Curator of Medieval Art and Design

Job Title: Curator of Medieval Art and Design
Division: Research & Collections
Department/Section: Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass
Reporting to: Senior Curator

Background

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design. Its collections of European medieval art are exceptional in their size, range and quality. They range from the early Christian to the late medieval period.

Purpose of job

The post-holder will be responsible for the development, care, research, display and interpretation of medieval art and design (excluding manuscripts, which are held in the National Art Library) in the Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass Department (SMCG). They will contribute to the management of the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries, and among others, will have responsibility for galleries devoted to Late Gothic Northern Sculpture galleries. The extensive European medieval collections are of national and international importance, and the post-holder will be expected to represent the Museum at the highest level and play an active role in the field of medieval studies and collecting, both nationally and internationally. The post-holder will serve a wider role within the Department and the Museum as one of the medieval specialists.

The successful candidate will have an established expertise in an area of medieval art and design and have the potential to develop further expertise in these areas. The post requires commitment to scholarship and the full range of curatorial work and collections management: making the collection accessible to a wide range of audiences, through exhibitions, displays, events, publications, lectures and gallery talks, and the creation of web content. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of temporary displays and exhibitions.

The SMCG department operates a busy programme of loans to exhibitions, both nationally and internationally and the successful candidate will manage this programme for the Sculpture Section, liaising with the Museum Registrar, other specialist curators, conservators and borrowing institutions.

Main tasks

1. To take curatorial responsibility for medieval sculpture, metalwork, and stained glass, and to act more broadly as a medieval specialist within the Department and on behalf of the Museum.
2. To take responsibility for the displays of medieval art and design within the Museum, ensuring that the displays are well maintained and appropriately interpreted.
3. To take an active role in managing the Sculpture section’s archives, documentation and library, electronically and otherwise.
4. To take responsibility for the Sculpture section’s online presence and contribute to the main museum- wide ‘Search the Collections’ database.
5. To take an active part in the Museum’s public programme and to work with staff across the Museum to support particular projects as required.
6. To undertake research and publish the collection, in traditional and online forms.
7. To work with senior colleagues in providing expert advice to Government, to public bodies, to the press and others.
8. To help provide an efficient service answering enquiries, giving opinions, and making appointments to the general public, and maintaining and developing the section’s information systems and making them available to scholars.
9. To be committed to health and safety and ensure familiarity with all of the Museum’s health and safety policies and procedures.
10. To be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all Museum security procedures and ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on Museum premises.
11. To promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues aretreated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively contributing to developments that support the Museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and diversity.
12. Carry out ad hoc duties as requested by managers within your department.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential requirements

1. A post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline or evidence of equivalent expertise.
2. Expertise in medieval art and design and/or a demonstrable interest in Early Medieval to Late Gothic sculpture (up to 1600 in Northern Europe). Evidence of a commitment to developing further expertise in an area of SMCG’s medieval collections.
3. Curatorial experience in a museum context, including familiarity with the needs of different audiences and a commitment to providing for these, through publications, lectures, gallery talks and the creation of new displays and of material for the web.
4. Ability to represent the department and the Museum nationally and internationally through public- speaking, presenting, negotiating and representing across a range of topics in a variety of circumstances
5. Research experience, the ability to write for a widerange of audiences and, in particular, a commitment to object-based research. Good writing skills, sound knowledge of English grammar and syntax.
6. Ability to propose and implement innovative ideas.
7. Experience of playing a leading role in developing and implementing galleries, exhibitions and/or displays.
8. Evidence of practical and organisational skills. Meticulousness, a keen attention to detail in all aspects of work, particularly record keeping.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills and a diplomatic manner. An ability to work as part of a team, to achieve a variety of projects, as laid out in the departmental plan.
10. Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
11. Proven ability to handle materials with care and sensitivity to their physical properties.
12. Demonstrable computer skills (Excel, Photoshop, Powerpoint, etc) and ability to manage information systematically and accurately.
13. A thorough understanding of online collections management systems and a proven ability to pick up new systems quickly.
14. Proven knowledge of at least one modern European language (German, French or Italian).

Desirable requirements

1. Record of publication.
2. Expertise in medieval metalwork or stained glass.
3. Good working knowledge of an additional European language, preferably Latin.
4. Experience of line management.

OTHER INFORMATION

Hours/Salary:
Net working hours (i.e. excluding meal breaks) are 36 per week.
The salary for this role will be £26,940 – £38,542. Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.

Annual leave:
28 days plus 8 days public holidays

Pension benefits:
You will be auto enrolled into the Museum’s Group Personal Pension Scheme and have the opportunity on completion of Probation to an enhanced pension provision, including an employer contribution of 10%.

Other benefits:
Non-contributory life assurance policy (to value of 4 x annual salary)
An interest free season ticket or bicycle loan is available after three months.
Free entrance to all the major museums and exhibitions in London as well as many others. Subsidised staff restaurant
Discounts on purchases in V&A shops Childcare Voucher Scheme

Application process:
Please apply online via the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs

If you are having technical difficulties applying online, please use the online chat functionality which can be found on the bottom right hand side of the form. Alternatively, you can contact Vacancy Filler directly on 01509 236434, and quote the role reference number and your application number (if known). Please note, Vacancy Filler are contactable, Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.

If you have any queries regarding the role and/or the V&A’s recruitment process, you can email us – contacthr@vam.ac.uk or telephone us on 020 7942 2937 (Working hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm).

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 6 October 2017.

Interviews will take place w/b 2 October 2017.

Interview expenses will not be paid unless there is a prior agreement.