General Decorative Arts Valuer

About Sotheby's Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge.

Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

To provide formal, evidence-based valuations of all Decorative Arts categories (15th – 20th Century) including, but not limited to, British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks on behalf of Sotheby’s London Valuations department. Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. desirable. This is a Temporary position with a 12-month commitment with the view to be extended.

Responsibilities

• Providing formal valuations for sale, insurance, taxation, family division, loan collateral, and estate planning purposes based either on on‑site visits or desktop updates.
• Locating, cataloguing, and photographing items whilst on‑site demonstrating exceptional attention to detail.
• Submitting accurate and detailed cataloguing in a timely and efficient manner along with reliable, evidence‑based estimates.
• Assisting with valuations across the UK and Europe, being prepared to travel extensively, occasionally at short notice.
• Offering a thorough and excellent service to a wide range of clients and their professional advisors in line with corporate standards, acting as an ambassador for Sotheby’s in both manner and appearance.
• Maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and trustworthiness, always respecting complete client confidentiality.
• Working as part of a team alongside valuation managers and production staff both on‑site and in the office.
• Liaising and communicating clearly with Sotheby’s specialist departments and external consultants when appropriate to check cataloguing and values.
• Carrying out office‑based work such as provenance research, composing footnotes (when appropriate), proof‑reading and correcting documents, and handling ad hoc general valuation enquiries when required.
• Understanding and adhering to all legal and compliance requirements particular to the industry i.e. Ivory, CITES, AML etc.
• Understanding the risk inherent in valuation work, being responsible and accountable for all work submitted.
• Maintaining an accurate and up to date calendar at all times.
• Supporting sales and business‑getting when required.
• Managing expense claims in a timely manner.

Experience & Qualifications Required

• Educated to graduate standard.
• Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or a related professional body desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience valuing chattels at an international auction house, specialist valuation service, or related art business.
• Proven practical experience of cataloguing and valuing British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks.
• Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. advantageous.
• Awareness of the broader market at both regional and international level.
• Understanding the UK taxation system within the context of chattels valuations i.e. IHT, CGT, Acceptance in Lieu scheme, conditional exemption claims, rental negotiations, and retrospective valuations desirable.

Skills Required

• Full, clean driving licence.
• Good IT and photography skills, along with basic Excel.
• Strong communication skills along with an organised and methodical approach to work.
• Fluency in English, proficiency in another European language advantageous.

Competencies

• Self‑motivated and able to work effectively alone using own initiative, as well working as part of a larger team taking direction.
• Holding a flexible approach to working hours and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally when required.
• Ability to work under pressure, coordinate a busy schedule, and prioritise workload all whilst meeting tight deadlines.