I shall try to answer this query as best I can, but one must understand that Picture Restoration is more than just an art, it is a vocation.

It takes many years of skilled training and experience and cannot be taught as a part-time course. Indeed, if such a course or training did exist I would be very wary as to it's reputability.

Three year courses are available in Fine Art Conservation as a Phd or MA degree. Generally the requirements to achieve a place on such a course would be a degree in Fine Art or Chemistry with honours. Those that have studied Chemistry would spend the majority of their first year concentrating on Fine Art, painting techniques and Art History and those who have achieved a degree in Fine Art would spend their first year concentrating on Chemistry in relation to conservation.

There are three such courses in Britain - The Courtauld Institute, London - Gateshead Institute for Conservation, Tyne and Wear -and The Hamilton Kerr Institute, Cambridge.

Alternatively, a 6-7year apprenticeship should be sought with a private company.

Any possible queries could be addressed to Association of British Picture Restorers at Kew, Surrey (Station Avenue Kew Richmond, Surrey TW9 3QA).