The Nigel Seeley Fellowship

The 2027 Fellowship Assignment

The Nigel Seeley Fellowship will support a conservator and provide the opportunity to gain training and experience in the conservation of frames and furniture, the Fellowship will be 3 months in duration starting from mid-May 2027 at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio. The Fellow will be supervised by a studio conservator, who has specialized in decorative surfaces, treatments will span gilded frames and painted or lacquered furniture. The Fellow will be based at the studio but there will be opportunities to travel to other properties with members of the team to undertake collection surveys, participate in training events and carry-out remedial conservation treatments in-situ.

Responsibilities of the Fellow:
The Fellow will receive an introduction to the National Trust and the conservation studio. They will have access to the studio’s materials and equipment. Besides training in frames and furniture conservation the Fellow will be expected to develop their own treatment proposals and undertake conservation treatment under the guidance of their supervisor. The Fellow will produce all documentation relating to the treatment of their delegated objects, including a final written report of the work undertaken during the Fellowship.

Fellowship Benefits:

• $15,000 stipend
• Up to $2,000 travel subsidy
• Work visas arranged by The Royal Oak Foundation
• Housing will be provided in Kent
• Opportunity to work in the UK with senior National Trust staff in decorative art conservation.
• Experience working with specialist National Trust staff at Knole, Sevenoaks.
• Participation towards developing significant skills working directly with senior staff of the National Trust’s conservation studio.
• Complimentary Royal Oak membership providing free access to NT properties.
• Visits to additional NT sites throughout the UK.

Equipment Requirements: All equipment necessary for the completion of the Fellowship will be supplied by the National Trust.

Eligibility:

• Relevant training and experience in conservation
• American Citizenship with passport valid through December 2027
• Proficient English-language skills (written and spoken)

Application Procedure

1. CV that includes evidence of skills relating to frames and or furniture conservation
2. Statement of interest
3. Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate’s work
4. Submissions made to: [email protected]
5. Applications received no later than: January 15, 2027
6. Candidates may be asked to interview with Fellowship committee members
7. Decision date: March 31, 2027
8. The Fellowship will begin in May 2027

The Fellow will work as part of a team and should have the ability to work well under pressure and communicate complex issues clearly. The Fellow will submit written reports to both the National Trust and The Royal Oak Foundation. The Fellow must be comfortable engaging with members of the public visiting the Royal Oak Conservation Studio and be willing to share his/her experience on The Royal Oak Foundation website.

The Fellow should carry health insurance.

Start Date: May 2027

Who Should Apply: Applications are welcome from individuals at any career point. Applicants should hold a degree or certificate in art conservation with a focus on furniture, textiles, and/or objects, or relevant experience. Familiarity of complex large 3-dimentional objects is essential.

Fellowship Stipend: For the Fellowship period, the Fellow will receive an educational stipend of $15,000 to be paid in two installments. The Fellow will also be provided with housing in the Kent area, and a travel subsidy of $2,000.00.

Fellow will be responsible for travel arrangements, food and other personal expenses associated with the Fellowship. The Fellowship will include a Royal Oak Individual membership.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE APPLICATION

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio is a contemporary workspace steeped in history. The multi-specialist team of conservators work in a 600-year-old barn with a 21st century interior, they are dedicated to the treatment of National Trust paintings, frames, furniture, and objects. Located in Sevenoaks, Kent, Knole is a unique piece of cultural heritage that sits in a beautiful and popular deer park just off Sevenoaks High Street. Built as an Archbishop’s palace and transformed into a lavish Jacobean country house by the Sackville family, six centuries of history are contained in one of the largest houses in England.

Established in 2017, the conservation studio sits at the heart of Knole and is an important asset for the National Trust, not only for the care of its collection but also for championing the cause of conservation. The studio is open to visitors, who can learn about conservation and see the team of experts conserving a range of artefacts from the National Trust’s collection.

More about the Nigel Seeley Fellowship:

Established in 2016, the fellowship provides training and educational opportunities for individuals with a professional interest in the preservation of historic interiors, finishes, and collections. The fellowship will enrich young professionals’ lives by offering first-hand experience of the National Trust’s world-class techniques, houses, and collections.

Named for the former National Trust’s Head of Conservation, Dr. Nigel Seeley (1989-2002), the fellowship is awarded to professionals spanning careers from conservators, heritage craftsmen, collection managers, to environmental engineers, lighting specialists, and pest specialists.

The fellowship joins Royal Oak’s established Damaris Horan Fellowship. Both fellowships provide talented Americans the chance to gain hands-on experience through the National Trust’s expertise and renowned educational training. Fellowships will be offered biennially, alternating years between each prize.