preparator

A preparator is a professional who performs specialized preparation work to ready objects, specimens, or stage elements for display, study, or use. The term is used in several fields, including museums, science facilities, and live performance.

In museums and natural history institutions, preparators work under curators and conservators to prepare and install exhibitions. Duties include handling and mounting artifacts, mounting taxidermy specimens, preparing fossils or botanical samples, labeling, transporting, and performing routine conservation tasks. They may specialize in areas such as osteology, entomology, paleontology, or archaeology, and often hold training in museology, conservation, or a related science. They contribute to research access by preparing data sheets and specimens for study.

In theatre, film, or television, a preparator (sometimes called a stage or prop preparator) helps build, modify, and maintain props, sets, and mechanical effects. They ensure safety, adapt items for performances, and support designers, carpenters, and stage management.

In scientific and educational settings, universities, museums, and educational facilities employ preparators who prepare laboratory materials, specimens for teaching slides, or field research samples. In paleontology or archaeology contexts, preparators clean, repair, and mount fossils or artifacts for study and display, using small tools, brushes, air scribes, and consolidants to stabilize fragile material.

The role requires manual dexterity, attention to detail, knowledge of preservation methods, and adherence to safety standards. Training is often through vocational programs, apprenticeships, or university programs related to museology, conservation, or the sciences. The term is common in English-speaking institutions and is also found as Präparator in German-speaking contexts.