Curator

WADDESDON MANOR; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A historical estate in the United Kingdom seeks a Curator to manage and research its diverse Collections. Responsibilities include planning exhibitions, cataloguing, and engaging with various audiences to enhance the understanding of the Collection's histories. Candidates should possess 2-3 years of curatorial experience, preferably in a museum or gallery setting, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. This role calls for a strong team player who can work flexibly and independently.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of curatorial or relevant experience in a museum or gallery.
• Area of expertise in the Collections; paintings, textiles, etc.
• Evidence of research skills and publishing or lecturing.

Responsibilities

• Research and communicate the Collections and their histories.
• Participate in planning and delivering exhibitions and projects.
• Manage cataloguing projects on the Collections database.

Skills

Curatorial experience

Research skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

IT skills

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate or post-graduate qualification in an appropriate subject

Tools

Collections management databases

Job description

Curator

We are seeking a Curator to be an integral part of the Collection team at Waddesdon Manor.

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, encouraging innovative thinking and best practice.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Become familiar with the whole Collection and develop research interested in specific areas which complement the existing curatorial skill set. Aspects of the Collection which would benefit from particular focus include but are nor 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
• Manage and undertake cataloguing projects on the Collections data base, working with the Collections Management and Archive and Records teams, including checking for duplicate records and for missing or inaccurate data
• Assist with new acquisitions, loans and Collections Management team processes including Due Diligence checks

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:

Essential:

• 2-3 years of curatorial or relevant experience in a museum, gallery, historic house or similar
• Area of interest or expertise in one or more area of the Collections
• Undergraduate or post-graduate qualification in an appropriate subject, or equivalent
• Evidence of research skills and/or publishing or lecturing
• Excellent organisational, time management and record keeping skills
• Good IT skills
• Good communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work flexibly, collaboratively and independently
• Good team player

Desirable:

• Spoken or reading knowledge of a European language, ideally French or German
• Familiarity with collections management databases and structures
• Friendly and outgoing approach

For the full job description, please see the attached role profile. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.