Property Curator

Job Description

Summary Our remarkable collections are held across hundreds of properties and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They include outstanding internationally important works of art and material culture such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, dress, decorativearts, furniture, books and libraries, as well as highly significant industrial, agricultural photographic, archaeological and archival collections. We also care for places and landscapes that carry complex and fascinating histories.Our houses and collections are a fundamental part of our work and this role plays a critical part in helping to care for, research and interpret these places and their collections.To support some of our most internationally significant collections, Property Curators deliver an innovative approach to these high-profile cultural destinations. Whilst the properties are all unique, the role is to deliver a consistent approach of highstandards of collections management and care across our most internationally significant historic properties. What its like to work here Petworth House has been a family home for over 900 years. During that time, it has been transformed from a medieval manor to the grand Baroque palace that you see today. Over the centuries, the Percy, Seymour and Wyndham families have amassed a substantialcollection of fine and decorative art. From paintings to porcelain, every object reflects the changing tastes and interests of each generation. Having been transferred to the National Trust in 1947, today Petworth continues to exhibit the most significantart collection in our care.The collection includes 20 oil paintings by J. M. W. Turner, who was a regular visitor to Petworth, as well as works by Anthony van Dyck, Angelica Kauffman and Joshua Reynolds. Carvings by Grinling Gibbons, sculptures by John Flaxman and John Edward Carew,and wall and ceiling paintings by Louis Laguerre. There is also a substantial range of European and Asian decorative arts and a large social history collection relating to the historic Servants Quarters.We need our newProperty Curator at Petworth House to take a leading role in caring for, researching and innovatively interpreting this special place and its collections. Click here for more information about this location What youll be doing The Property Curator will be part of transformational change at Petworth to deepen and broaden audience appeal at one of the Trusts most important and significant historic collections. Petworth is at the start of its improvement journey, aiming to: developand improve collections care, deepen audience engagement with our collections and interiors, and diversify the appeal of our houses and collections through high quality and innovative research, presentation and interpretation.Working within the Property Leadership team, reporting to the General Manager, with professional guidance from the internal specialists:

• Youll support in the delivery of collections care and management, the development and delivery of innovative and high-quality audience engagement focussed on the house and collection, also championing the historic significance and understanding of thewhole property. This will be through a mixture of participation and collaboration, and will have inclusivity at its heart. You will be responsible for advising the General Manager, and working closely with colleagues (including regional and national specialists)on audience engagement with the house and collections, the historic environment and curatorial issues across the property, ensuring historic significance is effectively presented. By sharing knowledge and understanding, making sure stories are explored andshared, and working with partners and communities to uncover and tell these stories, you will help grow its relevance, increase diversity and enhance public benefit.

• Youll be responsible for leading the team (Senior Collections & House Officer, Collections & House Officer, and four Collections Assistants) who deliver the care and management of the collections. Youll manage, and be responsible for, delegated operationaland conservation budgets, including collections care (preventative and remedial) and management.

• As a key member of the Property Leadership Team (including Visitor Experience & Operations Manager, Gardens & Outdoors Manager, Facilities & Support Services Manager), youll be involved in developing the long-term vision for the house, garden and park.Youll also support the development of the plan to deliver this vision, including the Property Business Plans which identify the investment, resources and income needed. Working predominantly on site, youll also provide operational support as Duty Manager,including up to one weekend day per month, and may be required to deputise for the General Manager. Youll also assist the General Manager in growing support for the property and its conservation work, including hosting donor visits and fundraising events.

Who were looking for The knowledge, skills and experience required by the post-holder includes:

• Relevant formal academic / professional /vocational qualifications (or equivalent experience) in Art History, Conservation, Museum Studies and related fields, AMA or equivalent professional accreditation (or working towards).
• Knowledgeable about collections management and care and the ability to take an informed holistic approach to conservation management.
• Experience working in conservation, art history, history, architectural history (or related fields) and working with historic collections.
• Good knowledge of current best practice in relation to the care of collections and buildings, including Museum Accreditation standards,
• Experience in undertaking academic research, and good evidence of writing for public audiences.
• Experience of building strong and lasting relationships and working collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, in order to deliver curatorial outcomes.
• Ability to take and develop a holistic and creative approach to revealing the meaning of collections and places for internal and external audiences, relating artifacts to a wider historical and contemporary understanding.
• Experience of leading projects, including brokering, commissioning and managing external consultancy, creative, artistic, and design and build services.

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities andaudiences we serve. We welcome and