The Queen is seeking a new Senior Conservator – Restorer of Upholstery who will be able to mend her unique and ‘historically significant items’.
The position, which involves ‘unpicking the stitches to revive centuries of history’, will see the successful candidate based at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, and offers £33,000 to £36,000-a-year dependent on experience.
The member of staff, who will form a part of the Master of the Household’s Office, will support the Workshop Manager and be trusted to work with a collection of diverse furniture and items which are still in regular use.
With a title of Senior Conservator – Restorer of Upholstery, the advert reads: ‘It’s being trusted to deliver. And it’s the satisfaction of caring for an irreplaceable collection.
The Royal Household is hiring a new Senior Conservator – Restorer of Upholstery who will be able to work at the historic Windsor Castle in Berkshire
The individual will be able to mend the Queen’s unique and ‘historically significant items’ which are still in regular use
‘The collection of furniture spanning across our locations is truly diverse, with many unique and historically significant items. What’s more, it’s a working collection; many of the items are in regular use.
‘Leading our talented upholstery and soft furnishings team, you’ll manage a wide range of upholstered furniture conservation and restoration projects.
‘Based at our new workshops in Windsor, but also working across sites with items in situ, the rich diversity of conservation needs will stretch you.
‘You’ll use your expertise to survey and evaluate the condition of items, before proposing conservation methods that will both preserve them for continued use, whilst also protecting them for many years to come.
‘Supporting the Workshop Manager, you’ll help prioritise and manage the restoration schedule for rest of the team.
‘You’ll oversee the production of varied upholstery schemes, considering latest industry methods, quality standards, comfort and the timescales needed to ensure beautiful results every time.
‘You’ll liaise with colleagues to understand wider operational needs, and a key challenge for you will be to balance conservation projects with the busy activities of working palaces.
‘You’ll be encouraged to broaden and invest in your practical skills and share your knowledge to guide those around you. And knowing that you’re helping to preserve a collection that will be enjoyed by future generations will continue to drive you.’
The position will see the individual based at the queen’s royal residence in Berkshire and will offer £33,000 to £36,000-a-year
The role will require the individual have ‘extensive experience’ in upholstery and be a skilled practical problem solver who is able to find innovative solutions to bring historic items back to life.
The advertisement continues: ‘With extensive experience in upholstery and soft furnishings conservation and restoration, you’ll be confident in leading complex projects through your skilled craftsmanship.
‘What’s more, you’ll keep up-to-date with conservation methods, and will be keen to apply your knowledge and implement new techniques when possible to best conserve items.
‘You’ll be a skilled practical problem solver, able to assess items, narrow down issues and find innovative solutions to restore them back to working condition.’
The advert also states that the person must have excellent time management skills and have good communication skills adding: ‘With excellent time management skills, you’ll be able to prioritise workloads, judge timescales and manage deadlines, both for yourself and for others.
‘And with a flexible approach, you’ll be able to adapt to changing circumstances effectively.
‘Beyond this, it’s your ability to work with others that will ensure your success. Previous people management experience would be ideal, and you’ll have a genuine interest in motivating and developing others.
‘And with good communication skills, you’ll be confident in liaising with a broad spectrum of colleagues and specialists in their field. Above all, your passion for your craft will inspire your team to deliver the highest level of care.’
The role will also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 33 days holiday and a 15 per cent employer contribution pension scheme.
Applications for the position close on March 15.