The National Portrait Gallery is looking to recruit a Painting Conservation Manager which will be responsible for the conservation and preservation of the Gallery’s painting collection.
The National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, starting with its unparalleled collection of Tudor panel paintings, and continuing through to present day contemporary portraiture. Artists represented include: Sir Anthony van Dyck; Joshua Reynolds; Thomas Gainsborough; Lucian Freud; David Hockney.
The Role
The Painting Conservation Manager has responsibility for the conservation and preservation of the Gallery’s painting collection; leading a small team of in-house painting conservators and pool of freelance conservators; and for managing the Painting Conservation Studio and budgets. The role oversees painting conservation advice and support to a range of programmes, and develops and delivers painting conservation initiatives that increase understanding and presentation of the paintings collection.
Key Responsibilities
Painting Conservation Management
- Operationally manage the Painting Conservation Studio and budgets, identify budget-relieving initiatives and funding opportunities.
- Lead and manage the painting conservation team to successfully deliver treatments and support to a range of programmes and stakeholders.
- Oversee and provide expert painting conservation advice to stakeholders, making recommendations for treatment, display, transportation, storage.
- Oversee adherence to all applicable workflows, procedures, and documentation.
- Manage, implement and review Health and Safety policies, risk assessments and method statements for Painting Conservation Studio and activities.
- Deputise for the Senior Conservation Manager, supporting stakeholders and providing advice and leadership across the conservation team.
- Develop opportunities to train future conservators through studio placements; advocate for painting conservation through the delivery of workshops, talks, and studio tours.
Painting Conservation Treatments and Research
- Lead the Painting Conservation team in undertaking a wide range of painting conservation treatments.
- Expertly utilise and interpret a range of specialist analytical and imaging techniques.
- Document treatments and research to benchmarked standards and imbed best practice and procedures within the Painting Conservation team.
- Develop research, technical examination, and treatment initiatives that improve academic understanding and the presentation of the Gallery’s paintings collection.
- Actively participate in painting conservation professional networks to contribute to wider sector knowledge and development.
Sustainability
- Promote and support sustainable working practices that reduce the environmental impact of the Gallery’s operations in line with its sustainability statement.
- Develop and support low carbon conservation and collections care initiatives.
- Provide advice and guidance on the safe display, loan, and storage of the painting collection within widened environmental parameters.
(The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role.)
About You
- Educated to post-graduate degree level in the conservation of easel paintings or at least 5 years of relevant experience working as a conservator.
- Accredited by Icon or on the accreditation pathway; or demonstrating continuous development and maintenance of professional standards.
- Proven experience undertaking high level painting conservation treatments, and managing a demanding schedule of projects.
- Proven experience successfully leading or working collaboratively with a team of conservators and stakeholders.
- Strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written skills, with the capacity to produce clear and accurate documentation.
- A proven ability to organise an ambitious and diverse workload, to meet agreed deadlines, and work well under pressure.
- Demonstrable analytical and problem solving skills.
- Good working knowledge of word processing and IT packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Excellent working knowledge of Collections Management Systems, and management of digital photography.
- Excellent working knowledge and application of COSHH and Health & Safety guidelines.
How to Apply
Please apply directly at the National Portrait Gallery Current Vacancies Board
The deadline for applications is on 30 January 2025