ARTEX FINE ART SERVICES POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Job Title: Painting Conservator Job Posting Number: 0030-17
Artex is the nation's largest and most comprehensive fine art service provider to museums, galleries, auction houses and private collectors. We specialize in the safe handling of fine art, antiques and museum objects of all kinds. We provide transportation, crating and packing, storage, installation, rigging, and conservation services to museums, galleries, and auction houses as well as private and corporate collections. No matter the size or scope of the job, we provide solutions that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients, while ensuring them the most cost effective service possible. For this reason, ARTEX is routinely chosen to handle the most complex and demanding of projects, ranging from entire museum relocations to the shipment of an individual piece. Role: This position is responsible for carrying out the examination, documentation, and treatment of paintings on behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services. Specific duties and responsibilities are as follows: 1. Carry out physical examination and documentation of paintings on behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services by: * carrying out surveys of the physical condition of paintings to assist in the planning of treatment priorities * performing detailed examination of the materials, structure, and condition of paintings; * operating specialized equipment such as stereo binocular microscopes, ultra-violet lamps, during painting examination and analysis * preparing written reports on the materials, structure, and condition of paintings, and on treatments proposed for those works and estimated costs * performing slide and digital photography as well as image processing * adhering to accepted professional standards and to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of examination and documentation 2. Carry out complete conservation and restoration procedures of minor to major complexity on paintings, by: * performing such treatments as solubility testing, consolidation, reduction of deformation, facing, lining, lining removal, surface cleaning, varnish removal, overpaint removal, infilling, inpainting, and surface coating application * implementing preventive conservation measures, frame modification, re-framing, and others, to prepare paintings for display, exhibition, loan, photography, or storage * operating specialized equipment such as the heated suction table, Willard heated spatula and hot air pen, aerosol generator, etc. during paintings conservation treatment * recording photographically the various stages of treatment to create a permanent documentary record * maintaining accurate records and preparing written final reports of the treatments carried out * maintaining an awareness of hazardous materials and performing duties in accordance with accepted standards of health and safety; ensuring that junior staff and interns follow safe procedures * adhering to accepted professional standards and to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of conservation treatment 3. Contribute to the safe display, storage, and movement of paintings, by: * recommending framing and hanging systems to ensure the physical safety of paintings * recommending safe environmental levels of light, temperature, and relative humidity * recommending safe packing methods for art works being stored or transported * advising on safe handling procedures 4. Perform other related duties, as required, including but not restricted to: * participating in periodic inspections of works of art * collaboration on projects with other conservators, proposal writing, and site-visits * assisting other conservators in the examination and/or treatment of works of art * assembling specialized equipment such as humidity chambers, temporary stretchers, work surfaces, and maintaining laboratory equipment and tools as required The ideal candidate will possess the following as minimum qualifications: * Master's degree in Art Conservation, or equivalent combination of conservation training and experience. * Periodic professional development through attendance of conservation workshops, seminars or professional conferences. * Five or more years' experience in the examination and treatment of paintings, * Advanced skills in: examining paintings to establish their physical condition; distinguishing between original materials and later additions, recommending conservation measures and carrying through to completion restoration operations of minor to major complexity. * Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of traditional easel paintings on canvas, wood, and related supports. * Thorough understanding of the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of materials making up paintings * Sound knowledge of the principles, processes, and practices involved in the preservation and treatment of paintings, both traditional and the most recent developments * Understanding of safe handling, framing, crating, and shipping practices If you feel that you possess the experience and qualifications outlined, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary history/requirements to our HR department at [email protected] for immediate consideration. Consideration will be granted ONLY to those who possess the minimum requirements as stipulated above. An EOE AA M/F/Veteran/Disability Employer ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
