General Decorative Arts Valuer

Sotheby's France; Greater London; Vor Ort; GBP 45.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

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.

Qualifikationen

• 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.

Aufgaben

• 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.

Kenntnisse

Driving licence

IT and photography

Strong communication

English fluent

Ausbildung

Graduate standard

RICS membership desirable

Tools

Excel

Jobbeschreibung

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

To provide formal, evidence-based valuations of all Decorative Arts categories (15th– 20th Century) including, but not limited to, British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks on behalf of Sotheby’s London Valuations department. Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. desirable.

This is a Temporary position with a 12-month commitment with the view to be extended.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing formal valuations for sale, insurance, taxation, family division, loan collateral, and estate planning purposes based either on on-site visits or desktop updates
• Locating, cataloguing, and photographing items whilst on-site demonstrating exceptional attention to detail
• Submitting accurate and detailed cataloguing in a timely and efficient manner along with reliable, evidence-based estimates
• Assisting with valuations across the UK and Europe, being prepared to travel extensively, occasionally at short notice
• Offering a thorough and excellent service to a wide range of clients and their professional advisors in line with corporate standards, acting as an ambassador for Sotheby’s in both manner and appearance
• Maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and trustworthiness, always respecting complete client confidentiality
• Working as part of a team alongside valuation managers and production staff both on-site and in the office
• Liaising and communicating clearly with Sotheby’s specialist departments and external consultants when appropriate to check cataloguing and values
• Carrying out office-based work such as provenance research, composing footnotes (when appropriate), proof-reading and correcting documents, and handling ad hoc general valuation enquiries when required
• Understanding and adhering to all legal and compliance requirements particular to the industry i.e. Ivory, CITES, AML etc.
• Understanding the risk inherent in valuation work, being responsible and accountable for all work submitted
• Maintaining an accurate and up to date calendar at all times
• Supporting sales and business-getting when required
• Managing expense claims in a timely manner

EXPERINCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Educated to graduate standard
• Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or a related professional body desirable
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience valuing chattels at an international auction house, specialist valuation service, or related art business
• Proven practical experience of cataloguing and valuing British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks
• Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. advantageous
• Awareness of the broader market at both regional and international level
• Understanding the UK taxation system within the context of chattels valuations i.e. IHT, CGT, Acceptance in Lieu scheme, conditional exemption claims, rental negotiations, and retrospective valuations desirable

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Full, clean driving licence
• Good IT and photography skills, along with basic Excel
• Strong communication skills along with an organised and methodical approach to work
• Fluency in English, proficiency in another European language advantageous

COMPETENCIES

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively alone using own initiative, as well working as part of a larger team taking direction
• Holding a flexible approach to working hours and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally when required
• Ability to work under pressure, coordinate a busy schedule, and prioritise workload all whilst meeting tight deadlines

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.