06/01/1977 26660

MUSEUM PREPARATOR 2, FINE ARTS

DEFINITION: This is skilled specialized work in the application of 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 advanced journeyman level in employing chemical, physical, and other highly specialized and exacting methods and techniques to restore, preserve, and maintain paintings, statues, and other valuable and historically significant Fine Arts objects. Important aspects of work at this level are the conduct of research to determine the original characteristics of paintings and other art objects, performance of experiments or research to discover methods and techniques of producing historically accurate results, and preparation and use of a wide variety of tools, equipment, chemicals, and natural or synthetic materials to produce or reproduce authentic objects of art. Work involves skilled performance of relining, refilling, ironing, steaming, and other operations utilized in cleaning, restoration, and preservation processes. Work includes application of most advanced techniques in mixing and cooking wax emulsions and other chemicals and natural and synthetic materials and also includes designing and constructing specialized tools and equipment for cleaning, restoration, and preservation work. Work also includes leading in or performing repair and reconstruction of damaged or deteriorated art objects, assisting the section supervisor in providing on-the-job training to preparator trainees and lower level preparators, and may include some manual labor tasks in lifting, moving, crating and uncrating, and otherwise handling art objects and devices used in Fine Arts preparator operations. Supervision is received from the supervisor of the Fine Art section, who allows the employee considerable subject to review of overall work methods and completed projects for quality, authenticity, and accomplishment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and performs tasks involving the most specialized and exacting methods and techniques in restoring, preserving, conserving, and maintaining paintings, prints, antique frames, statues, and other valuable and historically significant Fine Art objects.

Researches and interprets the chemical and physical properties and original production techniques of art objects; performs experiments or research to discover methods and techniques of producing historically accurate results; and designs and constructs specialized tools and equipment such as hot tables for cleaning, restoration, and preservation work.

Works independently or leads in relining fabrics, refilling surfaces, cradling, ironing, steaming, remounting, and other operations involved in cleaning, restoring, conserving, and preserving paintings, frames, statues, and other art objects.

Performs or leads in mixing, cooking, and otherwise preparing gesso, wax emulsions, solvents, compounds, and other chemicals and natural and synthetic materials; cleaning, varnish removal, and repairs to canvas, oil paintings, frames, statues, and other art objects; and manual labor tasks such as packing, unpacking, lifting, and transporting art objects and devices used in Fine Arts preparator work.

Assists the section supervisor in providing training and instruction to preparator trainees and lower level preparators.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the full 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 all precautions necessary in using such materials for these purposes.

Skill in the full range of methods and techniques of cleaning, mounting, patching, relining, and replacing canvases; removing stains and discoloration from paper, plaster, canvas, cloth, and other materials; and in paintings, drawing, patching, sculpting, or otherwise restoring or reproducing surfaces or missing features of fine arts objects.

Skill in identifying and reproducing the techniques of artist and the physical properties of oil and other paints and media in the restoration of fine arts objects.

Ability to research and interpret information concerning the original characteristics of art objects.

Ability to lead and train preparator trainees and lower level preparators in Fine Arts preparator work.

Ability to adapt materials, tools, equipment, and techniques for use in solving new and unusual problems.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Museum Preparator 1, Fine Arts;

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