Curator

Rothschild Foundation; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural institution in Aylesbury seeks a dedicated Curatorial Team Member to research and communicate the Collections and their histories. The role involves contributing to exhibitions and engaging with diverse audiences. Ideal candidates should have an undergraduate degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience in a museum or gallery, with strong research and communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to work within a collaborative team committed to excellence in curatorial practice.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in a museum, gallery or historic house.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Experience with exhibitions and public engagement activities.

Responsibilities

• Research and communicate the Collections and their histories.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of exhibitions and displays.
• Manage cataloguing projects and ensure data accuracy.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Public engagement

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

As a member of the curatorial team, you will be responsible for researching, understanding and communicating the Collections and their histories to connect visitors, wider audiences and communities to Waddesdon. You will participate in an ambitious and inclusive permanent display and exhibitions programme, and will work closely with the Senior Curator, Senior Collections Manager and other colleagues to plan and deliver the strategy for care, access and engagement for the Collections. You will contribute to the efficient running of the Collections Department, creating a sense of common purpose, encouraging innovative thinking and best practice and working within the line management structure to support junior and senior colleagues and the day‑to‑day running of the department. You will participate in the wider strategy for Waddesdon and the RF as a whole and the representation of the Collections within it so that learning and skills are valued and Waddesdon's curatorial work is recognised as an exemplar of excellence both nationally and internationally. You will work with a wide range of other departments and with external stakeholders and advisors and require good people and communication skills. Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with the whole Collection and develop research interests in specific areas which complement the existing curatorial skill set. Aspects of the Collection which would benefit from particular focus include but are not limited to paintings (Dutch 17C paintings in particular), textiles, photographs, prints and drawings, books and sculpture.
• Undertake research as directed and lecture and publish on the history of Waddesdon and its collections and your personal research interests.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of exhibitions, projects and permanent displays, leading on these as appropriate.
• Help to develop, manage and deliver interpretation about the Collection in various forms (print and digital) and work with the curatorial and visitor services team to ensure that it is engaging and inclusive to a wide range of audiences.
• Lead and participate in events and activities arranged by the Department and visits by groups and individuals to Waddesdon.
• Work closely with the Education and Learning teams on the preparation of content for teaching and activities and with the Public Events teams on curatorial content as appropriate, for example for the Christmas displays.
• Manage and undertake cataloguing projects on the Collections database, working with the Collections Management and Archive and Records teams, including checking for duplicate records and for missing or inaccurate data.

Qualifications

• You have a relevant Undergraduate degree and 2‑3 years' experience in a museum, gallery or historic house. You enjoy sharing your knowledge with colleagues, volunteers, researchers and the public, with the ability to help with exhibitions, projects and permanent displays.