The provision that is made in the UK for training in the conservation of works of art, particularly paintings, has been a matter of growing concern for some years. Early in 1969, the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation consulted together, and agreed that it would be useful if the whole problem were to be investigated by a committee of enquiry which the Foundation offered to set up and finance. The terms of reference for the enquiry were ‘to consider the desirability of establishing in the United Kingdom an institute for training in the conservation of paintings and drawings and the objects, size, organisation, location and financial requirements of such an institution; and to make recommendations.’

This report sets out the committee’s findings and recommendations.