Month: January 2018
Behind the Scenes: Gilding Survey at Windsor Castle
Specialist gilding conservators Carvers and Gilders conducted a survey of all the giltwood furniture at Windsor Castle; more than 860 items! Watch this film preview to see how vulnerable objects are identified so they can be taken to the conservation workshop for treatment.
Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, is responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of The Queen. The aims of The Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans, and educational programs.
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Pre-program internship in Conservation (Washington DC, USA)
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is the only facility in the United States dedicated exclusively to the exhibition and preservation of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts. With generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the NMAfA is offering a paid pre-program internship for individuals preparing to apply to a graduate-level training program in art conservation. As part of an initiative to promote diversity in the field and conservation training, the program will offer the opportunity to gain broad experience in multiple specialties, which may include objects, textiles, paper or paintings.
Learning objectives for interns include:
- Learn to perform condition exams, carry out written and photographic documentation, treat artworks
- Participate in preventive conservation activities
- Gain: an understanding of materials and techniques; an introduction to treatment problem-solving; hands-on experience.
- Develop a portfolio for application to graduate programs.
Desired Prerequisites: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrable academic commitment to fulfilling the pre-requisites in art history, studio art and chemistry for application to a conservation graduate program.
- Term(s): The 6-month, 40 hours/week internship will commence in Fall 2018
- Stipend: $600/week stipend plus additional funds to help defray the cost of travel to Washington DC.
- Deadline: March 1, 2018
- Contact Information: Dana Moffett, moffettd@si.edu
Apply Through: Applicants must register and submit an online application via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). After registering, sign onto the SOLAA system. At the top of the screen, select “Start your Application”; Select “Internship” and “National Museum of African Art” from the drop-down program lists; choose “Pre-program Internship.”
Application requirements via SOLAA:
- Short essay (no more than three pages total)
- A statement of your interest in this internship at the NMAfA and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Please discuss the impact that a funded internship would have on you and your education.
- Provide a short biography describing your background, personal history, and interests.
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial)
- Two letters of reference
For more details, visit: https://www.smithsonianofi.com/blog/2018/01/18/pre-program-internship-in-conservation-at-the-smithsonians-national-museum-of-african-art/.
Assistant Conservator for Archival Materials (Philadelphia, PA, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE
*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***
AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
Departmental Program Summary
The Conservation Department at the American Philosophical Society is responsible for the preventive care as well as conservation treatment for items found in its diverse special collections library. This growing collection currently includes over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. The department is currently composed of two full-time conservators, an annual grant-funded intern, and occasional volunteers.
Position Description
This entry level position aids in the preservation/ preventive conservation of the collections. This care includes treatment and documentation of individual items for a variety of materials such as manuscripts on paper, maps, ephemera, photographic materials, graphic works on paper, and manuscripts on parchment.
Responsibilities
- Performs conservation treatment on primarily non-bound materials owned by the Library.
- Provides written and photographic documentation in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics (including examination, condition and treatment reports, and photographic documentation).
- Participates and assists in a wide range of preservation/ preventive conservation activities including disaster preparedness and recovery, pest management, minor mold remediation, examination and preparation of materials for loan, and environmental monitoring.
- Reviews and moves unprocessed boxed collections weighing up to 40 lbs.
- Assists in the general maintenance and organization of the conservation laboratory.
- Assists in the preparation and display of materials for exhibition.
- Keeps abreast of current developments in the conservation field.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited graduate training program in conservation, with Master’s in hand prior to start date.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of conservation theory and practice.
- Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.
- Demonstrated computer skills including use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Bridge/Photoshop.
- Demonstrated mastery of written and oral communication.
- Demonstrated success in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures and techniques.
The ideal candidate will have these additional qualities:
- Is highly organized
- An interest in outreach and education through lab tours and use of social media
The Society offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, long term disability, 403b with the employer match, and paid days off.
The American Philosophical Society is an EOE. Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the U.S. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2018.
To apply
Upload CV or resume, a cover letter explaining qualifications for and interest in the position and three references (not letters of reference, please) to http://apply.interfolio.com/48348.
