Job Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Associate Researcher will be responsible for working closely with the entire London Editions department, working alongside the Associate Specialist/Cataloguer, to assist in all forms of comprehensive artwork research, cataloguing and appraisal process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research property including full reference details for authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history for auction, exhibition, private sale, and valuation using libraries, online databases, the internet, and outside experts and coordinate with relevant colleagues on findings; able to effectively and efficiently access a wide range of information.


Research and write academic, art historically relevant and engaging essays for sales and lots on phillips.com, proposals, press releases and marketing material. And organize and manage the submission process and completion of all written content and essays on phillips.com.


Work closely with Specialists on research projects of specific collections and works of art to prepare them for appraisal documents and proposals, based on current auction standards. Compile and analyze a variety of auction data for appraisals and proposals to assist with Specialist business-getting. And the ad-hoc research projects on specific artists, print shops and galleries as needed.


Work closely with the Cataloguer on preparing catalogue entries; proofing the cataloguer's condition reports for consistency and standardization; reviewing incoming property for cataloguing preparation, including pre-cataloguing research, photography and processing instructions; and assisting in creating detailed 'selling packs' for sales, using market research.


Assist the Cataloguer with 'expertise outreach', including authenticity applications, and liaising with artist's estates and publisher's regarding object information.


Assist Head of Sale with coordinating the online catalogue, managing photography lists and requests, saving and submitting images batches to production, and assisting Head of Sale with compiling and submitting image edits to production. Assist Head of Sale with reviewing and delegating submissions from clients in the Editions Consignment inbox and ensure enquires are responded to in a timely manner.


Oversee the creation, research, editing and completion of a variety of different appraisals and selection for sale lists from start to finish.


Work closely with the team in selecting and compiling comparative images for illustration in essays on phillips.com and work closely with the Copyright Coordinator to ensure all images are licensed for use.


Oversee the creation of draft factsheets/jps for the Lot layout for each sale catalogue and assist Head of Sale with creation of draft layout templates.


Evaluate, label, and move condition images of sale lots from WORKING CONDITIONSAuction Tools into the Editions shared drive for sale organization.


Organize and manage past and current certificates of authenticity.


Participate in auction by phone-bidding, bid-, entry-, and online-clerking, and conversion board.


Support Specialists in the gallery during pre-sale exhibitions, answering client enquiries, providing condition reports, and liaising with Property Manager for work inspections as necessary.


Oversight of the Editions library, its maintenance, organization and expansion.


Educating and working with the intern on all research details: library organization, use of outside libraries in London,

catalogue raisonne identification, Artnet searching, basic appraisal format and entry organization.



Assist clients via e-mail, telephone and in person.


Perform other duties requested by the administrator, cataloguer, specialists, and heads of department.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Art History or related field, required. Modern & Contemporary Editions background, desirable. Language skills in addition to English, desirable.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Demonstrable interest in the prints and multiples categories (history, techniques and the artists who make prints). Strong internet searching capabilities. Strong communication skills. Proactive with excellent project management and organizational skills. Highly organized team player and ability to work professionally and collaboratively with all other areas within the business. Clear attention to detail. Ability to operate with grace under pressure while delivering a high standard of work on tight deadlines. Strong work ethic with effective time management; ability to multi-task, take initiative and work well independently. Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and responsibly. Desire to learn and ask questions. Willingness to increase knowledge of 20th century and Contemporary Prints and Multiples applying excellent research and writing abilities. Willingness to undertake independent off-site research, work from different company locations, and ability to communicate information to colleagues both in-person and remotely.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is undertaken between our London offices and warehouse, and local research libraries. Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary, mainly during deadlines (April/May, July/August and

November/December for sales in January, June and September).