Position at Field Museum

Sculpture conservator
The Field Museum
Chicago

The Field Museum seeks an experienced conservator to undertake the
examination, documentation and treatment of the life-size bronze
figures by Malvina Hoffman (full figures, torsos and heads) held in
storage and display.  The position is a full-time (35 hour per week
with benefits), one-year term at either the Assistant or Associate
Conservator level depending on experience.  Preferred start date is
April 2014, but there is room for flexibility.

The Hoffman collection includes 95 figures made by sculptor Malvina
Hoffman in 1930 to 1933, commissioned by the Museum to create works
representing world-wide cultures for a dedicated gallery.  After
years on open display, the figures suffer primarily grime build up
and loss of patina due to touching and rubbing, and minor alteration
of patina and detachment of components.

The conservator will work in a dedicated laboratory in the museum
under the supervision of the Chief Conservator in consultation with
the Head of Anthropology Collections, Chief Curator, Hoffman
collection Curator, and Head of Exhibits.  Sculpture conservator
John Griswold, of Griswold Conservation Associates, has done the
condition survey of the collection and developed treatment
protocols.  For 9 weeks during the year, Griswold will work with the
conservator at the Museum to mentor and guide treatment.

Collections and Exhibits Production staff will be primarily
responsible for moving figures between display, storage and the
laboratory, but the conservator will program object movement and may
be asked to assist.  The conservator will work with Exhibits staff
to develop display protocols that provide for protection from
rubbing, and with Collections staff to improve storage access.  The
Hoffman collection is greatly admired and loved by visitors, museum
supporters and scholars; the conservator will

    Participate in outreach events and tours related to the project

    Conduct photographic and written documentation of condition,
    analysis and treatment of the figures.  Enter all documentation
    in object hard files and collections database (KE-EMu) (20%)

    Conduct treatment to address post-production accretions,
    distortions, loose components, loss of patina, and presence of
    unstable corrosion (65%)

    Conduct or identify analyses required to stabilize the figures
    and, as needed, to determine metal and patina composition
    Coordinate analyses done by outside service provider (5%)

    Assist Anthropology and Exhibits staff in the movement of
    figures to and from Exhibit, storage and laboratory (2%)

    Provide display requirements for figures and assist Exhibits
    staff in developing display layout and design (3%)

    Conduct tours and presentations as requested by Museum staff
    (3%)

    Maintain laboratory and photography workspace and equipment (2%)

Requirements:

    Degree in conservation from a recognized training program

    Experience in treatment, storage and display of patinated copper
    alloy sculpture

    Demonstrated excellent manual and organizational skills, and
    attention to detail

    Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of accepted museum collections
    care and conservation practices and procedures

    Demonstrated working knowledge of conservation method, theory,
    and literature, especially as related to metal sculpture

    Demonstrated good interpersonal, verbal and written
    communication skills

    Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
    and Adobe Photoshop

    Preference given to candidates with working knowledge of KE-EMu,
    and experience in exhibition conservation

    Treatment of the figures will require flexibility in working
    position, from floor level to 8 feet in height

Questions may be sent to Ruth Norton, McCarter Chief Conservator,
rnorton<-a t->fieldmuseum< . >org.  Application should be made on the Field
Museum website.

Ruth E. Norton
McCarter Chief Conservator
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago IL 60605
312-665-7880


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:29
                Distributed: Saturday, January 11, 2014
                       Message Id: cdl-27-29-034
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