Further details - The Fitzwilliam Museum - University of Cambridge

Role Purpose
The function of the role is to undertake the technical examination and study, analysis, interventive and
preventive conservation of works of art on paper and associated materials, and miniatures for the
Department of Paintings, Drawings and Prints. The post holder manages the Art on Paper conservation
studio (laboratory) managing resources, health and safety, equipment and advises other paper
conservators concerning their work. The role holder undertakes conservation measures on individual
works of art to the highest ethical and preventative standards and is concerned with the physical care of
the collections. The role holder undertakes condition surveys, treatment reports and develops mounting
and storage solutions to improve better access to the collections. He/she advises curatorial colleagues
on methods of production, media and materials to establish authenticity and provenance. The role holder
carries out research based on the collections and publishes findings in conservation and scholarly
journals. The role holder participates in the Museum wide Collections Care programme.
Main Responsibilities
Key duties and responsibilities % time spent/
1 Conservation, technical examination and research of the
Collections
Undertake technical examination including photography and microscopy,
carry out treatment documentation.
Undertake technical examination of works of art on paper in order to assist
Keepers, other organisations, and the public to help establish
authentication and attribution
Carry out remedial and preventative treatments on works of art paper
dating from the late Medieval period to the modern day for the department
of Paintings Drawings and Prints.
Develop new/adapt existing techniques and treatment problem solving.
Undertake condition/collections care audits
Write condition reports, including recommendations for conservation and
treatment of work of art in particular as part of the assessment made for
incoming loans and outside exhibitions
Inspection of works, treatment proposals and estimates for loan insurance
purposes
Advise technicians about loans, including preservation best practice and
techniques in conservation mounting and storage issues, best choice of
materials
Emergency treatments
Manage work flow to deadlines.
Work for other departments, lenders etc
Participates in the Museum wide Collections Care programme,
collaborating with other Conservators and providing advice on all aspects
of conservation care to curatorial colleagues and administrators at the
Museum.
Assist with the development of the Museum’s emergency plan, advising on
risks, handling, storage and emergency treatments for works on paper.
Research into techniques and materials used by artists, using museum,
frequency
80%
CHRIS/PD33, Version 1.0 Role description – page 3 of 5