UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
Updated 3/19/21
Project Description
BAMPFA seeks a textile cataloguer to catalogue approximately 650 quilts and textiles from the Eli Leon Living Trust Collection of African American Quilts. Experience with and knowledge of quilting techniques and quilt history highly preferred. This is a fixed contract position for $50.00/hour for an estimated 70 days @ 8 hours/day with a desired start date of July 1, 2021 and projected end date of October 6, 2021.
The Eli Leon Living Trust Collection of African American Quilts was given to BAMPFA by the late Oakland-based psychologist, collector, and scholar Eli Leon in 2019. Comprising nearly three thousand works by African American quilt makers, including more than five hundred works by the internationally renowned artist Rosie Lee Tompkins, the Eli Leon Collection marks one of the largest bequests of African American quilts ever donated to a US museum. BAMPFA is currently planning for an exhibition of highlights from this historic bequest to open in Fall 2023.
Project Responsibilities:
• Examines and composes concise descriptions of quilts that include identification of fibers, fabrics, and construction techniques
• Maintains records of temporary accession, helps complete condition reports, and tracks location of objects in the museum collection
• Takes and organizes digital photographs of art objects
• Works closely with Curatorial, Registration, and Preparations departments to handle, pack, and move quilts in accordance with best museum practices
Cataloguer Qualifications:
• Minimum 1 year of collections management and art handling experience • Working knowledge of Filemaker
• Experience with taking and organizing digital photographs, including up/downloading and file naming
• Must be physically able to lift, fold, and move at least 30 pounds
• Commitment and ability to observe social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines as established by UC Berkeley campus
• Masters degree in Quilt Studies, Textile Science, Textile History, Art History, or related field, or equivalent experience, desirable but not required Interested candidates should send a short cover letter/email and resume to Elaine Yau (eyau@berkeley.edu) and Tracy Jones (tracyjones@berkeley.edu). Please note that this is a one-time, limited term position subject to UC terms and conditions for independent contractors.
