Role Introduction

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To work with the Keeper and Assistant Keeper of Fine & Decorative Art (FDA) to systematically create new catalogue records for furniture and other decorative art objects not currently recorded on the CollectionsIndex+ database.
• To ensure new records contain core catalogue information, including dimensions, media, title, location, brief description and, where possible, the names of any makers/designers, in line with the cataloguing manual.
• To give regular updates on the progress of the project and liaise with colleagues in the FDA department.
• To file new information as it arises, and maintain good documentation.
• To ‘clean up’ existing records for furniture on the database, ensuring that each object has one distinct record and is illustrated on the cataloguing database by at least one photograph.
• To ensure objects are individually numbered, following the agreed object marking method.
• To coordinate and oversee the work of volunteers or other staff involved in activities relating to the gathering of cataloguing information, photography and numbering of objects.
• To upload individual reference images for all objects, processing them for internal or online use.
• To liaise with a wide range of college staff in order to arrange access to uncatalogued items, located throughout the college buildings and grounds.
• To create and maintain records for any items found to be missing from the collection.
• To participate in relevant internal and external meetings and events.
• To assist FDA Keepers in any way as may be reasonably requested.

Main Duties

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), a cycle to work scheme and free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• A degree or higher education qualification in the history of art, history or similar.
• Significant experience of object handling and cataloguing within a museum, gallery or auction house. 
• Experience in the use of museum cataloguing databases. 
• Strong skills in the use of English, computer use, keyboarding and communication.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly in an accessible style.

Desirable

• A specialist understanding of furniture styles and construction methods; the ability to distinguish between different timbers and to identify a range of materials
• Extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for furniture and the decorative arts.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for Eton College’s collections and historic properties.

Benefits

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with an interest in decorative art. A fixed-term appointment is available for a Project Cataloguer, who will create new catalogue records for furniture and other decorative art objects. The post holder’s other responsibilities will include editing existing records, adding reference images, ensuring objects are individually and appropriately numbered, and overseeing volunteers assisting with these activities.

The Fine & Decorative Art collection at Eton College encompass paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture, as well as ceramics, stained glass, textiles and furniture. Much of the collection is distributed throughout Eton’s schoolrooms, residential areas and public spaces. Most furniture in the collection is in regular use. The Eton collections are also used by visiting researchers, in teaching pupils from Eton and external schools, and in regularly changing special exhibitions.

This is a fixed term position working 35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (From February to August 2020)

Please note: Interviews will be held week commencing 16th December.

(Please see attached job description for more information)

About the College

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Eton College