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- Tasks: Lead the valuation and presentation of Impressionist & Modern artworks while driving business development.
- Company: Bonhams, a global auction house with a rich history and diverse offerings.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and more perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and make an impact in the art world.
- Qualifications: Over 6 years' experience in auction houses and deep knowledge of Impressionist & Modern art.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Bonhams Network
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams' global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
About The Role
The Senior Specialist is a senior expert within the department, responsible for leading the identification, valuation, and presentation of artworks or objects, and for driving the department's business development strategy. With deep subject knowledge, extensive client networks, and commercial acumen, the Senior Specialist plays a key role in the success and visibility of the auction house. They role model collaborative working, rigorous scholarship, and integrity, while contributing actively to the development of junior staff and the stewardship of market and client data.
About You
Bonhams is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and commercially driven Senior Specialist to take a leading role in the 20th & 21st Century Fine Art department. The ideal candidate will be a recognised authority in their field, with proven knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art and a track record of generating consignments, along with the ability to develop high-level client relationships, and deliver scholarly, profitable auctions. Working closely with leadership and business-getting teams, the Senior Specialist will drive strategic initiatives while actively mentoring colleagues and contributing to a collaborative and transparent working environment. A strong presence in the market, excellent research skills, and attention to data integrity are essential to success in this role.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Specialist Expertise
- Authentication, Pricing and Valuation: Lead the evaluation of property, providing authoritative valuations and pricing based on deep market knowledge and academic expertise. Assessing the provenance, condition and historical context of Impressionist & Modern artwork.
- Market Insight: Track and interpret market trends; provide commentary and contribute to brand positioning as a thought leader in the field.
- Business Development
- Consignment Leadership: Use established networks to source consignments to fulfil the budget set for the London department, as well as sourcing works for private sale.
- Travel: Ad hoc travel internationally for business getting, valuations, events and supporting 20/21 Century Art sales in Paris and New York.
- Client Relationship Management: Act as a trusted advisor to private and institutional clients, delivering strategic guidance, market insight, and responsive service.
- Proposal & Pitching: Lead the preparation and presentation of major proposals and pitches for consignment opportunities, working closely with senior management.
- Commercial Judgement: Apply expert commercial insight to all negotiations and business decisions, ensuring outcomes that reflect both client needs and company strategy.
- Data, Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration
- Data Stewardship: Ensure high standards in the recording and maintenance of client and object data, supporting future research and sales.
- Knowledge Sharing: Lead by example in promoting knowledge sharing, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to internal training and guidance.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Actively collaborate with marketing, operations and finance to ensure alignment and excellence in sale delivery.
- Team Development: Support and mentor junior team members, providing feedback and encouraging professional development within a transparent and collaborative culture.
- Compliance & Ethics: Uphold best practices in object due diligence, compliance, and ethical standards in all areas of departmental operation.
Key Skills And Experience
- Over 6 years' experience within a Specialist role in an auction house, or gallery equivalent.
- Detailed knowledge of Impressionist & Modern artists, pricing and market.
- Proven experience of consigning and selling.
- Proactive business getter with established client network.
- Knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures.
- Flexibility to travel.
- Ability to work both as a team and individually.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Desired Requirements
- Knowledge of French or another European language.
What We Offer
- 28 days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 with service.
- Healthcare and Life Assurance.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Season Ticket Loan.
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 11th March 2026 at midnight. We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration. Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art in London employer: Bonhams
Contact Detail:
Bonhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the art world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Specialist role. Attend exhibitions, auctions, and art fairs to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your knowledge! Prepare to discuss recent trends in Impressionist & Modern Art during interviews. Bring insights about market shifts and how they could impact Bonhams' strategy to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to present your ideas on how you can drive business development at Bonhams. Think about how you can leverage your client network to generate consignments and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Bonhams team and contributing to our collaborative culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art in your CV and cover letter. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing your experience and achievements in the field!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for this role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for!
Be Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also value personality! Let your unique voice come through in your application. Share your journey in the art world and what drives you – it helps us get to know you better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining the Bonhams family. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonhams
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of Impressionist and Modern Art. Brush up on key artists, movements, and market trends. Being able to discuss specific pieces and their provenance will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing client relationships and be prepared to discuss how you've successfully sourced consignments in the past. Highlight your ability to build and maintain connections, as this is crucial for driving business development in this role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to demonstrate your commercial judgement during the interview. Discuss how you've applied market insights to make strategic decisions in previous roles, and how you plan to contribute to Bonhams' business development strategy.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior staff, share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past. Talk about your approach to knowledge sharing and fostering a collaborative environment, which aligns with Bonhams' values.