About the Library
Founded in 1743, The American Philosophical Society’s library, located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the history of American science and technology and its European roots, as well as early American history and culture. The Library houses over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. Outstanding historical collections and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin (14,000 letters and documents); Jefferson’s holograph of the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolution; the papers of Thomas Paine; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western scientific expeditions and travel including the original journals of Lewis and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale, his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology including the papers of Franz Boas; the papers of Charles Darwin and his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry, physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and history of physics. The Library does not hold materials on philosophy in the modern sense. More information about the Society and the APS Library can be found at www.amphilsoc.org.
Historic Daniel Burnham House in Champaign, IL, to be demolished
In Champaign, IL, the very historic and majestic 1884 Burnham residence designed by Daniel Burnham and John Root is under imminent threat of demolition as the local School Board plans to demolish it within weeks to put up a parking lot.
As most of you likely know, Daniel Burnham is one of the most famous architects in the world. He largely developed the skyscraper and his great works include NYC’s iconic and much loved Flatiron Building, Wash DC’s Union Station and National Mall, the Field Museum, Chicago World’s Fair, CAs Mt Wilson Observatory + 300 more. He built skyscrapers and iconic buildings in almost 20 states all over the country, London and the Philippines.
Burnham designed very few residential homes and only 10 remain in the world. Champaign is very fortunate to have one. However, it is about to be demolished by the school board for a parking lot.
Multiple alternative options exist instead of demolishing the very historic, architecturally relevant and well maintained Burnham House, including finding another space for the annex lot, repurposing the Burnham for education, etc.
Very many are not aware of the very historic and immense architectural legacy that we are very fortunate to have in our community. Very viable, feasible alternatives exist that promote the High School expansion and do not involve demolition of the very Historic Burnham. We hope that our School Board could recognize the benefits of historic preservation and that its potential benefits to students and the community are far greater than providing some additional parking. With some creative thinking, a state of the art high school and the community and country’s historic and architectural legacy can go hand in hand.
Please sign the petition to save the historic Burnham house from demolition. We ask that the historic Burnham House be preserved for the education and enjoyment of our children, our community, and well beyond.
Please read and sign the petition: Save The Historic Burnham House http://chn.ge/2lZCW5u. Once it is gone, it is lost to all.
For more information and photos, please see SaveBurnham.weebly.com.
Book and Paper Conservation Internship (London, UK) – Passed Deadline
*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
- Position: Intern, Conservation of Exhibitions and Loans
- Full time: 36 hours per week
- Fixed Term: 9 months
- Salary: GBP10.20 per hour (London Living Wage)
The British Library is pleased to offer a 9 month internship in Conservation. The internship is available to conservators who have graduated in the last 2 years, have limited work experience in conservation, and who wish to develop their hands on book and paper-based conservation, and assessment skills. The successful candidates will need to have a book or paper conservation qualification(s) (an MA in conservation would be desirable).
The internship will focus on how Conservation enables the safe display of it’s mainly book and paper-based cultural material. On completion, it is expected that the intern will have enhanced their ability to make recommendations for the safe display of collection items and developed an appreciation of the history of items and the sensitivity to cultural and religious issues.
For further information on the internship and the candidate minimum essential requirements, please see the full Internship Profile, available on the Library’s website.
Please email Mark Browne, Conservation Manager at mark.browne@bl.uk attaching the following:
- A letter of interest, which should include how the internship will benefit you and what skills and experience that you will bring to British Library reflecting the list of criteria for the internship stated in the Internship Profile.
- An up to date CV.
- Two or three examples of treatment records from your portfolio for items you have worked on.
- Name and contact details of two referees.
- A statement indicating that you are able to work in the UK. Official documentation will be required if you are short listed for interview.
- Closing date: Sunday, February 28, 2018 — *NB: Please note that applications received after this date will not be considered.
- Interview date: Week February 12-16, 2018.
If your application is short listed, you will be expected to present a conservation portfolio. In the case of applicants who are not able to present their portfolio in person, Skype interviews, with the aid of an electronic version of the applicants work can be substituted, along with letters of recommendation.
Introducing Untold Stories
I’m delighted and excited to introduce Untold Stories, a project aimed at pursuing an art conservation profession that represents and preserves a fuller spectrum of human cultural heritage. With generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Untold Stories’ mission is “to expand the existing ethical framework for art conservation by engaging new voices and hearing new stories that transform our understanding of the preservation of cultural heritage. We seek to recognize and conserve a broader range of cultural heritages; embrace a more diverse set of conservation practices and practitioners; and affirm the deep emotional connection between objects and sites of cultural heritage and the communities that claim them.”
