Associate Specialist, Indian and South Asian Art

THE ROLE

To catalogue, research and co-ordinate for the London Indian & South Asian Art sales and to assist in the general day-to-day functioning of the department. Develop and build vendor and client relationships.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Cataloguing and researching items for Indian & South Asian Art sales:
• Providing expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines.
• Assisting and co-ordinating research, both internally and with external experts.
• Assisting with paste-ups and layouts.
• Liaising with the necessary support departments.
• Writing scholarly catalogue entries.
• Writing and producing proposals for new business.
• Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email and on the telephone.
• Writing condition reports and responding to estimate enquiries and general correspondence.
• Assisting with the maintenance of departmental archives and the library.
• Work with the Coordinator, providing accurate information on all consignments and assisting them with the Inventory review.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance, maintaining high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities.

Departmental Assistant Responsibilities:

• Coordinating departmental diary, messages, and ad-hoc tasks while the HOS is travelling or away
• Deal with incoming and outgoing departmental correspondence
• Liaising with Marketing and Press, with a focus on social media outreach
• Facilitate day to day processes; act as a bridge for fluid communication between internal departments and the Head of Department
• Answer enquiries regarding previous sale results and property offered by Sotheby’s
• Producing all estimate request and NSV correspondence.
• Assisting with organisation and administration of Travex
• Maintaining departmental archives, library and research materials
• Work with the department administrator, the location and movement of property within the department   
• General administrative duties as required, including the implementation of new initiatives
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Educated to degree level in History of Art with a demonstrable interest in Indian & South Asian Art.
• The ability to work effectively individually and in a team and to ‘pitch in’ when required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service.
• Self-motivated with ongoing enthusiasm to learn and develop expertise.
• Have a flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Good organisational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines.
• Fluent written and spoken English is essential; an additional European language is advantageous.
• Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures.