Enthusiastic about Fine Art and the Art Market? Read on to find out more in our recent opening in our Fine Art department in Edinburgh.
OVERVIEW
This exciting full-time position, based in Edinburgh, will assist and support the Specialists, Heads of Sale and Head of Department through the cataloguing, research and content production of items consigned for sale. The role offers an excellent opportunity to grow expanded specialist knowledge on the goods handled by the department and the marketplace as a whole.
As part of one of our busiest specialist departments, with auctions in Edinburgh and London, the successful candidate will have: an ability to multi-task, an attention to detail, high levels of organization, as well as a proactive, persistent approach with follow-up skills, as well as a demonstrable passion for the items being handled.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Client Communication
- One of first points of contact for the Fine Art department
- Responding to client calls and emails in a timely fashion
- Managing the online enquiries inbox (organising the enquiries in a suitable way; speaking with relevant specialists to value items and discuss their suitability for sale; responding to enquiries within 1-2 weeks)
- Supporting the wider company with incoming calls to the main line
Stock Control
- Day-to-day stock control to include: unpacking/labelling incoming goods, ensuring they have been valued in a timely fashion for vendors; co-ordinating the movement of stock between offices, dealing with shipping enquires, organising consignment deliveries with couriers etc
- Managing storage areas competently and reviewing stock levels on a regular basis to ensure prompt collections
- Dealing with stock turnover appropriately e.g. secondary salerooms, off site sales, other offices, etc.
Auction-Related Duties
- Liaising with the photography department to arrange photography sessions, and assisting during these, ahead of catalogue production
- Assisting Department Head during catalogue layout period, with sale lotting, proof-reading etc
- Ensuring online auction is published on time and liaising with Sales Co-Ordinator
- Preparing condition reports and condition report photography for each auction, initially assisting Senior Specialists and Department Head.
- Assisting in setting up the saleroom ahead of the auction, lotting up the items and preparing them for viewing etc.
- Assisting with viewing in the lead up to the auction and being present at various events.
- Post-sale organisation and correspondence with buyer and vendors
- Assisting saleroom and viewing team with saleroom breakdown post-auction
- Sale day duties including but not limited to; telephone bidding, assisting with clerking, spotting and managing online bidding platforms
Cataloguing & Content
- Research and catalogue property for auctions, using online databases, departmental library, catalogue raisonnes as well as other library resources and outside experts
- Produce content for a number of formats, from catalogue footnotes and introductions to online articles, as required by both specialist and marketing depts
- Grow knowledge of specialist subject
- Begin valuing property, initially assisted by senior colleagues
- Attend work related events, both internal and external
- Assist clients bringing in items for sale and with enquiries at sale views
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Liaise with the marketing and events team including providing image suggestions, proofing promotional content and collaborating on social media campaigns
- Update department catalogue mailing lists and review regularly with the Department Head
- Develop a working knowledge of Top Buyers & Vendors, monitoring the database for this
- Keeping up-to-date with administrative developments and database processes
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- A passion for Fine Art is essential and a relevant experience in the area is desirable.
- Excellent organisational skills with a keen eye for accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to deal with clients courteously and professionally
- Excellent communication and interaction skills
- Excellent time-management skills
- Be able to work individually as well as part of a team
BENEFITS
- Salary dependent on experience.
- Full time - standard company hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required at needs of company
- Based in central Edinburgh location. Primarily office based, although there will be some WFH and offsite work.
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays) increasing to 33 with service
- Birthday day off
- Additional holidays over Christmas Office Closure
- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
- Annual Travel Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, submit a CV and covering letter - by 18th July - to Head of Operations, Laura Henderson on laura.henderson@lyonandturnbull.com demonstrating your suitability for the role and how you meet the skills and experience.