Photographer in the field of Illuminated Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts for 6 months

The Nationalmuseum in Stockholm invites applications for a temporary, full-time position as Photographer in the field of illuminated Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts for 6 months (1 September 2022 – 28 February 2023). (NM2021/403) Deadline for the application: 10 January 2022. 

The Nationalmuseum is a state authority and Sweden's leading museum of art and design with approx.150 employees. The museum collections consist of older paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphic works, as well as arts and crafts and design from antiquity to the present day. The collections are shown on Blasieholmen, Stockholm and in around 20 other locations such as, Läckö Castle, Jamtli and Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum

The manuscript collection of the Nationalmuseum is small but of high quality. It was brought together during the 20^th century, with a special focus on illuminations, and consists of 20 bound volumes, with a total of ca 4000 leaves, and ca 90 loose leaves and fragments, with objects dating from the 11^th century to the beginning of the 16^th. The manuscripts represent various categories of biblical, liturgical, devotional and legal texts, and were produced in locations across Europe other parts of Christianity: in Italy, France, Constantinople, Ethiopia, England, Spain, Germany and the Low Countries.

During 2022 and 2023, the manuscripts will be fully inventoried and photographed, and will undergo preventive conservation in a project dedicated to the collection. A selection from the collection will be presented to the general public on the Nationalmuseum’s website, while more detailed information on each object will be entered in the database.

We are now looking for a photographer with an extensive experience from similar projects to join the multi-professional team.

The Photographer will perform digital imaging of illuminated manuscripts, as bound volumes, loose leaves, and fragments. The position requires great attention to detail, comfort performing repetitive tasks, the ability to perform high-standard, production-level digital photography, and the ability to meet regular production targets.

Your main tasks include

• Capture and quality control of completed work
• Supply images for the museum's image and collection management database
• Participate in streamlining workflows and developing working methods within the project

Qualification requirements

• Education in photography, preferably at university level or similar gathered experience
• 5+ years of professional experience in digitising and handling rare and fragile library and/or archival materials
• Experience with Hasselblad camera system
• Exceptional knowledge of Phocus and Adobe Photoshop
• Intermediate knowledge of different file formats and storage as well as experience in one or different collection management systems for museums (CMS) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Competency in Swedish/Scandinavian languages is an advantage.

It is an advantage if you have experience in applying the guidelines for digitization of two-dimensional cultural heritage material: FADGI and Metamorfoze Preservation Imaging Guidelines.

We expect that you can work independently and collaboratively. You must be proactive, consistent, responsible and show flexibility and comfort in changing environment.

Our operation enjoys a high level of visibility in society, and is of interest to a great many people. Our aim is that the composition of our staff should reflect the diversity of our society. If you are to enjoy working with us, you should have a keen interest in art and design, and be responsive, enthusiastic and happy to involve your colleagues in your working process, in line with our values of Togetherness, Focus, Inspiration and Courage.

In the selection process, we will attach great importance to personal suitability, motivation and attached portfolio.

Further information

 Information about the position is provided by Kriste Sibul, Director of Preservation and Photography kriste.sibul@nationalmuseum.se, tel +46 8 5195 4304.

The union representatives are Audrey Lebioda for SACO tel +46 8 519 543 78, Joakim Werning for ST +46 8 519 544 73 and Bo Gustafsson for SEKO +46 8 519 543 78. The telephone number for all the union representatives is +46 703-78 44 42.

Application

We look forward to receiving your application, which must include:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Porfolio with five samples on digital imaging of rare and fragile library and/or archival materials

The closing date for applications is 10 January 2022. Review of applications begins immediately.