Cataloguer, Photographs - Mat Cover London, England
Job description
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby's promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
To research, catalogue and to help co-ordinate Photograph sales in London, in close liaison with the Head of Photographs.
Close co-operation and good communication with colleagues in other departments (especially Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Prints, and 20th Century Design) using national and international networks to ensure a consistent, client focused message, delivering a high standard of active client management.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cataloguing and researching items for the Photographs sales in London.
- Assisting the senior members of the department with the research and cataloguing of Photographs to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines
- Corresponding with external experts
- Involvement in aspects of catalogue production including:
- Assisting with paste-ups and layouts
- Liaising with Catalogue Production and other support departments
- Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email and on the telephone
- Writing condition reports and responding to photo forms, estimate enquiries and general correspondence
- Travelling between London during the cataloguing periods.
- Strategic long-term business development focusing on the high end business and clients
- Supporting the Head of the London Photographs department with Business-Getting
- Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
- Preparation of proposals
- Preparation of valuations (e.g. for insurance purposes)
- Be able and prepared to support theme sales (i.e. "Made in Britain")
- Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities
- Operating at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate governance
IDEAL EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES
- Proven experience of work within the European Photography Market
- The ability to work effectively individually, and in a team and to 'pitch in' when required
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
- Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn
- Prepared to travel at short notice, as required
- Have a flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure. Extended working hours will be necessary at deadlines
- Good organizational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines
- Some understanding of, and interest in, Sotheby's and the services it offers
- The ability to communicate at all levels within the business, and with a wide-range of potential clients
- A keen interest in how the commercial art world functions
- Knowledge of European languages is desired
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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
