The Decline of Conservation Programs

Emily Sharpe writes an interesting article in the Art Newspaper on the continued decline in conservation training programs. London's Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal College of Art have announced the closing of their joint post graduate level conservation training programs. Sharpe points out that the UK's college level studies are market based, and the classes are not drawing the required students into the conservation programs for the required profitability. It is a slippery slope we are on, with museum closing and deaccessioning cultural property, conservation programs closing due to financial concerns instead of considering the cultural implications. Toward the end of the article is the statement What does this say about what we value?....... a good question indeed.

Sharpe states The UK’s position as a worldwide leader in conservation received another serious blow as London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Royal College of Art have confirmed plans to close their joint post-graduate conservation training programme. This news comes three months after we reported the course was in jeopardy (April 2009, p.33) and five months after the Textile Conservation Centre at the University of Southampton—a leader in the field—announced it would close its doors on 31 October.

A joint statement says: “…the V&A’s priorities and needs in conservation training have changed and the RCA and V&A have therefore taken the decision to close the course”. The V&A says it intends to create a work-based conservation development programme for its staff, which will focus on developing skills “in areas where the museum needs additional assistance such as upholstery, textiles conservation and textile mounting”.

Sharpe continues The greatest concern is the potential threat to the world’s cultural heritage. “Conservation is a critical core function of heritage,” said Ms Frame. Jerry Podany, president of the International Institute for Conservation, said: “If we continue to whittle away at these resources and are unwilling to support them, particularly during difficult times, what is going to happen to the world’s treasures? What does this say about what we value?”

To read the full article, click HERE.