From: Ellie Rowley-Conwy Sent: 11 June 2018 15:27 To: 'consdistlist@cool.conservation-us.org' Subject: Call for applications for a contract conservator to investigate a corrosion phenomenon The Royal Armouries is looking to recruit, on a freelance basis, a fully qualified conservator to investigate a specific type of corrosion. Interested parties should submit a covering letter and CV outlining how your experience meets the skills required. Please include your hourly rate in the covering letter. The deadline for submissions is 17:00 on Monday 18th June 2018. Applications or any questions should be sent to conservat...@armouries.org.uk<mailto:conservat...@armouries.org.uk>. For the full tender specification please see below. Ellie Rowley-Conwy BA, MA Conservator Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT Tel: 0113 220 1936 SPECIFICATION FOR A CONTRACT CONSERVATOR TO INVESTIGATE A CORROSION PHENOMENON 1. Introduction The Royal Armouries Museum is seeking the services of a fully qualified conservator for a period of 2.5 months to undertake a targeted audit of the collections at the Museum in Leeds. The initial aim of the project is to determine the extent of a particular type of ferrous corrosion, referred to colloquially as 'Concentric Ring Corrosion' (CRC). Following completion of the audit the successful candidate will take the lead in developing a research proposal to attract funding for in-depth scientific analysis. 2. Background and project justification 2.1 Background The Royal Armouries is a national museum which receives annual grant-in-aid core funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and raises additional financial support for educational and community outreach projects through commercial activities, sponsorship and fundraising. It operates on three UK sites: at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, Fort Nelson near Portsmouth and at the White Tower within the Tower of London. Acknowledged as one of the world's finest museums of arms and armour, Royal Armouries holds in trust for the British nation one of the greatest and most comprehensive collections ever assembled - a treasure of international importance. With extensive archives and over 70,000 objects ranging from the royal armours of the kings of England to the armour of the first Shogun of Japan, the collections span not only the history of arms and armour in Britain but also its development across the globe. 2.2 Project Justification The first instance of CRC was found in stores in 2002 on components of an armour. The objects were immediately reported to conservation, cleaned and replaced back in store. In January 2003, however, the same objects were found to have re-corroded albeit in different areas. Systematic surveys were then repeated in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008. It was initially believed that this corrosion phenomenon was unique to the Leeds site but since then isolated cases have been identified at other Museums nationally and internationally. Concentric ring corrosion (CRC) develops in a manner that resembles tree growth rings radiating from a central point. It does not tend to penetrate deeply into the metal but does leave distinctive etched markings that remain even after the removal of the corrosion product. Current thinking is that CRC is caused by fluctuating relative humidity and originates from the presence of a humidity-absorbing particulate such as a salt on the metal surface. To date, objects identified as exhibiting CRC have been taken to Conservation for spot treatments. However, this is not a viable long-term solution and new cases continue to be found. A full audit is necessary to establish the extent of the problem, to map occurrences geographically within stores and to develop a more holistic approach to dealing with the problem. 3. Objectives The objectives of the project are as follows: * To conduct a full audit of all stores at the Leeds site to determine how many objects have been affected by this phenomenon. * To explore any correlations between the types and locations of affected items as well as their proximity to utilities equipment. * To create a prioritised list of objects requiring treatment and to undertake a programme of interventive spot treatments. * To propose and implement mitigating solutions as appropriate. * To write a research proposal to allow for further investigation by metallurgists or corrosion experts. 4. Responsibilities The appointed conservator will at all times: * Follow all relevant Royal Armouries policies and procedures. * Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety regulations, paying particular regard to manual handling, working at height and COSHH. * Liaise with the Conservation team and wider Collections Department as required. * Ensure the treatment of all information, reports and presentations are for the use of the client only unless explicitly agreed otherwise beforehand. 5. Skills/Experience * A recognised qualification in Conservation at graduate or post-graduate level. Ideally the successful candidate will also have demonstrable experience of metals conservation. * Proven recent experience in a Conservation role. * Experience of handling museum objects. * Must possess manual dexterity and good observational skills. * Working knowledge of digital photography for record purposes. * Good documentation and reporting skills. * Awareness and knowledge of preventative and remedial conservation science and treatments. * Ability to work with minimum supervision. * Demonstrable organisational skills. * Ideally a member of ICON. * References: two references drawn within the last five years. 6. Location All work is to be undertaken at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. 7. Timescales 7.1 Contract period The Royal Armouries requires someone to start immediately, with the contract running for 2.5 months. 7.2 Application Please submit a cover letter and CV outlining how your experience meets the skills required. Please include your hourly rate in the cover letter. The deadline for submissions is 17:00 on Monday 18th June 2018. If you have any questions please contact conservat...@armouries.org.uk<mailto:conservat...@armouries.org.uk> 7.3 Appointment Given the nature of the Royal Armouries' collection, a basic disclosure CRB check will be required on appointment. A tour of the relevant areas and basic training will be provided as part of the induction. After completion of these elements, the Conservation team and the appointed project conservator will meet to agree the exact programme of works for the 2.5 months. ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to consdistlist-le...@cool.conservation-us.org Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
