Associate Cataloguer, Private Sales

Sotheby's; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the art world is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team in London. This role focuses on cataloguing and researching Private Sale objects within the Global Fine Art categories. You will play a vital part in the process of preparing high-value artworks for sale, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with various departments. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Art History and have a passion for art, along with strong organizational and writing skills. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to contribute to the art market, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of professional experience in art-related roles.
• Strong knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art history.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cataloguing and researching Private Sales objects.
• Manage condition reports and conservation needs.

Skills

Art History Knowledge

Organizational Skills

Writing Skills

Time Management

Proactive Attitude

Team Collaboration

French Language Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Art History

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe Software

Job description

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

Catalogue and research Private Sale Objects for the Global Fine Art categories. This role plays a central part in the department to process Private Sales in London and prepare objects for sale.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Cataloguing

• Assist with cataloguing, researching and preparing notes for Private Sales objects for the Global Fine Art departments.
• Provenance research; working with restitution department to fill in WWII gaps
• High-Value Lot process; Compliance checklist, ALR search, HVL checklist
• Perform thorough book checks and vetting of information
• Assist in physical inspection and condition reporting
• Manage authentication process where applicable
• Assist business getters with cataloguing, researching and notes for proposal purposes

Condition Reports and Conservation

• Manage the condition report needs and conservation
• Manage communications and schedule meetings with condition report vendors (conservators)

Sourcing & Private Selling Exhibitions

• Collaborate with departments to develop and implement a methodology for identifying potential works for proactive sourcing
• Work with larger Private Sales team to put together private selling exhibitions across gallery spaces – sourcing, curating, cataloguing all property and producing relevant sales material.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree with Major/Concentrator in Art History
• 1-2 years of professional experience required
• Knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art history, artists and values
• Impeccable organizational & writing skills
• Strong time-management skills
• Dependable, proactive
• Ability to multi-task and perform in a pressured environment and handle high level of responsibility
• Ability to work well with others as well as independently in order to achieve deadlines
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Adobe
• Sotheby’s experience helpful
• French language skills a plus

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.