Curatorial Assistant

Waddesdon Manor; Waddesdon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious historical estate in the UK is seeking an individual passionate about art history to assist with research on collections and support exhibitions. The role requires good organisational and communication skills, with a background in art history preferred. Responsibilities include managing inquiries, conducting research, and assisting with digital archiving. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a renowned setting and contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Qualifications

• Must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Demonstrable research and organisational skills are essential.
• Passion for art history or related fields is needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the collections and assist with projects.
• Manage inquiries and communications regarding the collections.
• Support exhibitions and maintain bibliographic citations.

Skills

Passion for art history

Research skills

Organisational skills

Good IT skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Job description

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
• 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
• Ensure that bibliographic citations about collections, history of Waddesdon, archives and research are up-to-date. Maintain and research bibliographies - other than those through image requests
• Assist with inventories of the Collections
• Assist conservation campaigns and surveys
• Undertake digital filing and assist with transferring documents to Sharepoint

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Passion for art history, history or social history
• Area of interest or expertise in one or more area of the Collections, or demonstrable willingness to develop this
• Meticulous approach to information gathering and record keeping and/or evidence of research skills
• Good organisational and time management
• Good IT skills
• Good communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work collaboratively and independently
• Good team player with a friendly, open attitude
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn and share your knowledge

Desirable

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