Archive Project Cataloguer – Duncan Grant Department

Institution: Tate
Location: Tate Britain, London, United Kingdom
Contract: Fixed-term, 4 months
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week (on-site, 5 days/week)
Salary: £32,479 per annum (pro rata)
Department: Library and Archive
Reporting to: Archive Curator

Tate is seeking an experienced Archive Project Cataloguer to work on the remaining part of the archive of Duncan Grant, a key figure associated with the Bloomsbury Group. Based at Tate Britain, this short-term, intensive role focuses on cataloguing a compact but significant 20th-century archive comprising letters, diaries, sketchbooks, and related materials.

The position also includes selecting up to 500 items for digitisation, supporting improved online access to the collection via Tate’s digital platforms.

Role Overview

The Archive Project Cataloguer will be responsible for arranging, cataloguing, and preparing Duncan Grant’s archive in line with ISAD(G) standards and Tate’s in-house practices. The role combines detailed cataloguing work with public-facing archive responsibilities in the Reading Rooms.

Main Responsibilities

• Sort, classify, catalogue, and number the Duncan Grant archive according to ISAD(G) and internal standards.
• Create and manage catalogue records using Excel and/or the CALM archive database.
• Produce public-facing paper lists and XML/EAD finding aids.
• Select and prepare material at item level for in-house digitisation.
• Ensure correct archival storage using specialist materials; recommend solutions for items with specific preservation needs.
• Identify material requiring conservation and coordinate appropriate treatment.
• Participate in Reading Room services, including reader support, enquiries, invigilation, and document delivery.
• Provide collection-related information and research responses, including to funders when required.
• Deliver talks or presentations on the catalogued material as needed.

Person Specification

Essential

• Professional qualification in archive administration or significant experience working with 20th-century archive collections.
• Demonstrable experience cataloguing archives using ISAD(G), via Excel and/or online collection management systems.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (copyright, data protection, freedom of information).
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Sound understanding of archive preservation, conservation, and handling standards.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience delivering high-quality customer service in a research or archive environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of British art history of the early-to-mid 20th century.
• Experience working collaboratively within a library, archive, or museum context.