Job Description
As Property Curator, you'll lead your team in curating full histories that amplify plural perspectives and explore narratives of design, identity, power and empire
Kedleston Hall is one of Europe's most complete 18th-Century estates. Its landscape and buildings were designed by world-famous architect Robert Adam and house some of the most significant collections in the National Trust's care including internationally-important paintings, sculptures, textiles, furniture, architectural drawings, books and archival collections.
We're looking for a thoughtful and creative individual to set the curatorial direction for Kedleston's future.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th June.
Please e-mail [email protected] if you have any queries or would like to talk about the role further.
What it's like to work here:This vacancy is included in a trial of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme (level 1).
If you have a disability, and your qualities, skills and experience are a good fit with the 'Who we're looking for' section below, we will guarantee you either a telephone or face to face interview. Please contact us at [email protected], when you apply, to let us know, quoting the reference number for this vacancy.
A Neo-classical show palace, Kedleston Hall is surrounded by 8,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Welcoming over 220,000 visitors per year we strive to create wonder through celebrating art and design, from exploring the art and culture of our unique collection of objects from across the Asian continent to unpacking the influence of 18th-Century design on our world today.
Exciting times lie ahead as we look at new ways of curating our collections to ensure our interpretation and programming is dynamic and relevant to the diverse communities on our doorstep including a major project to re-interpret a museum collection housing over 1,000 pieces from South-East Asia.
What you'll be doing:Reporting directly to the General Manager, with professional support from internal specialists, you’ll develop a curatorial vision and long-term plan for the hall, garden and park. You’ll manage the team responsible for developing and improving collections care and management. You’ll work to enhance the relevance of our hall and collections, demonstrating public benefit through high-quality and innovative presentation, research, programming and interpretation.
You'll strive for a full and honest exploration of Kedleston's history and collections working with academics, partners, local communities and source communities to ensure historic accuracy and representation work hand in hand.
Championing the historic significance and understanding of the whole property you’ll improve our knowledge of the collection through managing a programme of research.
Working with other property leadership team members, you’ll grow support for the property and its conservation work, including hosting specialist visits and fundraising events.
Who we're looking forWe value lived experience as well as formal knowledge and skills, and welcome applicants able to demonstrate the following:
- In-depth understanding and experience of working with historic collections and properties
- Good experience of collections management and care, and knowledge of how to take an informed and broad approach to conservation management
- Experience of team leadership, with a strong understanding of how to work collaboratively
- Ability to connect with a wide range of audiences
- Capability to undertake, lead on, interpret, and respond to external and internal research, intelligence, and analysis
- Passion, knowledge and inspiration as well as a practical, pragmatic and sensible approach to problem solving
- Relevant formal academic / professional / vocational qualifications in Art History, Museum Studies and related fields
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most locations
- Independent financial advice
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)