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- Tasks: Catalogue and research modern Middle Eastern art for auctions and exhibitions.
- Company: Christie's, the world's largest art business with a rich history.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health insurance, flexible fitness fund, and exclusive art access.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art.
- Qualifications: Degree in Art History and knowledge of modern Middle Eastern art required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting and 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 and Relationships.
Why This Role Matters
The Cataloguer position contributes to the production of all auction materials for the Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern live and online sales as well as private sales and loan exhibitions. Responsibilities include processing the consigned works of art for sale, including research and catalogue entry writing and proofing; coordination of photography, and varying duties as dictated by department.
How You'll Make an Impact
- Catalogue property for auction, private sales and loan exhibitions for London, Dubai and Paris
- Research property for authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using libraries, online databases, the internet, and third party experts
- Research and write catalogue notes where appropriate; assist with translations where necessary
- Coordinate photography, colour checking, framing, matting, and restoration
- Assist with catalogue production and layout
- Assist business-getters in preparing documents for potential consignments (e.g. proposals)
- Flag any authenticity and restitution concerns and condition issues in a timely manner to appropriate specialist
- Undertake research in support of insurance appraisal documents
- Proof all cataloguing with specialists before submitting final proof to Catalogue Production
- Prepare property for hilling sessions (meetings to determine value, condition and marketability of property); and amend catalogue sheets after hilling sessions
- Coordination of auction pricing – pulling auction comparable objects for specialist review and pricing sessions
- Prepare condition reports in the system and forward to clients upon request
- Assist clients in galleries during pre-sale exhibition and sale week
- Maintain department library and research materials
- Track sale cost expenditures for restoration, framing and expertise and coordinate with the sale coordinator to ensure execution of payment to vendors
- Ensure accuracy of lot cards (production and placement in pre-sale exhibition)
- Maintain sale images in media library and in JDE (monitor progress, liaise with photo studio on missing images, deadline constraints)
- Responsible for client correspondence, including auction estimate requests, general enquiries, sale proposals and post-sale communication to clients
- Greet/visit clients on-site and off-site to support appraisal, consignment and sale efforts
- Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction
- Other duties as assigned by Manager
What you'll bring to the team
- Bachelor's degree in Art History or equivalent
- Proven knowledge of Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art
- Relevant work experience in the arts (ideally commercial)
- Excellent research and cataloguing skills with a strong eye for detail
- Ability to learn Christie's systems including COS, JDE, intranet and website
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritise
- Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail
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 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Cataloguer in London employer: Theartgorgeous
Contact Detail:
Theartgorgeous Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Cataloguer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art world, especially those connected to Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Attend exhibitions, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your knowledge about the art pieces and artists relevant to the role. This not only demonstrates your passion but also sets you apart as someone who truly understands the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. A little initiative can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! During interviews, you might be asked to discuss specific artworks or trends in Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Brush up on your research and be ready to showcase your insights. It’s all about showing you’re the right fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Cataloguer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Cataloguer. Highlight relevant experience in art history and any specific skills that match the job description, like research and cataloguing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits. Use specific examples from your experience to show off your knowledge of Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art.
Show Off Your Research Skills: Since research is key for this position, consider including a brief example of a project where you successfully conducted research. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Theartgorgeous
✨Know Your Art
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Familiarise yourself with key artists, movements, and recent auction trends. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine passion for the field.
✨Research Christie's
Dive deep into Christie's history, values, and recent exhibitions. Understanding their mission and how they operate will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're a great fit for their culture and goals.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their cataloguing process or how they handle authenticity concerns. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your research and cataloguing skills in detail. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar tasks. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to multi-task, as these are crucial for the role.
