THE WALLACE COLLECTION
The Wallace Collection is an internationally outstanding collection which contains unsurpassed masterpieces of paintings, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour and porcelain. Built over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it is one of the finest and most celebrated collections in the world. So that it could be kept together and enjoyed by generations of visitors, the collection was given to the British Nation in 1897 and opened to the public in June 1900. It was an astonishing bequest and one of the greatest gifts of art works ever to be transferred into public ownership. The museum is internationally famous for its collection of French eighteenth-century art, Arms and Armour and for its Old Master paintings.
The museum is managed by the Director Dr Xavier Bray, who reports to a board of Trustees appointed by the Prime Minister, and is financed by a combination of grant-in-aid from central government and self-generated income.
We aim to engage with and diversify our audience and, before the pandemic, we attracted over 450,000 visitors a year to the museum.
SALARY
The salary for this temporary post is between £27,352 and £29,000 per annum dependent on skills and experience.
OUR PRIORITIES
The Collection is committed to providing access to as wide a public as possible and to helping visitors engage with this diversity. Our goal is to create a place of understanding, cultural pluralism, curiosity and learning. To do this, we plan to create a world-class visitor experience for all ages which stimulates engagement with our collection through a new programme of exhibitions, major gallery refurbishments and an enhanced and expanded digital presence.
Our strategic priorities are to:
* To maintain, research and preserve the Collection for future generations;
* To broaden and deepen visitor engagement, connecting with audiences onsite and digitally;
* To build and support a strong exhibition programme;
* To lay a strong financial foundation for the future; and
* To embark upon a Masterplan programme to transform the museum.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Wallace Collection is embarking on a major project to implement an effective Collection Management System (CMS) and integrated Digital Asset Management System (DAMS). This project will enhance the Collection’s ability to care for, interpret and display its important holdings, research the history of both the Collection and Hertford House and broaden access.
The Collection Systems Project team will sit within the Exhibitions and Collection Care department, comprising of Collections Management, Exhibitions, Conservation, Photography and the Picture Library.
This project is made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Collections Documentation Officer will analyse and improve existing digital documentation in addition to updating the Wallace Collection’s CMS with new data.
This includes data cleaning, auditing and developing content for the current CMS as well as maintaining collections management and documentation standards in preparation for the migration to a new CMS. This role reports to the Collection Systems Project Manager.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Collections Management System (CMS)
* Support the Collection Systems Project Manager with devising the Collection-wide Improvement Plan for object data records, including the new CMS scoping exercise and quarterly project reports.
* Undertake and assist the review of the Collection’s object data records, to result in recommendations for agreed baseline standards for improvements across all object data records.
* Undertake data checking and cleaning of object data records, to ensure consistency and accuracy of information across all mandatory fields in conformity with Spectrum standards throughout the collection.
* Working within a small team, lead targeted physical audits, on site and off site and undertake reconciliation of object records following these audits.
* Reviewing and reconciling any documentation backlogs, ensuring mandatory fields are accurate, using all available catalogues, research, archives and existing publications.
* Investigating documentation queries, e.g. reconciling existing objects with existing documentation.
* Checking and updating object descriptions and numbering on the CMS in consultation with specialist Museum staff.
* Ensure through close co-operation with Collection Registrar and Collection Systems Project Manager that agreed museum data standards are adhered to across the updates to the CMS.
* Liaise with Zetcom and the IT department as required, supporting the Collection Systems Project Manager on infrastructure issues.
* Supervise the work of the Collections Documentation and Digitisation Trainees.
Standards
* Conforming with collection documentation standards as specified by Spectrum, the Collections Management Procedures Manual and sector standards.
* Handle all objects safely with the utmost of care and to museum standards. Ensure all material is handled safely with the utmost of care and to museum standards.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
* Degree level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent vocational experience.
* Strong database skills and experience of collections management systems.
* At least one year experience working in museum collections documentation.
* Computer literate with a good working knowledge of MS Office 365 software packages, especially, Excel, Word and Outlook.
* Experience with data and terminology standards and their implementation in a museum context.
* Experience with data cleaning projects and batch data and familiarity with SQL queries.
* Knowledge of current policy and emerging practises in the sector relating to the delivery of collections information access and standards.
* A systematic approach to working and ability to effectively prioritise.
* Ability to maintain high level of accuracy and a keen eye for detail.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills.
* Experience of working effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Flexible and pragmatic approach to work and a willingness and ability to undertake manual duties.
Desirable
* Experience of Collections Management System MuseumPlus (Zetcom).
* Experience handling works of art within a museum context.
* Experience with IT user training and developing supporting materials.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the Application Form, and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, following the links provided on our website. Please note the equal opportunities form is used for monitoring purposes only and does not form part of the selection process. Both forms should be emailed to recruitment@wallacecollection.org by midnight 06/10/2024. Please note late applications or applications via a CV will not be considered.
Interviews for the role will take place on week commencing, 14/10/2024. Candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted after the closing date. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it will not be possible to contact or give feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted for interview.
Start date: As soon as possible
Appointment to the role is subject to a satisfactory Basic Disclosure check. The Wallace Collection is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.