Start a conservation studio for collectors and galleries

Collectors, galleries, auction houses, churches, local museums and heritage groups.

A quote per item or project, often with a condition report and treatment proposal first. Larger commissions and repeat clients from institutions can give steadier work.

• Formal conservation training or long apprenticeship
• Careful documentation and photography
• Knowledge of materials science and ethics of conservation
• Building trust with collectors and institutions

• Fitting out a studio with specialist equipment, extraction, security and insurance can cost more than expected, so get quotes before committing to a lease
• Insurance that covers high-value artworks while in your studio, check limits and security requirements with an insurer
• Clients and institutions often expect recognised training or accreditation, check what they ask for
• Studio rent is a fixed cost while income can be uneven, so plan your cash flow
• Handling solvents and materials safely, check storage, ventilation and waste rules with your council
• Check planning and lease terms for the unit you rent

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the studio, equipment and security. Fit-out, extraction and insurance can cost more than expected, so get quotes before committing to a lease.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the commissions you win. Studio rent is a fixed cost while income can be uneven, so plan your cash flow.

Check what recognised training or accreditation clients and institutions ask for, and what insurance covers high-value artworks in your studio. Also check storage, ventilation and waste rules for solvents with your council, plus planning and lease terms.