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- Tasks: Join our expert team to evaluate and sell 20th & 21st Century Fine Art.
- Company: Bonhams, a global leader in the auction house industry since 1793.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare, life assurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for art with business development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Art History and 3-5 years experience in the art world.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration across departments.
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 Specialist plays a pivotal role in the success and integrity of the auction house by combining subject-matter expertise with strategic business development, market insight, and transparent client service. This role exists to identify and secure high-quality consignments, provide trusted valuations, and contribute to the house’s reputation as a collaborative, data‑informed, and ethically grounded institution. Acting as both a category expert and client advisor, the Specialist supports the entire auction lifecycle—ensuring accuracy, building trust, and driving growth through shared knowledge and cross‑team engagement.
About You
Bonhams is seeking a knowledgeable and commercially minded Specialist to join our expert team. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in 20th & 21st Century Fine Art, a passion for client engagement, and a proactive approach to sourcing, research, and market analysis. This role blends scholarship and sales with a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and accurate data stewardship. You will be expected to work across departments, contribute to strategic planning, and uphold the highest standards in valuation and cataloguing, all while growing the house’s presence in the marketplace. This role will be based in London or in Germany and will be part of the global 20th and 21st Century Art team.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Specialist Expertise
- Valuations and pricing: Provide researched, evidence-based valuations and assessments of property, both in the office and at external venues, ensuring accuracy and transparency throughout the process.
- Condition Reporting: Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate condition reports for works consigned for sale, working closely with the more junior team and acting as a sounding board for them to rely on and learn from.
- Scholarly Research: Contribute to the academic credibility of the department by preparing texts for publication in the sale catalogues.
- Catalogue production: While not central to the role, the specialist position might be required to help with cataloguing, overseeing condition reporting, supervising research and helping with authentication of artworks consigned to the sales.
- Consignment Support: Identify, secure, and manage property for sale through existing relationships and new client engagement, supported by effective proposal preparation.
- Client Relationships: Maintain and grow relationships with clients by providing trusted advice, responsive communication, and proactive follow‑up.
- Proposal & Pitching: Collaborate with the senior team on proposals and pitches, preparing compelling and well‑documented presentation materials for potential consignors.
- Commercial Judgement: Apply a considered and commercially aware approach to all activities, ensuring that the needs of both the client and the company are balanced, clearly communicated, and effectively negotiated.
- Market Insight: Monitor auction trends and market developments to inform pricing strategy and opportunity identification.
- Data Stewardship: Record and maintain accurate object, client, and market data in internal systems to ensure transparency and continuity across the team.
- Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to a collaborative working culture by sharing research, insights, and updates across the department and broader company.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with teams including specialists in other locations and different departments, marketing, finance and occasionally logistics and photography to support smooth and aligned sale operations.
- Learning & Mentorship: Support the development of junior colleagues by offering guidance, feedback, and the sharing of best practices.
- Compliance & Ethics: Uphold best practices in object due diligence, compliance, and ethical standards in all areas of departmental operation.
Key Skills And Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art History.
- Between 3 and 5 years of proven experience in an auction house or commercial enterprise in the art world.
- Proven experience of consigning and selling.
- Proactive business getter with established client network.
- Flexibility to travel internationally.
- Ability to work both as a team and individually.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong understanding and experience in the contemporary art market, provenance and authenticity research, condition reporting, valuation of artworks.
Requirements – Desired
- Fluent in German.
What We Offer Some Of Our Benefits And Perks Include
- 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.
Specialist, 20th & 21st Century Fine Art employer: Bonhams
Contact Detail:
Bonhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist, 20th & 21st Century Fine Art
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend art fairs, exhibitions, and auctions to meet potential clients and industry insiders. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your knowledge in 20th & 21st Century Fine Art. This could include valuations, research, or even articles you've written. Let’s impress those hiring managers!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to Bonhams directly through our website. Express your interest in the Specialist role and share how you can contribute to our team. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends! Keep an eye on auction results and emerging artists. This knowledge will not only help in interviews but also show that we’re passionate about the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist, 20th & 21st Century Fine Art
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for 20th & 21st Century Fine Art shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the field and how it aligns with our mission at Bonhams.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into the role of Specialist, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity and passion!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonhams
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of 20th and 21st Century Fine Art. Be prepared to discuss key artists, movements, and market trends. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Engagement Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully built client relationships or secured consignments. Be ready to share how you approach client communication and follow-ups, as this role heavily relies on trust and rapport.
✨Prepare for Valuation Questions
Expect questions about how you would approach valuations and condition reporting. Have a clear methodology in mind and be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy and transparency in your assessments.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves cross-departmental collaboration, think of instances where you've worked with different teams. Highlight your ability to share knowledge and support junior colleagues, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork.