Decorative Arts Valuer – Global On-Site & Desktop

Sotheby's France; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s London Valuations is seeking an experienced Valuer to provide formal valuations across 15th–20th century Decorative Arts, including British/Continental Furniture, Rugs, Sculpture, and Clocks. The role may involve travel within the UK and Europe and requires on-site and desktop valuation work.

Ideal candidates have graduate education, 5+ years of international auction house experience, and knowledge of related decorative arts areas.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level education required.
• RICS or related body membership desirable.
• Min. 5 years' experience valuing chattels at international auction house or related art business.
• Proven cataloguing/valuation of British & Continental Furniture, Rugs/Carpets, Sculpture and Clocks.
• Knowledge of Modern Design, Asian/Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver/Collectibles advantageous.
• Awareness of broader regional and international market levels.
• Understanding UK taxation system in chattels valuations desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide formal valuations for sale, insurance, tax, and estate planning.
• Cataloguing, photographing items on-site or remotely with careful attention to detail.
• Submit accurate cataloguing and evidence-based estimates promptly.
• Assist valuations across UK/Europe; travel as required.
• Deliver excellent client service and act as Sotheby’s ambassador.
• Maintain discretion and client confidentiality at all times.
• Work with valuation managers and production staff, on-site and in office.
• Coordinate with Sotheby’s specialists and external consultants for cataloguing.
• Conduct provenance research and footnotes; assist with general inquiries.
• Adhere to legal/compliance standards (Ivory, CITES, AML, etc.).
• Understand valuation risk and take responsibility for submitted work.
• Keep a current calendar; support sales and business development.
• Manage expense claims promptly.

Skills

Driving licence

IT and photography

Strong communication

English fluent

Education

Graduate standard

RICS membership desirable

Tools

Excel

Job description

Sotheby’s London Valuations is seeking an experienced Valuer to provide formal valuations across 15th–20th century Decorative Arts, including British/Continental Furniture, Rugs, Sculpture, and Clocks. The role may involve travel within the UK and Europe and requires on-site and desktop valuation work.

Ideal candidates have graduate education, 5+ years of international auction house experience, and knowledge of related decorative arts areas.