Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.
Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.
That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.
We are looking for an experienced and creative curator to champion the visibility, understanding and interpretation of the world class collection held at Kenwood House. In this exciting and demanding role, you will develop the collections through research and acquisition, stage an annual programme of small displays and support ambitious proposals for larger scale exhibitions at site.
The role will be under the direction of the Senior Curator as part of a regional team of seven Curators of Collections and Interiors. The role is full-time, working 36hrs per week, and permanent. This role is primarily site based at Kenwood and we offer flexible working arrangements where the role allows. This will be discussed further at interview.
You will work closely with the Friends of Kenwood, who are generously supportive of this role. More broadly you will act as curatorial ambassador for English Heritage and the Friends in our relationship with external stakeholders, partners and donors.
Working with colleagues in Interpretation, Conservation and Collection Management you will maintain the highest standards of collection display and compliance at Kenwood. You will support the work of all teams at the house supporting proposed re-developments and events, and ensuring the highest standards of visitor experience.
Please note; due to the responsibilities and requirements of this role, successful applicants will be required to undergo a basic DBS check, any employment offer will be contingent on this.
The Benefits
- Salary £42,070 per annum, depending on skills, and experience
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays pro rata rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Matched pension contributions up to a maximum of 10%
- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Subscriptions to professional bodies
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to 6 friends / family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Shared Parental leave
- Options to buy additional leave
- An inclusive working atmosphere where everyone from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs will be supported
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music or history events
This is an incredible opportunity to gain significant experience of collections and displays within a historic house environment, and to develop your knowledge of the 18th and 19th century London house and its presentation. We welcome candidates from either a museum or historic house background, and will ensure everyone is supported with a full induction and handover.
What's more, as part of our charity bringing history to life, you'll be supported and encouraged to share your ideas, inspire others and make a difference to the way England's rich past is experienced.
As the Friends of Kenwood Curator of Collections and Interiors, you will work on the presentation, interpretation and documentation of English Heritage's flagship London house.
To be considered as a Curator of Collections and Interiors, you will need:
- Experience of curating art collections and historic interiors.
- Experience of managing discrete reinterpretation and re-presentation projects
- Substantial experience of initiating and executing displays and exhibitions
- Experience of managing contractors and art handlers; confident in practical aspects of day to day curatorship.
- Good knowledge of British history, art history and interiors, in particular the long 18th century and Dutch Old Masters
- Degree in a relevant subject such as History of Art or Museum Studies.
- Excellent research skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise a busy workload
Interviews will be held in the week commencing 13th July, potentially on Wednesday 15th July, in person at Kenwood in Hampstead, London. The panel will consist of the Senior Curator, The Keeper of the Wellington Collection, the Operations Director, London, and a senior representative of the Friends of Kenwood.
If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Wendy Monkhouse, Senior Curator, on [email protected]. No agencies please.
Find out more about us and what we do: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage
Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
Closing date: 09/07/2026 23:59:59
