National Portrait Gallery

Art Handling Technician

The Art Handling Technician, reporting to the Art Handling Manager, is the conduit between many teams and departments across the organisation. Art Handling Technicians are responsible for handling, packing, moving and installing all works of art at the Gallery and off-site storage locations.

Job Description

Each Art Handling Technician, reporting to the Art Handling Manager, is responsible for adhering to the Gallery's health and safety policies and procedures, caring for artworks within the collection, and the fabric of the building itself.

Job Requirements

Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:

Essential:

Proven experience handling, packing and installing works of art in accordance with museum-standards
Proficient abilities working with hand tools and power tools, measuring and calculating
Ability to work well as part of a small team
Upholds high standards in health and safety
Can work calmly and solve problems under pressure
Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders

Desirable:

Proven experience working with couriers, curators, registrars and conservators
Self-motivated, with a proactive nature and ability to plan ahead
Competent use of databases (i.e. MIMSY XG/FileMaker) and Outlook calendar/e-mail
Able to oversee and give guidance to contractors, freelancers and casuals where appropriate
A basic understanding of the requirements of lenders for exhibitions and displays, e.g. a working knowledge of Government Indemnity Insurance, security and environmental conditions

Job Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities:

Specific handling duties:

Handling works of art within the collection, as well as artworks on loan to the gallery
Applying fixings and installing works of art so they are secure and safe
To prepare works of art for transport and to pack them (in accordance with Gallery guidelines) so that they will not be damaged in transit
To unframe and reframe works of art for photography and/or conservation
To receive incoming works of art from transport companies

Administrative duties:

To locate works of art using the Gallery's collections management system (Mimsy XG), and accurately updating locations
Maintaining the T-frame and crate database
Use of the Art Handling Outlook calendar/e-mail
Deputise for the Art Handling Manager as required, e.g. agreeing schedules with colleagues and assisting with forward planning.