This is an exciting opportunity to lead the team responsible for an expanding collection within the department of Art & Design at National Museums Scotland.
As head of section, you will have overall responsibility for the post-1850 collections of European decorative art and design. The Art & Design collection as a whole represents excellence, creativity and innovation in sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, glass, furniture, woodwork and fashion and textiles. In recent years, the Modern & Contemporary section has developed an outstanding corpus of applied art by gift, purchase and commissioning. This has built up a fine representation of contemporary crafts including studio ceramics, glass and jewellery. A particular strength is the fashion and textile collection, including substantial acquisitions relating to Jean Muir and Bernat Klein.
These collections are housed not only at the National Museum of Scotland but also at the National Museums Collection Centre. You will lead, manage and participate in research and public programmes and work on the award-winning Art & Design galleries. In addition, you will be expected to contribute to the temporary exhibition calendar and to National Museums Scotland’s contemporary collecting. Candidates will have a demonstrable area of expertise in a related field and should be fluent in the dialogue between craft, art, design and technology. The post-holder will also be required to support and deputise for the head of department in developing this dynamic department to achieve its aims and ambitions.
- You will have a degree/postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, plus proven relevant work experience.
- An excellent communicator with proven research and publication skills, you will be organised, methodical, adept at problem solving, a team worker and a good thinker.
- You will have experience in managing staff and projects, and will have good ICT skills.
