Paintings Conservator (The Contractor)
One year contract with extension options
National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
The National Museum of African American History and Culture of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is accepting quotes for paintings conservation work beginning in September of 2015 providing professional, non-personnel services. The contractor is not an employee of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Contractor will support the exciting and groundbreaking journey that will culminate in the opening of the new NMAAHC on the National Mall in 2016. The Contractor will undertake a wide range of treatment and preventive conservation on modern and contemporary paintings in acrylic, alkyd, oil, wax oil, and mixed media on a variety of supports. Work will be done in collaboration with the paintings conservation studio of the Museum Conservation Institute.
Conservation procedures include treatment; examination; condition survey; technical analysis of materials and structure; preventive conservation including handling, display, housing and environmental control; and documentation and reporting. Additional conservation procedures include organization and maintenance of conservation supplies, equipment and chemicals according to safety guidelines, obtaining product information and testing materials for treatment.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
The examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of assigned works of paintings; condition examination of works and complete survey reports; assistance in the storage and display of paintings
Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills: demonstrated excellence in performing multifaceted paintings conservation treatments; excellent manual skills; working knowledge of chemical and material sciences for binder analysis; knowledge of preservation standards for display, storage, and environmental conditions; ability to devise conservation strategies with knowledge of the artists, the paintings, and the materials and techniques; ability to work effectively and constructively both independently and as part of a team; attention to laboratory activities; excellent skills in verbal and written communication; strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and achieve goals; willingness to accept supervision and guidance
Knowledge and Education:
A graduate degree in Paintings Conservation (a Masters or Certificate/Masters) from an accredited university. A minimum of three years post graduate training in paintings conservation, or a minimum of five years of professional conservation experience.
Please request Statement of Work (SOW) and Request for Quote (RFQ) from Dr. Renee S. Anderson, Head of Collections, NMAAHC AndersonRS@Si.edu. The quote submission deadline is July 20, 2015.