours everyday. This may vary from museum to museum

Shift system maybe available

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs
No

This job is not considered hazardous or dangerous

One may develop occupational hazards such as stress on eyes, mental and physical strain, joint pains, etc. if not taken care of

For candidates with experience - INR 8,000 to INR 16,000 per month

(These figures are indicative and subject to change)

The Restoration Industry in India

According to a special report Art in Perspective by The New York, the Indian art market is on the upswing. The country has seen a growing appetite for indigenously produced art. Despite this fact there are only a handful of recognized art conservation experts and so the demand for restorers in this area is always there. India has focused more on conserving its monuments under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India. This trend has changed over the past 40 years, as now paintings and decorative arts have been garnering more attention because Indian art began significantly appreciating in value. There are a lot of prominent restorers working in this area. The countrys leading conservators can be found in Delhi and Mumbai, which experience the most frenetic art activity.

When it comes to the government the museum restoration work is typically done in-house by the museums own conservators. This is because India has myriad laws governing public sector institutions that often prohibit private practitioners from participating in public projects. Considering all this it is safe to say that there is demand for a Restorer, Lace and Textile in the present and there is a lot of scope in the future as well.

Museums

Private restoration firms

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

Cities and towns across India