Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets
Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets

Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets

City of London Full-Time 31000 - 34000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research and catalogue Islamic and Indian art, rugs, and carpets for auction.
  • Company: Join Christie’s, the world’s largest art business with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a flexible fitness fund.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the art world while working with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in fine art or equivalent experience; fluency in English and another language preferred.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and client engagement.

The predicted salary is between 31000 - 34000 £ per year.

**The Company****Why This Role Matters**The Cataloguer / Junior Specialist position for Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds and Oriental Rugs and Carpets assists the department with research, cataloguing, expertise, valuations and proposals.**How You\’ll Make an Impact*** Research property for auction related to valuation coordination and pricing.* Research property for auction pricing.* Research property provenance to ensure Christie’s compliance with International guidelines* Research and coordinate auction proposals.* Research bibliography and exhibition history using libraries, on-line databases, the internet, and outside experts (such as curators, scholars, etc.).* Complete condition reports pre-sale* Ensure inventory and stock are correctly located and logged* Proof and complete all research for cataloguing using auction standards and review with Head of Sale.* Prepare property for hilling sessions (department meetings to determine value, condition and marketability of property) and update cataloguing accordingly after such sessions.* Price works for sale, attending pricing, condition reporting, and hilling sessions.* Flag any authenticity concerns and condition issues in timely manner to a Head of Sale.* Maintain running list of researched property for sale with notes about status of condition reports, hilling, colour checking and authentication.* Coordinate photography between warehouse, studio and department.* Maintain comparative images in media library (monitor progress; liaise with registrar on missing images, deadline constraints); coordinate copyright permission.* Assist Head of Sale with preview preparations, set up and assist clients in galleries during preview weekends and sale weeks.* Business-getting, in particular for “core value” lots, encompassing all of the following; researching the works, providing background on the client, the condition and provenance of the work to the Head of Sale, co-ordinating pricing, discussing terms of sale with Business Director, writing proposal documents, liaising with Proposals team, and leading client presentations.* Build client portfolio and generation of short and long term pipeline business.* Attend client engagement events and acting as a brand ambassador for Christie’s.* Execute appraisals – liaising with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations and other specialists.* Work with and build relationships with the wider Asian and World Art cluster and Christie’s representatives in other locations.* Write and prepare essays as and when needed.* Other duties as assigned by Manager.* Coordination of auction appraisals – liaison between Estates & Appraisals and department* Coordination of auction pricing – pulling auction comparable objects for specialists**What you’ll bring to the team*** Bachelor’s degree in fine art, or equivalent work experience, preferably with a focus on Islamic and/or Indian Art or carpets or equivalent work experience. Master’s degree preferred.* Minimum 12 months paid experience in the Arts.* Fluency in English and either Arabic, Persian or Turkish; further languages viewed as an advantage.* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.* Superior client service skills.* Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and proven ability to work to deadlines.* Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize.* Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.* Must be a strong team player with proven ability to work in an international team.* Proficiency in MS Office applications.* Knowledge of Christie’s systems including Siebel and JDE 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* Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution* 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***Salary: £31,000 – £34,000 per annum****Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November***#LI-Hybrid*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. Christie’s is the world’s leading art business. Since 1766, we are known for our extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour.Every year, we offer around 350 live and online auctions in over 80 specialist categories – including all areas of fine and decorative arts, Asian art and luxury collectables – as well as a long and successful history of private sales.Contact us in 46 countries, or visit one of our 10 international salerooms in London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich and Shanghai.Our Recruitment Privacy Notice can be found #J-18808-Ljbffr

Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets employer: Christie´s

Christie’s is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration in the heart of the art world. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a flexible fitness fund, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The unique advantage of working at Christie’s includes access to world-renowned art and exclusive exhibitions, making it a truly inspiring environment for those passionate about Islamic and Indian art.
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Contact Detail:

Christie´s Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art world, especially those who work with Islamic and Indian art or Oriental rugs. Attend exhibitions, seminars, and events to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research and cataloguing skills. Include any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your knowledge of art valuation and provenance.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Christie’s or similar companies through our website, expressing your interest in potential roles and how you can contribute to their team.

Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry trends! Follow art news, join online forums, and engage with professionals on social media. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also give you talking points during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets

Research Skills
Valuation Coordination
Provenance Research
Condition Reporting
Client Service Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Multi-tasking
Attention to Detail
Team Collaboration
MS Office Proficiency
Fluency in English and Arabic, Persian or Turkish
Knowledge of Christie’s Systems (Siebel, JDE)
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Writing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cataloguer/Junior Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience in Islamic and Indian art, as well as your research skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for art and why you’re excited about this position. Don’t forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.

Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, make sure to showcase your ability to dig deep into provenance and auction pricing. Include examples of past research projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Christie´s

Know Your Art

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Islamic and Indian art, as well as oriental rugs and carpets. Familiarise yourself with key artists, styles, and historical contexts. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Research the Company

Dive deep into Christie’s history, values, and recent auctions. Understanding their mission and how they operate will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re a great fit for their culture and objectives.

Prepare Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their auction processes, team dynamics, or future projects. It shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the company.

Showcase Your Skills

Be ready to discuss your previous experience in the arts, especially any relevant research or cataloguing work. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the Cataloguer/Junior Specialist position.

Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets
Christie´s
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  • Cataloguer/Junior Specialist - Islamic and Indian Art & Oriental Rugs and Carpets

    City of London
    Full-Time
    31000 - 34000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-10-20

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    Christie´s

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