The Assistant Keeper (Documentation) for the Fine and Decorative Art (FDA) collection will maintain and support the collections management procedures. There is a busy schedule for installing and dismantling displays of art around the college. The postholder will regularly be involved in the movement and display of works (including some heavy lifting) and will take on the responsibility of accurately recording locations of collections objects as they move. They will also meet cataloguing targets, edit existing catalogue records and support day-to-day operations and the management of the collection, including object marking, auditing and maintaining supplies of equipment. The postholder will be required to liaise with colleagues across the organisation, as well as individuals outside the college.
Main Duties
- Assisting with all aspects of collections management (cataloguing, auditing, internal and external loans, transport of works to and from off-site storage and conservation studios, acquisitions, storage, etc), as detailed below;
- Maintaining electronic and paper documentation;
- Adding new and amending existing catalogue records on the CollectionsIndex+ cataloguing database;
- Object marking;
- Facilitating the display and, in the case of furniture, use of collection objects around the college: liaising with relevant college staff, updating locations on the catalogue;
- Lifting and carrying collections objects;
- Assisting with the Annual Audit of items on display throughout the College;
- Maintaining documentation relating to acquisitions and loans to and from the collection;
- Helping to identify potential acquisitions;
- Supporting the photographic digitalisation programme;
- Assisting with exhibition work, particularly exhibitions in the Verey Gallery at Eton;
- Supporting conservation projects relevant to the FDA collection;
- Supporting teaching sessions and visits to the collection;
- Assisting in the co-ordination and production of online or printed publications, relevant to the FDA collection;
- Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
- Understanding and compliance with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
The Ideal Candidate
Skills and Competencies Required
To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following;
- A degree in an area relevant to the role;
- Demonstrable experience in collections management procedures such as museum documentation and cataloguing, object handling, storage (a relevant post-graduate qualification in Museum Studies or a related field would be desirable);
- Demonstrable commitment to the museum sector through experience of working within in a museum, gallery or closely related organisation;
- High computer literacy with an ability to manage information systematically and accurately;
- Experience of using museum databases and an understanding of Spectrum standards;
- A keen interest in fine and decorative art (specialist knowledge of an aspect of fine or decorative art relevant to the collection, would be desirable);
- High level of manual dexterity and an understanding of handling procedures when lifting or carrying collections objects;
- Excellent interpersonal, team and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate ideas to a wider audience;
- Commitment to providing access to collections;
- Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and concurrent projects, and to respond effectively as new priorities arise;
- Good time management skills;
- Willingness to work flexibly as part of a team in order to achieve collective targets and deadlines;
- Ability to undertake research and communicate your findings effectively;
- Highly motivated and have the ability to demonstrate initiative.
About The College
We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.