06/01/1977 26650

MUSEUM PREPARATOR 1, FINE ARTS

DEFINITION: This is entry level specialized work in the application of a chemical, physical, and other methods and techniques to the restoration and preservation of paintings, statues, and other Fine Arts objects.

An employee in this class performs work at the journeyman level in employing chemical, physical, and other specialized methods and techniques to restore, preserve, and maintain paintings, statues, and other valuable and historically significant Fine Arts objects. Work involves performance of relining, refilling, ironing, steaming, and other operations utilized in cleaning, restoration, and preservation processes. Work includes mixing and cooking was emulsions and other chemicals and natural and synthetic materials and performing cleaning and repair operations in accordance with specific instructions, and also includes manual labor tasks in lifting, moving, crating and uncrating, and otherwise handling paintings, statues, and other art objects and devices used in Fine Arts preparator operations. Work is performed with some independence, but in accordance with well established procedures and define plans. Work assignments are carefully chosen within limits of employee's skill attainment in the various processes and are reviewed in detail by the supervisor of the Fine Arts Section through observation of techniques and finished work for quality and authenticity.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs work at the journeyman level in performing tasks involving highly specialized and exacting methods and techniques in restoring, preserving, conserving, and maintaining paintings, prints, antique frames, statues, and other valuable and historically significant Fine Arts objects.

Performs assigned tasks such as relining fabrics, refilling surfaces, cradling, ironing, steaming, remounting, and other operations involved in cleaning, restoring, conserving, and preserving paintings, frames, statues, and other objects of art.

Mixes and cooks and otherwise prepares gesso, wax emulsions, solvents, compounds and other chemicals and natural and synthetic materials and performs cleaning, varnish removal, and repairs to canvas, oil pints, frames, statues, and other art objects.

May perform manual labor tasks such as packing, unpacking, lifting, and transport art objects and devices used in Fine Arts preparator work.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the capabilities and properties of chemicals, compounds, emulsions, and other materials used to clean, restore, and preserve paintings, frames, statues, and other Fine Arts objects, and of the precautions necessary in using such materials for these purpose.

Skill in the methods and techniques of cleaning, patching and preserving fine arts objects and in painting, drawing, or sculpting to authentically restore surfaces of objects of art.

Ability to identify and duplicate the physical properties and artist's techniques in restoring art works.

Ability to restore objects of art in a historically authentic manner.

Ability to adapt materials for use in solving problems.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Museum Preparator Trainee, Fine Arts;

                                                                                                                                            or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.