Details:
Location:
National Portrait GalleryCategory:
ConservationSalary:
£21,794.76 based on FTE of £36,324.60Contract type:
Contract PermanentHours:
Part timeTelephone:
0Works on Paper and Photographs Conservator
Works on paper and photographs represent the largest percentage of the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection. Spread across the Primary collection (8,500), the reference collection (80,000) and the photographic collection (250,000), it includes significant and iconic works such as the cartoon of Henry VII and Henry VIII by Holbein, the only lifetime portrait of Jane Austen, and miniatures by Nicholas Hilliard. The photographic collection offers a range of processes from the 1840’s to today and includes prints and negatives on various supports.
Conservation plays a leading role in the care and preservation of the Collection, ensuring public access and substantively supporting a number of the Gallery’s strategic objectives and key income generating programmes, including: Displays; Exhibitions; National and International loans and tours and Acquisitions & Commissions.
Reporting to the Works on Paper Conservation Manager, the Works on Paper and Photographs conservator is responsible for the conservation and preservation of works on paper and photographs in the care of the National Portrait Gallery, specifically in support of the Gallery’s permanent display rotation program, collection care, and loan program. The post-holder additionally undertakes conservation activities as required in support of other Gallery programmes, and undertakes couriering responsibilities nationally and internationally when required.
The post-holder uses their specialist training and knowledge to expertly assess and treat works on paper and photographs. They confidently provides advice and guidance on all aspects of care, treatment, display, storage and transport.
The post-holder will provide advice and guidance to key stakeholders including: Conservators, Curators, Registrars, Art Handlers, Exhibition managers and External Collaborators.
The post-holder confidently undertakes a wide range of conservation treatments, using and interpreting a range of specialist analytical and imaging techniques, and digitally documenting condition assessments and treatments on Mimsy (CMS) and Filemaker. The post-holder will have access to a range of specialist equipment and techniques such as the Hirox digital 3D microscope, FTIR, UV-spectrophotometer to deepen the knowledge of the WoP and photographic collection.
The post-holder actively develops and supports opportunities that increase academic understanding of the works on paper and photographs collection, and improves its presentation for display. The post-holder develops and participates in professional networks to maintain awareness of best practice, and contribute to wider sector knowledge and development. The post-holder acts as an advocate for works on paper and photographs conservation, supporting talks and studio tours, and training of future conservators through student placements.
The post-holder assists the Works on Paper Conservation Manager to develop and maintain clear and consistent conservation policies and procedures.
Through the development of low carbon conservation and collections care, the post-holder supports Gallery initiatives to reduce emissions and help tackle climate change. As the Gallery and sector move towards the adoption of wider display and storage environmental parameters the post-holder uses their specialist training and knowledge to expertly assess the paper and photographic collection, advising on the development and implementation of mitigating measures for safe display, transit, and storage.
The post-holder has an excellent understanding of Health & Safety and COSHH guidelines applicable to all conservation treatments and activities; along with the wider conservation team continuously reviewing and updating H&S and COSHH procedures and guidelines to ensure best practice is followed.
The post-holder contributes to the effective running of the works on paper and photographs conservation studio, scheduling studio activity and monitoring and ordering materials.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Educated to post-graduate degree level in the conservation of works of art on paper and/or photographs, with at least 5 years of relevant experience conserving and preserving works on paper and photographs collections, including mounting and framing
• Accredited by Icon or on the accreditation pathway with sufficient practical experience to evidence their ability at the ‘proficient’ level against Icon Professional Standards and Judgement and Ethics; or demonstrating continuous development and maintenance of professional standards
Skills and Attributes
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of works on paper and photographs
• Ability to complete conservation treatments a high standard and meet ethical guidelines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, as well as collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written skills, with the capacity to produce clear and accurate documentation
• Ability to organize an ambitious workload to meet agreed deadlines, and work well under pressure
• Demonstrable analytical and problem solving skills
• Good working knowledge of word processing and IT packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent working knowledge of digital photography and image management databases
• Excellent working knowledge and application of COSHH and Health & Safety guidelines