Curatorial Fellow in Photography (Supported by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation) – V&A South Kensington, London, UK
Institution: Victoria and Albert Museum (Supported by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation)
Location: South Kensington, London, UK
Department: Art, Architecture, Photography & Design (AAPD)
Line Manager: Curator, Photography
Contract: Full-time, fixed term (24 months)
Working Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Salary: Band 5 (£35,561)
Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
Interview/Assessment: 3 July 2026
Start Date: 1 October 2026
The Curatorial Fellowship in Photography at the
The fellowship is supported by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation and contributes to the development, interpretation, and public engagement of one of the world’s most significant photography collections.
About the Role
The Curatorial Fellow will split their time between curatorial duties and an independent research project. The role provides direct experience in collections management, documentation, acquisition research, public engagement, and exhibition development within the Photography Department.
The fellowship also includes collaboration on displays, publications, conferences, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Curatorial Development
- Develop and deliver an agreed research project related to photography collections
- Contribute to scholarly research on the V&A Photography Collection
- Support acquisition research and due diligence processes
- Contribute to publications in print and digital formats
Collections & Documentation
- Handle and document collection objects with appropriate care
- Undertake cataloguing and improve collection records
- Support digitisation of photographic materials
- Assist with object movement and museum documentation standards
Exhibitions & Public Engagement
- Contribute to displays in the Photography Centre and other V&A sites
- Assist with interpretation, labels, and gallery maintenance
- Respond to public and specialist enquiries
- Support learning programmes, seminars, and conferences
Institutional Collaboration
- Liaise with national and international museum networks
- Contribute to conferences, seminars, and research events
- Engage with acquisition groups and curatorial colleagues
- Report on fellowship progress to internal teams and the Foundation
Requirements
Essential
- Academic background in history of photography or related field
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Experience or interest in curatorial practice and collections work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and organisational ability
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Competence with MS Office and standard IT tools
Desirable
- Knowledge of museum practices, object handling, and documentation
- Experience with photographic collections
- Knowledge of a modern European language
- Experience working in museums or galleries
