The Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) seeks an
instructor or instructors for Spring 2024, Paintings Block, February 20 – March 15.
Paintings Block is a four-week course for all ten first-year WUDPAC students. The content aims to give students:
- A broad understanding of the history of paintings, including typical materials, techniques, and construction.
- A basic familiarity with the fundamental chemical and physical mechanisms of aging and deterioration in paintings materials.
- An understanding of proper handling procedures and recommended parameters for exhibion and storage.
- A familiarity with typical examination and documentation techniques.
- An awareness of basic treatment procedures.
- An appreciation for the challenges presented to paintings conservators and the skill set necessary to address those challenges, including awareness of unusual needs for different art-historical eras of paintings
- An ability to organize and concisely present complex information about connoisseurship, construction, and condition.
Content is delivered using a variety of methods, including but not limited to, in-person and virtual lectures, hands-on activities, and field trips. Instruction is to be given primarily by the block instructor(s) with assistance from other Winterthur and UD faculty as well as external guest instructors.
Paintings block is the eighth block in the first-year coursework, and follows preventive, paper, library materials, organic objects, textiles, photographs, and inorganic objects blocks. By the ;me students begin paintings block they are also well in to the second semester of both a material science course, and an examination and documentation techniques course. Following paintings block, students finish the year with furniture block and a return to preventive block.
The structure of the four-week block includes 10 full days and 7 half days of teaching (specifics at the bottom of this post). Teaching generally takes place from 9:00 to 4:30 with a 1 ½ hour break for lunch. Compensation is $9,450 for these 13.5 days of teaching ($350/half day). Housing for the instructor(s) is available on the Winterthur property and will be paid for by WUDPAC.
The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for preparing a course syllabus, developing, and delivering content, and assigning and grading projects and/or exams. They will be given previous course syllabi and other resources to use as desired. They will receive course development support and guidance from the WUDPAC Interim Director and Associate Director. The on-site paintings conservator will be available to assist with locating on-site tools, materials, and sample paintings. Department administrators will assist with ordering supplies, arranging payment and transportation for guest speakers. The goal is to provide support that facilitates the smooth running of paintings block while at the same time leaving enough space for the instructor(s) to bring their own creativity to the task.
Position Requirements: A master’s degree in conservation with a major in paintings. A thorough knowledge of the history, technology, and connoisseurship of paintings, and historical conservation and restoration practices. Evidence of teaching experience in academic and/or non-academic environments preferred.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed starting Nov 6, 2023, with application review continuing until the position is filled.
To request a sample syllabus or discuss the position: Contact Joelle Wickens, Interim Director of WUDPAC, at jwickens@udel.edu.
To Apply: Submit the following to Dr. Joelle Wickens at jwickens@udel.edu :
- A two-page cover letter that highlights how you are prepared to carry out the work of Paintings Conservation Block Instructor.
- CV
- A note that indicates whether you are applying to teach the full four weeks, or due to time and other constraints, are only available for a portion of the four weeks. If you are only available for a portion of the time, please be as specific as possible regarding your availability and suggest some areas of expertise you would be interested in teaching.
Specific Teaching Schedule
- Week 1 – February 20 afternoon; 21 & 23 all day
- Week 2 – February 27 & 29 afternoon; 26 & 28 all day; March 1 morning
- Week 3 – March 5 & 7 afternoon; 4, 6 & 8 all day
- Week 4 – March 12 afternoon; 11, 13 & 15 all day
