Conservation Fellowship: Decorative Arts

The Preservation Society of Newport County/Newport Mansions•Newport, RI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preservation Society of Newport County offers a Residential Fellowship to emerging conservation professionals, designed to provide dedicated time and resources for comprehensive study, assessment of condition and conservation of objects relevant to the organization’s current projects. The fellowship is an opportunity to advance the understanding of manufacturing techniques, degradation processes of organic and inorganic materials and to hone conservation treatment skills. The Preservation Society of Newport County protects, preserves, and presents a remarkable collection of eleven historic house museums spanning the history of Newport from the Colonial period through the Gilded Age. Our properties include Hunter House (c.1748), Kingscote (1841), Chateau-sur-Mer (1852), Green Animals Topiary Garden (c.1860), Chepstow (1861), Isaac Bell House (1883), Marble House (1892), The Breakers (1895), The Breakers Stable and Carriage House (1895), The Elms (1901), and Rosecliff (1902). Housed within these architectural masterpieces are more than 60,000 artworks from all around the globe, dating from ancient times to the modern era.

Requirements

Graduated from a recognized master’s program in conservation with a focus on furniture and wooden objects or have equivalent training and expertise
Degree should have been conferred within five years from the start of the fellowship
Visual and manual skills
Demonstrated success authoring condition, treatment and analytical reports
Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage projects, and meet rigorous deadlines
Experience with public speaking

Nice To Haves

Demonstrate exceptional visual and manual aptitudes and research skills
Demonstrated success authoring technical documentation such as condition, treatment and analytical reports
Dedication to exploring and promoting paths to understanding the social histories, individual works, and collections of the PSNC.
Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.

Responsibilities

Work closely with both the Chief Curator and the Objects Conservator processing a large collection of original 19th century gilded and upholstered furniture recently acquired from the estate of a prominent family and original to Preservation Society properties.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment, condition survey, propose conservation treatment options, and complete conservation on exemplary pieces.
Produce written documentation relating to the assessment, survey, and treatment in a concise and transparent manner, including supportive digital photography.
Undertake work with and without supervision.
Take part in other activities within the Conservation Department.
Complete documentation with regular deliverables on a given timeline.
Present a public lecture and write a 2,500-3,000-word essay based on their progress and findings.
Contribute to the overall dynamics of the Fellowship Program through engagement with other fellows, Preservation Society staff, and peer institutions in and around Newport.
Be assigned participatory assignments that fall outside the project or project scope.

Benefits

Access to research and travel budget
Housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center
13 paid holidays
Sick Time: Fellows begin accruing paid sick leave on the first day of employment and will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year.
Bereavement Days: Fellows are provided 2-3 days in the event of the loss of a family member.
Vacation Time: Fellows are eligible for 80 hours (10 days) of vacation time to ensure a balance of work and relaxation.
Personal Time: Fellows are eligible for 16 hours (2 days) of personal time.
Insurance: Fellows are offered participation in a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account and participation in basic dental and vision coverage.
Retirement: Fellows are eligible to participate in PSNC’s 403(b) retirement plan with the opportunity for a 3% core contribution and we will match ½ of what you personally contribute, up to 6%.
Discounts: Fellows receive a free family membership to the Newport Mansions (20% off retail purchases), free access to several local and over 60 New England museums and more.