Volunteer Collections Assistant (Cataloguing) in Braintree

Hours: 10AM - 3PM

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Benefits: We have a student travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs and £5 per day for subsistence.

This role will offer the opportunity for students to develop practical experience in collections management. The student will be responsible for assessing hand-painted paper artworks depicting patterns that were translated into printed or woven textiles by Warner & Sons during the period of c.1870s-2000s. The project involves evaluating existing data regarding specific items and cataloguing these pieces, alongside photographic digitisation, and making inert conservation polyester enclosures to protect the designs.

Students will also have the chance to create a short article based on their research and experience which would be shared with our stakeholders.

Main Duties:

• Catalogue at item level, following data input policies, on collections management system CollectionsIndex+.
• Paper designs held within the collection to support improved access.
• Improve catalogue records to internal and international standards for the paper designs, including creating descriptions, checking locations, adding keywords and manufacturing numbers, as well as information on weave structure and design where possible, materials, colour.
• Record details on object condition where necessary.
• Cross check information on Collections Index + with index cards to include all relevant historic information.
• Take photographs of catalogued items and name image files within our policy structure. Upload to Collections Index+ records.
• Using our conservation polyester welding machine, create bespoke sized enclosures for designs to repack to conservation standards.
• Create a short article and related social media content about your experience of working with the collection.

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the student’s existing responsibilities and deadlines. We require a minimum of ten days commitment to offer training, and to provide a meaningful work experience. A longer time period is preferable.

Some online training on cataloguing, the history of Warner & Sons, and collections care will be required prior to the student’s start date. The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB.

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills and general computer literacy, with the enthusiasm to learn new systems.
• Must be dedicated to working to a meticulous attention to detail in regards to accurate data inputting, spelling and grammar.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.
• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.
• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

What will the volunteering role offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you?

Through this opportunity, students will learn to catalogue to a professional standard, using CollectionsIndex+ and gain insight into the daily work of the Warner Textile Archive. Students will be able to gain a range of experience in digitisation, conservation and research support, working alongside the Archive team and experienced volunteer. Additionally, students will publish a short article on the experience of working with the Archive Collection that will feature on the Warner Textile Archive website.