Curatorial Assistant

Rothschild Foundation; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural institution in the United Kingdom seeks an individual to enhance its collections management team. This role involves facilitating exhibitions and managing collections, focusing on 19th and 20th-century works. Candidates should have a relevant degree or equivalent experience, and exhibit strong people skills and attention to detail. The position offers opportunities for collaboration and skill development within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or experience in managing collections.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Desire to expand skills with 19th and 20th-century collections.

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with the whole collection and develop interests.
• Conduct research and gather information for projects.
• Support exhibitions and project delivery.
• Assist in planning events and liaise with relevant teams.
• Manage incoming enquiries about the collections.
• Support research and cataloguing campaigns.

Skills

People and communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Relevant Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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 deliver the strategy for care, access and engagement for the Collections. You will contribute to the efficient day-to-day running of the Collections Department, creating a sense of common purpose, with an openness to innovative thinking and awareness of best practice. You will participate in the 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 the Collections Department is recognized as an exemplar of excellence. You will work with a wide range of other departments and require good people and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with the whole collection and develop interests in particular subject areas. Those that would benefit from particular focus include (but are not limited to) paintings (specifically Dutch 17th century), textiles, photographs, books, prints and drawings, sculpture and contemporary art
• Undertake research and information gathering for projects and reports
• Support the delivery of exhibitions, projects and permanent displays
• Assist with planning of events, activities and visits by groups and individuals to the Department. Act as point of contact for these arrangements and liaise with relevant teams to deliver these activities
• Schedule and support meetings of the Collections Department and assist with the preparation of agendas
• Manage the distribution of incoming enquiries about the collections, passing on to relevant colleagues, taking action as appropriate and drafting some communications as required. Keep track of progress on enquiries
• Support research and cataloguing campaigns and assist with inputting information onto the Collections Management system including tidying of information such as checking for duplicate records, checking for missing/inaccurate data

Qualifications

You have a relevant Undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience and qualifications, with a desire to expand your skills and working with varied 19th and 20th century collections. You are collaborative, engaged, and motivated, able to work both as a kay part in a small team and independently. You enjoy variety but can show your attention to detail and dedication in information gathering and record keeping.