Gallery Assistant

James Hyman Gallery; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000

Job description

25^th February 2025

Gallery Assistant for James Hyman Gallery

Location: The position is part-time and is based in north London near Hampstead Heath/Kenwood House.

Days/Hours negotiable: 3 days a week.

Salary: £25,000-£28,000 per annum (pro rata)

This is a permanent position with a review after one month and a probationary period of three months.

The ideal candidate will have excellent organisation and communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Candidates should have at least two years’ experience working within a commercial gallery, auction house, or art fair environment, ideally with a focus on Modern British Art.

Key Responsibilities

Client Liaison & Sales

• Assist in developing sales strategies for both in-person and online sales.
• Maintain and update the Artlogic database, ensuring accurate records of clients, sales, and stock.
• Act as a key point of contact for client enquiries, providing high-quality service and building strong relationships.

Exhibitions & Art Fairs

• Assist in all aspects of exhibition planning and delivery — including administration, research, logistics, shipping, condition reporting, catalogue design, and installation coordination.
• Support the organisation of international art fairs, managing bookings, shipping, and participation during the fair.
• Ensure all exhibition and fair records are fully documented on Artlogic.

Logistics & Administration

• Manage domestic and international shipping, including preparing shipping invoices, applying for export licences, arranging restoration, framing, and handling insurance documentation.
• Monitor forthcoming auctions and industry news, identifying relevant opportunities for acquisitions and sales.
• Assist with general office administration, maintaining efficient systems for filing and record-keeping.
• Support the bookkeeper with VAT returns, annual filing, and other financial administration.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and implement a content schedule for the gallery’s social media and mailouts, ensuring a consistent tone and visual identity.
• Draft and circulate press releases, exhibition announcements, and other promotional materials.
• Monitor and respond to enquiries via the gallery’s general email accounts.

Director Support

• Provide PA support to the Gallery Director, including diary management, travel arrangements, and correspondence handling.

Personal Qualities

• MA in Art History (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Modern British Art
• At least two years’ experience in a commercial gallery, auction house, or similar environment.
• Experience handling sales administration, including invoicing, client liaison, and AML compliance.
• Experience managing international shipping, with working knowledge of customs procedures, export licences, and import/export documentation.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong writing skills, with confidence drafting proposals and client communications.
• Proficiency with Artlogic and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop for basic image editing and layout design.
• Highly self-motivated with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.