POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Paintings Conservator, the Objects Conservator is responsible for the study, preservation, and treatment of the Wadsworth Atheneum?s extensive and exceptional objects collection in accordance with established professional conservation practice and ethical principles. The diverse objects collection includes fine art, decorative art, and utilitarian objects from ancient to contemporary, in a wide variety of materials (including metal, wood, stone, glass, and textiles). The Objects Conservator works closely with other departments throughout the museum (Registrars, Art Preparators, Exhibition Design and Management, Facilities, and Imaging) to advise on safe handling and preserving the collection, and works with Curatorial and Education departments in the development of, and participation in, programming.

ESSENTIAL REPSONSIBILITIES

• Carry out activities to study, preserve and treat objects within the museum?s collection in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Assess and document the condition of objects in the museum?s collection.
• Evaluate and prepare objects requested for loan and advise on best practices for the transport of three-dimensional objects.
• Prepare condition reports for objects being sent out on loan, and for objects temporarily lent to the museum from other collections.
• Liaise with departments throughout the museum to advise on best practices for preventative conservation, environmental standards, pest management, and the storage, handling, and display of objects in the museum?s collection.
• Educate staff and members of the public on the philosophical foundations of conservation and the practical considerations of treatments through lectures, presentations, and demonstrations.
• Supervise assigned interns, fellows, and volunteers.
• Evaluate, select, and oversee outside specialists for projects relating to objects conservation.