Preparator

The Barnes Foundation•Philadelphia, PA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Preparator reports to the Director of Registration and Exhibition Management and is responsible for the deinstallation, reinstallation, handling, movement, and packing of objects and collection materials across all Barnes Foundation locations, offsite storage, and Calder Gardens. This role involves participating in the planning, installation, and deinstallation of temporary special exhibitions and displays. The Preparator will also collaborate with the conservation team on preventive conservation tasks, including collections housekeeping, monitoring collection conditions, and relamping lights in collection areas. This position is part of the Collections and Exhibitions division, under the direction of the Vice President of Art and Education and Gund Family Chief Curator.

Requirements

BA or BFA with at least three years’ experience art handling within, or for, museums and cultural institutions
Experience with safety precautions necessary for using power tools
Familiarity with exhibition lighting
Experience with constructing and finishing display objects such as pedestals and temporary exhibition furniture
Ability to work well with others as well as to work independently
Capacity to manage deadlines
Experience using Microsoft Office programs for documents, email, calendars, and meetings
Must be able to perform work duties at all three campuses of the Barnes Foundation including Merion, Philadelphia, and Chester County (Ker-Feal), as necessary
Criminal Background-National
MVR Driving Record

Nice To Haves

Experience with collections management databases, especially Gallery System’s, The Museum System (TMS), highly desirable

Responsibilities

Demonstrates excellent understanding and judgment in the handling and conveyance of collection and loan objects as it relates to the condition, media, placement, and weight of objects.
Utilizes excellent verbal and written communication skills to maintain contact with both staff and contract art handling staff, contract and staff conservators, and registration and security department as work(s) of art are being moved.
Demonstrates excellent hand skills and basic carpentry skills.
Performs art handling of collection objects as requested and as approved by Registration and/or Conservation; to include activities such as unframing and reframing of paintings and works on paper as required for conservation or photography, securing new hardware to frames, removal of objects from display cases and/or mounts, and the set-up and dismantling of scaffolding and ladders may be required.
Prepares workspace for contract and staff conservators and for contract photographers including worktables, chairs, lighting, tools, and art handling conveyances.
Reports any damage that may occur during handling, or any damage that may be noted prior to handling, to Registration and the Senior Director of Conservation; preparation of Object Incident Report as required.
In cooperation with Registration, receives, uncrates, unwraps, installs, and de-installs and prepares objects for return shipment to other institutions or private collections for special exhibitions, as requested.
The preparator is responsible for the packing of collection objects and materials on all campuses of the Barnes Foundation, Calder Gardens and offsite storage.
Participates in collections staff monitoring of gallery collections with gallery checks and walkthroughs to monitor collection contacts and environmental conditions.
Works with the Senior Conservation Coordinator on collections housekeeping, including weekly, monthly and annual tasks.
Keeps collection storage areas maintained.
Assists in the research, maintenance, and ordering of supplies and equipment for preparation.
Assists in the ongoing education of Barnes Foundation staff, contract conservation staff, and interns on the basics of art handling; participates in presentations to staff, as requested.
Stays abreast of the field by conferring with colleagues and attending conferences as funding permits.
Prepares weekly reports for the Director of Registration and Exhibition Management.
Maintains a safe and professional workspace.
Performs other duties as requested.