Easel Paintings Conservator

We are seeking an Easel Paintings Conservator. The conservator will work with Conservation Management and Client Services to ensure delivery of quality conservation treatments within agreed estimates.

We are particularly interested in hearing from conservators with three to five years post qualification practical experience in a wide range of paintings.

The Easel Paintings Conservator will undertake examination and assessment of paintings and must be proficient in producing accurate written and photographic documentation and generating condition reports to a high standard.

You will be flexible in your approach with a proven track record of working to tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard and positive work ethic. The successful candidate will bring an enthusiastic approach to their work, have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as part of a team supporting the staff around them.

Duties include:

• Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment methodologies and treatment reports
• Undertaking treatments of paintings, ranging from those executed on traditional substrates such as canvas and panel, to varied modern materials.
• Undertaking both structural and surface treatments including but not limited to – repair of tears, warping, relining, re-stretching, removal of varnish and overpaint, surface cleaning, consolidation, filling, retouching, varnishing, and framing.
• Supporting the Senior Paintings Conservator, Paintings Conservator, and interns, to ensure work in the department is completed to a high standard.
• Keeping stock of studio materials and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time in collaboration with the Senior Paintings Conservator
• Liaising with the Conservation Manager and Client Services to ensure the smooth running of your personal workload.
• Work on site as well as in the workshop. This may include major galleries, museums, private homes, heritage sites and storage facilities
• Provide practical conservation advice and guidance to other conservators, client services and clients
• Work with other departments in the company on collaborative jobs.

Essential Criteria:

• You will have a degree in Paintings Conservation and a minimum three to five years’ post qualification experience specialising in easel paintings conservation.
• Experience working in private practice is desirable as you will be required to work under your own initiative and effectively manage your workflow to meet deadlines in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Reports are a vital part of this role and a clear and concise writing style is essential
• Treatments are carried out both in the studio and in-situ willingness to do so is required.
• You will be a personable and effective team worker with excellent communication skills.
• You will be confident in making decisions with artworks whilst maintaining exceptional ethical standards in your approach to all tasks.
• Robust chemistry for conservation knowledge
• We handle large and oversized work frequently, managing studio space and safe handling with the team is vital to the role.

Desirable criteria:

• IT: Good working knowledge of Word and Excel, file sharing services
• Experience with contemporary paintings.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required would be of value.

This job is offered on a permanent full-time basis with a salary of £32, 500 - £35,500 depending on experience.

Please send your c.v., portfolio and covering letter of no more than 250 words to [email protected] and include Easel Paintings Conservator in the subject line.

Closing Date: May 24^th 2024. Interviews to take place WC May 27^th 2024. Please send applications ASAP if interested.

Please note that you must have the right to live and work in the UK. We cannot support any individual in applying for a visa.

The Company

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation and restoration company in the UK.

In December 2018 we moved to purpose-built premises in Mitcham where our team of experienced and skilled conservators and restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All our object treatments are informed by science and the art of conservation, guided by contemporary ethical considerations, and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Staff are committed to continued professional development and training. Plowden & Smith employs several ICON-accredited conservators.