Fellow in Paper Conservation
Fellow in Paper Conservation
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Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect care for and interpret works of art across time cultures geographies and identities centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context demanding continual dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive inclusive understanding of human creativity.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range
- Benefits
- PTO Overview
- Job Classification: Full-Time Salaried Staff
- Grade Level: 6
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Responsible for the treatment research and long-term preservation of over 300000 works of art in the Art Institutes collections the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museums mission to safeguard the worlds artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:
- Objects and Textiles
- Paintings and Frames
- Paper and Books
- Photography and Media
- Scientific Research
Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper Photography and Media Conservation the Fellow participates in a wide range of activities in the Department of Conservation and Science and gains experience in all aspects of caring for works on paper while working in a large museum setting. The Fellowship provides excellent hands-on experience with the examination documentation and analysis of a wide range of historic and contemporary works on paper as they are prepared for loans exhibitions and storage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the mentorship of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper Photography and Media Conservation and in collaboration with paper conservators collects data and images from a selection of Dutch prints from the Hack collection. Data will include physical characteristics (paper color texture thickness etc.) a description of the watermarks and if applicable the countermark. Imaging will include Beta radiography reflected and transmitted light as well as transmitted infrared images.
- Creates written and visual documentation for each work in the select group.
- Identifies watermarks and mold mates using both existing references and by implementing digital tools for computer matching.
- Keeps detailed records of examination documentation and findings; maintains the project database.
- Attends regular meetings with their supervisors and team members.
- Participates in the departments activities.
- Completes incoming and outgoing examinations and condition reports on objects entering the museum for loan exhibition or acquisition consideration.
- Identifies and confirms printing processes for inclusion in the museums database and publications.
- Measures and records light level conditions in the Prints and Drawing galleries.
- Works with Conservation Scientists on scientific analysis of collection items as needed.
- Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse inclusive and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.
- Maintains confidentiality.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelors degree required in conservation technical art history art history or closely related field. Masters degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum 1-5 years of practical experience in conservation relative to educational background.
- Experience in handling and examining works of art required.
- Familiarity with imaging techniques and Photoshop required.
- Familiarity with sixteenth and seventeenth-century handmade papers and printing processes desired.
UNION INFO
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race religion sex sexual orientation gender identity age national origin ancestry veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please contact the Department of Human Resources at
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job- related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Employment Type
Full-Time
