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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation · 1 week ago

Conservator of Paintings

Williamsburg, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a renowned educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg. They are seeking a Conservator of Paintings who will enhance the protection and preservation of the Foundation's cultural assets by supervising the paintings conservation laboratory, proposing conservation treatments, and overseeing the development of laboratory staff.

Museums and Historical SitesNon ProfitTour Operator

Responsibilities

Examines paintings and other painted media from the collections and, in consultation with curatorial staff, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation

Performs, requests, and/or interprets instrumental analysis as needed to facilitate understanding of technology of the object, its conservation history, and current condition

Works with curatorial, archive, and library staff to determine examination and treatment priorities based on object needs, exhibition schedules, and loan requirements; and to ensure ability to meet established deadlines

Provides conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed

Conducts and documents conservation assessments of objects as requested; includes paintings being considered for accession and deaccession

Works to prepare streamlined survey reports for exhibition and treatment prioritization

Manages day-to-day operation of paintings lab including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, handling documentation and other paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment

Researches and develops new approaches to treatment as needed and appropriate

Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field and carries out research and related projects to test new materials, applications or methodologies as other responsibilities allow

Supervises and instructs laboratory staff, interns and volunteers as circumstances require

Specific responsibilities include training, observing and inspecting work, offering feedback and conducting performance appraisals

Works collaboratively with Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division staff and, upon request, assists other conservators on assigned projects; offers suggestions when appropriate

Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures, demonstrations, and training sessions on conservation theory and techniques

Publishes new research as other responsibilities allow

Gives public tours in labs, exhibition buildings, and museum galleries

Provides information to and responds to inquiries from the public, Foundation staff and staff of other institutions

Qualification

Conservation treatmentsCondition assessmentsConservation methodologiesSupervisory experienceScientific knowledgeEffective working relationshipsDetailed knowledge of artsMeet deadlinesHighly developed hand skillsCommunication

Required

Graduate degree in conservation plus seven years conservation experience in recognized institutions – or the equivalent technical education and experience

Demonstrable history of proposed, completed and documented conservation treatments

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including professional presentations

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk arts

Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure

Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies

Highly developed hand skills

Scientific knowledge to enable undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and producing and following necessary literature and reports