At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and preserve a rich archive of Laura Ashley's history and contribute to brand storytelling.
- Company: Join Marquee Brands, a leader in global consumer products with a creative edge.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid model, and a chance to work with iconic brands.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for public speaking and collaboration across creative teams.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of brand heritage and make a real impact on design and marketing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Archive Management and 2+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Marquee Brands is seeking an Archivist to join the Laura Ashley team. Marquee Brands owns and manages a portfolio of established global brands across consumer products and channels from luxury goods to sports and active apparel. Marquee’s team of professionals is focused on a commitment to drive organic growth through natural brand extensions, impactful marketing and direct consumer engagement.
The Laura Ashley Archive documents the history of the brand dating back to the 1950s. The archive has over 100,000 physical items consisting of product samples, original artworks, and antique textiles. As the Archivist, you will be responsible for additions, preservation, and loans of the collections within the Archive. You will manage and update the digital asset management system, alongside supporting the team with research from the database and external sources.
The Archivist role is central to all aspects of the Laura Ashley brand from design development to marketing and press activities. The role includes being forward facing at press, marketing, launch and educational events with occasional requirements to publicly speak about the brand history and archive.
Key Responsibilities
- Collections management, appraise and catalogue accessions and acquisitions in compliance with archival standards.
- Ensure all archival material is properly housed and take appropriate measures to support long term preservation.
- Carry out collections research for internal and external stakeholders, contributing to design development and brand awareness.
- Project manage the migration of digital assets to the new DAM system.
- Liaise and maintain relationships with our third-party archival storage company, organising transport of archival material from their facilities to our London office.
- Proactively digitise priority and vulnerable assets.
- Facilitate our partners’ exploration of the collection, providing expert knowledge of the brand’s history.
- Lead/manage archive related events and support in various marketing, business and educational initiatives.
- Review and update archive processes and policies where appropriate.
- Respond to internal and external inquiries.
Experience / Key skills / Proficiencies
- Educated to degree level and postgraduate qualification in Archive and Records Management (ARA accredited).
- Ideally with a background in a creative, interiors or fashion field.
- 2+ years of experience in an equivalent post.
- Working knowledge of archival standards and ethics, ISAD(G).
- Experience working with digital archives/DAM and understanding of metadata standards.
- Microsoft Office Suite; Excel, Word, Teams, Outlook & Google Suite.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Self-motivated with an ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience or strong interest in textile and print design.
- Experience working in a commercial archive.
- Strong understanding of heritage branding.
Location: Office: London (Hammersmith) – Predominantly office-based or on-site at the Laura Ashley Archive in Cheshire, with remote/flexible working when required. 3 days per week in the office.
Hours: Part-time position Tuesday - Thursday 9.00 – 17.30 / 25.5 hours per week.
