The Gallery wishes to recruit an Art Conservator on a 3-year fixed-term contract, working 4 days a week – A combination of time spent in the gallery and off-site storage locations in Cork, Limerick and Dublin and 1 day remote/in the office report writing and other administrative duties associated with the role.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
The Art Conservator will undertake art conservation treatments and preventative conservation for the gallery’s collection of artworks, as well as advise on storage, environmental controls, and handling from a conservation perspective.
The collection will largely be stored in long-term storage for the duration of the Master Redevelopment Plan Transforming Crawford Art Gallery. The post holder will work on the collection in a dedicated space at the off-site storage locations (primarily in Limerick but travel to other locations in Dublin and Cork will be necessary also), undertaking essential conservation work and participating in Crawford meetings as required.
The post holder will be responsible for undertaking a range of condition surveys to assess the condition of the artworks, scope out different conservation projects, undertake such work and assess and prepare artworks for loan.
The post holder will be required to work on artworks in various media and conduct essential stabilisation and conservation of artworks and frames.
The post holder will report into the Registrar who is the Project Lead and will also be required to build positive close working relationships with colleagues and management in the Gallery as well as external contractors.
KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Environmental monitoring of artworks in storage
Undertaking a range of conditions surveys on artworks in the gallery’s collections, including loans out and any acquisitions
Keep up-to-date conservation documentation, including conservation reports, on all artworks, both written and photographic
Actively participating in scientific research, working alongside the collection, curatorial and learn and explore teams across the gallery
Excellent art handling skills and extensive practice in executing hands-on-treatments using state-of-the-art technologies
Carry out preventative conservation measures and conservation treatments on collection to appropriate standards
Carry out structural conservation treatments on selected works on canvas, such as consolidation and lining intervention (particularly wax lining of historic paintings)
To advise on packing and transportation of artworks as required and advise suitability for travel and display
Undertake risk assessment on objects and implement good preventative practices wherever possible.
To work with the Registrar to apply for relevant conservation grants and funding
Carry out scientific analysis and develop further collaboration with technical analysts and scientists and convey this information to the conservation and scientific communities, and disseminate it to non-technical audiences
Undertake courier activity, oversee transport and installation of Crawford Art Gallery collection artworks as required
In collaboration with the Collection team, develop long-term care procedures, including storage and installation recommendations in the redeveloped Crawford Art Gallery building
SKILLS REQUIREMENT:
Essential Requirements
A positive approach to working for the gallery and an interest and enthusiasm to contribute to raising awareness about the preservation and conservation activities
A postgraduate qualification in a recognised painting conservation training programme
Relevant work experience/post qualification in painting conservation, preferably in a museum environment for a minimum of 3 years
Excellent knowledge of museum collections and of contemporary principles and practices in preventative conservation
Experience working using traditional and modern structural conservation techniques and treatments of works with textile supports, preferably in a museum environment
Extensive knowledge of current conservation principles and practices, materials and environmental science, and the ability to relate such knowledge and understanding to the technical examination and conservation of objects and collections.
An understanding of the applications of analytical instruments and imaging documentation
Full clean driver’s licence with the use of a vehicle for transportation between sites which is an essential requirement of the role
Research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
Experience in researching and writing reports including data analysis
Excellent planning skills coupled with an ability to meet deadlines under pressure
Excellent communication and advocacy for the Collection skills
An ability to work on one’s own initiative while being part of a team
Desirable Requirements
- Experience in the conservation of inorganic materials desirable
- Supervisory/mentoring experience
- A keen interest in working with a range of different museum professionals and collaborating with fellow conservators and colleagues
- Advanced skills in MS Office Packages, Collection Management Systems (particularly Museum Plus RIA) and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
KEY RESULTS AREAS:
Proactive and engaged and solution oriented
Good attention to detail
Organised and ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
Excellent communication skills – verbal and written
Ability to work as part of a team and independently
Ability to work under pressure
Willingness to adapt to a changing environment
| Please send Cover Letter & CV to the HR Manager @ [email protected] Closing date for applications – Friday 7th February 2025 Please note that applicant’s data will be held on file in Crawford Art Gallery, Emmett Place, Cork for a period of 12 months to comply with current employment and data protection legislation. If you do not want your details held on file, please contact Sinead Cullinane, HR Manager at [email protected] Crawford Art Gallery is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. |
| SELECTION PROCESS: Selection will involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description and person specification. Applications submitted without a cover letter and cv will not be considered. There may be more than one interview, and they will be carried out in person where possible. |
Through its exhibitions and Learn and Explore programmes, Crawford Art Gallery is committed to fostering recognition, critical assessment, and an acknowledgement of historical and contemporary Irish and international art practice. Located in the heart of Cork city, the gallery is a critical part of Ireland’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 250,000 visitors a year.
Today the Gallery is entering a period of notable change as the organisation is embarking on a major capital redevelopment over the next number of years as part of the Ireland 2040 programme.. The redevelopment of Crawford is a flagship project under Minister Catherine Martin TD, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. The redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery a significant institution in the heart of Cork city, is a major project under the Department’s programme of National Development Plan investments.
The primary goal of the gallery’s redevelopment project is to provide enhanced accommodation, which is fit for purpose, reflecting its national cultural status. The proposed project will provide significant new additional exhibition and public circulation areas, a new Learn and Explore facility, significant storage for the National Collection at Crawford, a new entrance, and a dramatically improved public realm.
For Further Information: https://crawfordartgallery.ie/redevelopment-main-page/
