Keyword

Paintings Restorer

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

Not required

The tasks a Restorer, Painting is expected to perform include:

Preserving damaged and faded paintings using the preservation techniques based on the knowledge of art and art materials

Examining the surfaces of paintings by using a magnifying device

Performing tests to determine factors such as age, structure and pigment stability

Removing the painting from the frame in the proper manner

Applying the selected solvents and cleaning agents to the paintings, using some predetermined method to clean the surface of the painting and removing accretions, discolorations and deteriorated varnish

Stretching the new linen backing by applying a paste material to the back of the painting

Laminating the various parts of the painting together by using a laminating press

Drying the laminated painting under controlled conditions to prevent shrinkage

Applying beeswax or another substance to the damaged or faded areas where restoration is needed

Studying the style, techniques, colours, textures and materials used by the artist so as to maintain consistency after restoring

Reconstructing or retouching the damaged areas by blending the damaged areas in to the original condition

Applying the varnish or other preservative to the surface of the painting

Drying the varnish on the surface of the painting under controlled conditions

Removing the paint layer and then remounting the painting on canvas, wood or a metal support using pressure and special adhesives

Applying the neutral colour powder to the damaged areas for restoration

Knowledge of the required preservation techniques for different paintings

Familiar with different parameters of paintings like age, structure, pigment stability, etc.

Knowledge of different types of solvents and cleaning agents used on antique paintings

Proficient in cleaning the old paintings without damaging them

Skilled in studying the style, techniques, colours, textures and materials used by the artist in the painting

Proficient in maintaining consistency in the painting restored

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 supervise 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. In recent years 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 has begun 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, Painting 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