Untold Stories will pursue this mission by engaging the voices of visionary leaders and thinkers within the arts, cultural heritage and allied fields whose work offers transformative approaches to storytelling, representation and preservation. Between 2018 and 2020, Untold Stories will hold public events at each of the next three annual meetings of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works featuring thought-provoking conversations with artists, arts administrators, activists, poets and scholars. All events will be professionally videographed and made available on the project site soon after they take place.
The 2018 AIC meeting in Houston will feature a panel discussion on “storytelling as preservation” with Deana Haggag, President and CEO of United States Artists, MacArthur award winning artist Rick Lowe, and queer migrant poet and cultural organizer and activist Sonia Guiñansaca. This event is free and will be held on Wednesday, May 30th, 2018, from 4:30 to 6pm at the conference hotel. (For more information, please visit https://www.untoldstories.live/houston-2018/). This event is also now listed in the AIC Program.
Another key component of Untold Stories is to create paid opportunities for emerging professionals to assume leadership roles in the development and implementation of the project’s programming. The project is currently seeking two assistants for 2018. Any interested conservation students or recent graduates of a program are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is January 20th.
Thank you all for your support, and see you in Houston!
Sanchita Balachandran
Project Director, Untold Stories
Call for Papers – Cultural Heritage Management (and conservation!) Sessions – ASOR 2018
Hello Fellow Conservators,
My session co-chair, Glenn Corbett, and I are are seeking abstract submissions for the Cultural Heritage Management session(s) of the American Schools of Oriental Research annual meeting, which will be held in Denver, Colorado, November 14-17, 2018. This session welcomes papers concerning all aspects of archaeological conservation and heritage management in areas throughout the Near East. For the 2018 meeting, we are especially interested in presentations focusing on:
- conservation and preservation activities
- engagement and education of local communities (including topics involving site museums and visitors’ centers)
- site management planning
Interested speakers should submit a title and abstract (max. 250 words) by February 15, 2018. Please see ASOR’s call for papers and instructions for submission here: http://www.asor.org/am/2018-call-for-papers/.
You may send inquiries or questions to Suzanne Davis (davissL@umich.edu) and Glenn Corbett (joeycorbett@yahoo.com). Please consider submitting! The ASOR annual meeting is primarily attended by archaeologists, and it is a wonderful venue for professional outreach about archaeological conservation.
Another lost opportunity to bring the conservator’s work to the public’s attention
In the January 14, 2018 issue of The New York Times there is an article by Elisabetta Povoledo about a report by the Italian art expert Isabella Quattrocchi which claims that almost a third of the works in a 2017 Modigliani exhibit in Genoa were forgeries (“Authenticity of Modigliani Works Questioned” ). The photograph accompanying the article in both the print and online editions shows a woman retouching or inpainting the frame of a Modigliani painting. The caption reads, “The painting ‘Ritratto di Chaim Soutine’ (‘Portrait of Chaim Soutine’), attributed to Modigliani in an exhibition in Genoa”, making no mention of the activity going on in the photograph. Here is another lost opportunity to bring the conservator’s work to the public’s attention.
Second Deployment of National Heritage Responders to Puerto Rico
Two teams of FAIC’s National Heritage Responders are wrapping up a week of work in Puerto Rico. This is the second wave of team members to visit collections on the island affected by Hurricane Maria.
Mold growth continued to be the primary issue facing most of the institutions visited. With such lengthy power outages, many collections faced exposure to extremely high temperatures and relative humidity. Even as power is restored for some institutions, assessing any incursions of mold remained a priority task. Team members continued to stress the importance of personal protective equipment for staff members working with collections, providing guidance on how to safely address the mold.
While site visits made up the bulk of the work completed by the teams, one group held a workshop for local artists and institutions on salvaging works. The Museo de las Américas, a museum in San Juan visited by the first deployment team in late November, graciously offered their space to host the workshop. Over thirty individuals attended to learn about how to handle their affected objects.
FAIC will continue to work with affected collections and provide resources. You can learn more about our emergency programs here http://bit.ly/2okwlX1 and see previous updates on recent emergencies here http://bit.ly/2AErjb5. Stay tuned for more information about this group’s deployment and the team members who participated!