A Day in the Life of a Museum Education Officer, Curator, or Exhibition Designer

Working as a museum education officer, curator, or exhibition designer offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Here, I share my experiences as a freelance conservator at multiple museums, compiling my usual activities and the flow of work into a typical week.

Weekly Routine and Object Checks

As a conservator, my weekly routine starts with a thorough walk around the museum and its branch locations. The primary goal is to inspect the objects on display and ensure that everything is in good condition. This includes checking labels, artefacts for damage, and overall lighting conditions.

Common issues I address include drooping labels, broken artefacts, or poor lighting. Any faults are quickly rectified to prevent further damage and to enhance the visitor experience.

Exhibition Preparation and Object Study

Another crucial aspect of my role is engaging with upcoming exhibitions. It’s essential to identify objects that need conservation work and to write detailed condition reports. These condition reports are vital for both internal and external transactions.

Preparing objects for export or import within and between museums presents an excellent opportunity for in-depth study. This process not only enriches my understanding of the artefacts but also ensures that we are equipped to handle any conservation needs that may arise.

Ensuring Safety and Preservation

Museum stores and galleries are critical for the long-term preservation of artefacts. My role includes assessing the safety measures in place to ensure that these environments are optimal for the objects on display. Ensuring proper lighting, humidity control, and insect management is often the most effective use of my time, as it prevents future damage.

If there are any objects in the store room that require treatment, either I or my colleagues intervene effectively. This proactive approach can prevent the need for more complex and time-consuming conservation work in the future.

Long-term Projects and Hands-on Conservation

One of the most engaging projects I currently work on involves treating a cannon recovered from the seabed. This is a challenging and rewarding task that requires expertise and attention to detail.

These long-term projects are an integral part of my role as a conservator. They involve a wide range of activities, from initial assessments and planning to the actual treatment and reinstallation of the artefacts.

Lectures and Tours

Beyond the technical aspects of my work, I also engage in educational activities such as lectures and tours. These are not just for general visitors but also for groups of amateur archaeologists, many of whom have undertaken five significant projects independently.

Enjoyment and Recommendation

Working as a museum education officer, curator, or exhibition designer is not only fulfilling but also enjoyable. The daily tasks are varied, challenging, and always interesting. Each visit to the museum is an opportunity to learn and contribute to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage.

If you are passionate about museum work and are looking for a rewarding career with a strong sense of purpose, I highly recommend this field. The combination of hands-on conservation, strategic planning, and educational engagement makes this niche incredibly rewarding.