The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
The Cataloguer position contributes to the preparation of property for Private Sales in the Post-War and Contemporary Art department, EMEA. Responsibilities include processing the consigned works of art for sale, including research, catalogue entry writing and proofing, drafting condition reports for review; coordination of photography, preparation of proposals and pitch documents, and varying duties as required by the Private Sales team.
How You'll Make an Impact
Research property for bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using libraries, online databases, the internet, and outside experts (such as curators, dealers, publishers, etc.).
Catalogue property for private sales using methods listed above in complete and proofed Christie’s format.
Write and prepare essays for fact sheets, prepare speaking points and other related materials.
In collaboration with the specialists on the team, co-ordinate expertise outreach with all relevant experts, artists’ estates and/or galleries for authentication and cataloguing verification purposes.
Flag any authenticity concerns and condition issues in a timely manner to the appropriate specialist.
Proof all cataloguing with the Private Sales specialists, prepare property for hilling sessions (meetings to determine value, condition and marketability of property); and amend catalogue sheets after hilling sessions.
Prepare internal condition reports and liaise with outside conservators where required; review condition report with the Private Sales team before they are presented to clients.
Coordinate restoration internally and with external suppliers where required.
Coordinate framing internally and with external suppliers where required.
Coordinate photography and colour checking, liaising with Image Editors to ensure the works are correctly colour-edited and all required shots are ready to be shared with clients.
Liaise with the Proposals team and assist the specialists with proposals where required.
Maintain running list of catalogued property for private sale with notes about status of condition reports, hilling, color checking and authentication, where applicable; keep all property details organized and filed in specific folders.
Organize and coordinate private viewings, including preparing print documentation and liaising with Operations to book galleries and hang the paintings.
Oversee Private Sale hangs during marquee weeks and support selling exhibitions in London in collaboration with the Private Sales team.
Assist clients in galleries during Private Sales hangs and exhibitions.
Ensure Christie’s PS App is up to date and all relevant property is maintained accordingly in the PS App and on Christie’s.com PS page.
Liase with the relevant teams for marketing and press initiatives.
Prepare materials for internal meetings including round tables, gallery guides/price lists, and other presentations as required.
Assist with appraisals where required – liaise between Valuations and the department.
Other duties as assigned by the Manager
What you’ll bring to the team
Bachelor’s degree in the fine or decorative art category preferred, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 2 years paid experience in the Arts.
Knowledge of E-mail, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat software.
Ability to learn Christie’s systems.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
Superior client service skills.
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Demonstrates ability to multi-task and prioritise for a high-volume environment.
Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail as well as excellent organisation skills.
Ability to work extended hours to meet deadlines.
Working proficiency in at least one other language preferred.
What’s great about working for us
25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each
year)
Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months
Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
Cycle to Work scheme
Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
Robust family first policy:
➢16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
➢Four-day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave
➢Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
➢The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Closing Date: Sunday 26th July
Salary: £31,000 per annum
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