Greetings to everyone,
I'm Simone Morbin, an Italian conservator specializing in metals, glass, and ceramics, particularly in archaeological objects. I've been considering the possibility of working in the United States. However, I realize that without American letters of reference or potential employers to inquire with, I might not appear to be a very appealing candidate, especially for visa sponsorship. In this regard, I've been advised to start with internships, fellowships, or traineeships to enhance my resume and establish contacts.
I'm writing to ask for advice and information on this matter. Through the internet, I haven't been able to fully grasp how this system works in the United States, and I haven't determined what the substantial difference is between an internship, fellowship, or traineeship. Furthermore, I'm uncertain whether it's preferable to directly approach museums/foundations or to explore platforms like LinkedIn or similar websites.
Below, I briefly list my studies and experiences (including university internships and paid projects) to receive advice on which areas I should focus my search. Until now, I've primarily collaborated with conservation laboratories and conservators, but I haven't had experience with museums or other types of institutions.
Studies
2014 - 2020 Single cycle degree/combined bachelor and master in Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Ravenna, Italy. Univesity Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna. Vote 110/110. Thesis „Window glasses from the thermal area of the so-called Palace of Theodoricus in Galeata: study and restoration"
2010 - 2013 Bachelor in Technology for the conservation and the restoration of Cultural Heritage. Venezia, Italy. University Ca' Foscari. Vote 100/110. Thesis „Sulfuration of archaeological ceramics"
2005 - 2009 Bachelor in Chemical Science and Technologies for Conservation and Restoration. Venezia, Italy. University Ca' Foscari. Vote 101/110. Thesis „Swords of Belluno"
Conservation projects
2022
Cleaning and conservative restoration of the Roman ship Iulia Felix at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Grado, Gorizia, Italy).
Collaboration in the restoration of fossil material from the collection of Palazzo,Cavalli (Padua, Italy).
2021
Conservation and restoration of World War II metal objects from private collection
(Belluno, Italy).
Associate at the restoration studio by the graduate restorer Elena Agnini (Munich,
Germany):
1. Cleaning, sorting and packing of glazed stove tiles from the State Museumcollection of the Bavarian administration for palaces, gardens and lakes in Nymphenburg Castle
2. Conservation and restoration of the so-called "Leiden jar" from the collection of the Deutsches Museum
3. Surface cleaning of a plaster bust from the 19th century
4. Consolidation of archaeological glass with SIOX (nanosilica in alcoholic dispersion).
2020
Conservation of glass objects (18th to 20th century) from the collection of Galleria Rizzarda (Feltre, Belluno, Italy).
2019
Conservation, restoration and musealization of window glass fragments from the excavation of the "Palace of Theodoricus" (6th century AD) (Galeata,Forlì-Cesena, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of black stick-polished pottery found in archaeological excavation probably from the 8th century BC (Ravenna, Italy).
2018
Conservation and restoration of prehistoric iron fibulae found in an archaeological excavation in northern Italy (Ravenna, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of an engraved copper alloy plaque from an episcopal burial site located in Ferrara, Italy.
Conservation and restoration of a deformed and mineralized Villanovan copper alloy cyst found in an archaeological excavation (8th century B.C.) (Ravenna, Italy).
2017
Preservation and restoration of a prehistoric copper alloy bracelet, consisting of intertwined double rings, found in an archaeological excavation (Ravenna, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of prehistoric pottery found in an archaeological excavation (northern Italy) (Ravenna, Italy).
2016
Conservation and restoration of previously restored metal archaeological objects from the collection of the Archaeological Museum of Bologna (Ravena, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of an previously restored medieval glass bubble glass from northern Italy (Ravenna, Italy).
Collaboration on the conservative restoration of the Neptune Fountain (Bologna) managed by the Central Institute for Restoration (ICR) (Bologna, Italy).
2015
Conservation and restoration of 16th-century "berettine" majolica found in an archaeological excavation in Palazzo Maioli (Ravenna, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of 16th-century copper alloy cutlery found in an archaeological excavation carried out in Emilia-Romagna (Ravenna, Italy).
2014
Conservation and restoration of copper alloy objects found by surface survey in Montaletto, Forlì-Cesena (Ravenna, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of pottery and majolica fragments dated from the 13th to 16th centuries found in an archaeological excavation carried out at Palazzo Maioli (Ravenna, Italy).
Conservation and restoration of glass fragments of renaissance cups and chalices found in an archaeological excavation carried out in the castle (Rocca) of Lugo (Ravenna,Italy).
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Simone Morbin
Conservator
Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent
Castion
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