Reporting to the Director of Objects and Textiles Conservation, the Mountmaker/Senior Mountmaker is responsible for the design and fabrication of mounts and associated secondary structures to provide physical support, stability, and security for objects in the permanent collection or on loan for a variety of end uses. Advises on and/or carries out solutions for complex structural mounting projects for oversize and architecturally-embedded objects. Responsible for the operation, maintenance and safety of the mount shop. Actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mount Fabrication
- Designs and fabricates unique and complex mounts (including armatures, brackets and pins), both temporary and long-term, for a wide array of material culture and a broad spectrum of uses including, but not limited to display and also permanent gallery installations, temporary exhibitions, imaging, storage, transport and during conservation treatment.
- Fabricates all secondary structures necessary to fabricate mounts (jigs, frames, backing panels, etc.).
- Researches and seeks out materials and technologies to adapt in the design and fabrication of mounts and fixtures for works of art.
- Exploits material usage and technical innovation to advance methods for the safe display of works of art.
- Applies engineering concepts to design and fabricate mounting systems for large-scale and monumental objects.
- Is committed to elevating the presentation of artwork and creating a uniform mount language across the Museum, acting as a resource for colleagues in allied departments toward this aim.
Collection Care
- Consults with conservators on the safety and suitability of proposed mounting methods and materials.
- Handles objects in conformity with established conservation specifications.
- Has awareness of current best practices in mitigation techniques in order to fabricate mounts traveling to areas with seismic activity or to satisfy lender requirements for the same.
Exhibitions, Loans, and Gallery Installations
- Attends planning meetings and assists in preparation of budgets for exhibitions and permanent gallery re-installations.
- Collaborates with in-house and external designers, architects and production facilities to design compatible surfaces for use with mounting systems on a project-by-project basis.
- When necessary, works with outside institutions to design mounts for incoming and outgoing loans and exhibitions, including possible site visits to other collections.
Conservation records
- Maintains written and photographic documentation of all mounts and enters relevant information into the Museum’s database management system as necessary.
- Produces mount templates and instructions for objects going out on loan or exhibition.
Materials and Supplies
- Responsible for the orderly operation, maintenance, and safety of the mount shop.
- Provides budget estimates for and orders materials, tools and supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.
Collaboration
- Maintains clear communication and works as a collegial and engaged team member with conservators, curators, project managers, designers, registrars, Museum Facilities and external contractors in the execution of ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
- Collaborates across departments to develop and coordinate work schedules for on-time completion of projects.
- Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.
- Undertakes special assignments and projects at the request of supervisor.
Research
- Researches the application of new materials, equipment and techniques to construct specialized mounts and to improve care of the collection.
- Keeps abreast of latest developments in mounting solutions through professional publications, courses, and conferences.
Communication, professional development and dissemination
- Occasionally publishes results of projects in museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences.
- Collaborates across institutions on initiatives that mutually benefit and contribute expertise to the profession.
- Travels to attend conferences and workshops, present papers and confer with colleagues.
- Corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary.
- Conducts workshop tours and lectures.
Supervision, Training and Mentorship
- Acts as liaison to Director of Objects and Textiles Conservation for communicating workflow, work needs, schedules, and general concerns about projects and priorities.
- Assists in vetting contract/project mountmakers on a project-by-project basis and coordinates and supervises their work.
- Trains other museum specialists when needed for specific tasks and projects.
- May occasionally supervise interns, volunteers and visiting scholars, as needed.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 60 lbs and to work comfortably and safely on ladders and lift equipment.