Textile Conservation Intern - Norwich

Employer

The National Trust

Location

Norwich, Norfolk

Salary

28,000 pa

Closing date

13 Oct 2026

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Sector

Hotel jobs, Housekeeping & Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Person

Job Type

Full Time, Part Time

Job Details

Company

Job Details

Textile Conservation Intern - Norwich

Summary

The National Trust is Europe's leading conservation charity, responsible for caring for significant textile collections, across more than 300 historic houses open to the public in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Textiles are a key component in the presentation of historic properties, and the Trust's collections comprise over 150,000 items which includes more than 700 tapestries, at least 20 state beds and 40,000 pieces of fashion, dress and accessories.

We are committed to developing the next generation of conservators through training, internships and student placements. Textile conservation also offers great opportunities to engage audiences, through a variety of media channels, in person tours, and interpretation of our work at our properties.

This is a two-year fixed-term internship has been created through a collaboration with NEXT.

What it's like to work here

The Textile Conservation Studio offers services to external clients, as well as undertaking major projects for the Trust. The Studio is housed on the Blickling Estate in a large, converted barn providing excellent facilities. We have completed some challenging projects, ranging from the 25-year Gideon Tapestry project at Hardwick Hall to preparing objects for inclusion in "100 Things to Wear" (NT publication 2025).

Your contractual location will be the studio near Norwich and there will be an expectation for you to work from the studio full time with opportunities to visit National Trust properties.

What you'll be doing

You'll be a recent conservation graduate looking to build on your practical skills in the specialist area of textile conservation. Under supervision, you'll undertake practical treatments both in the studio and on site. You'll assist and support studio staff with the organisation and maintenance of equipment and undertake preventive conservation activities within the studio. You'll be passionate about conservation, and will bring drive, commitment and a willingness to learn to this role. It is a great starting place for a career that could grow and grow. Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

To be successful in this role, you'll need to have;

A recognised conservation qualification at degree level or higher
A good understanding of textile techniques and excellent needlework skills
Understanding of conservation science
Demonstrable knowledge and interest in textile history, particularly in the context of open display in historic properties
Good team working with a flexible approach
Ability to organise own time, plan and meet deadlines
Good written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations
Ability to work at height from scaffold towers and ladders (training will be given)

The package

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
Rental deposit loan scheme
Season ticket loan
EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
Flexible working whenever possible
Employee assistance programme
Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

Company

The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.

The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world.

Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement.

The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

Company info

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#s1-Gen

You'll be a recent conservation graduate looking to build on your practical skills in the specialist area of textile conservation. Under supervision, you'll undertake practical treatments both in the studio and on site. You'll assist and support studio staff with the organisation and maintenance of equipment and undertake preventive conservation activities within the studio. You'll be passionate about conservation, and will bring drive, commitment and a willingness to learn to this role. It is a great starting place for a career that could grow and grow. Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert., To be successful in this role, you'll need to have;

A recognised conservation qualification at degree level or higher
A good understanding of textile techniques and excellent needlework skills
Understanding of conservation science
Demonstrable knowledge and interest in textile history, particularly in the context of open display in historic properties
Good team working with a flexible approach
Ability to organise own time, plan and meet deadlines
Good written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations
Ability to work at height from scaffold towers and ladders (training will be given)

The National Trust is Europe's leading conservation charity, responsible for caring for significant textile collections, across more than 300 historic houses open to the public in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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