Curator of Modern European Collections, 1800 to present – British Museum
The British Museum’s Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory is reopening the recruitment of: Curator of Modern European Collections, 1800 to present. This is an exciting opportunity for a mid-career scholar/curator to join a dynamic team and to work in one of the world’s leading museums.
Presenting history through objects is key to all curatorial roles at the British Museum. The holder of this senior post in the Department of Britain, Europe & Prehistory will have a strong foundation in European history from 1800 to the present and an established track record of questioning material culture to locate the histories of European peoples, places, and events in their global, cultural, and historical contexts by working with museum professionals and other experts.
The jobholder needs some specialist knowledge of one or more categories of objects in the collection which encompasses decorative and applied arts, glass, gold, silver and other metalsmiths’ work, industrial and studio ceramics, traditional textiles, basketry, and woodwork. Objects demonstrating the reception of earlier periods and other cultures, oftentimes relating to international archaeological milestones, are a particular strength. Judaica, the material culture of British and colonial administrations, artefacts made and used by traditional communities, and objects reflecting the experience of Europeans outside Europe form other elements. Objects in the permanent collection are documented and digitised. Their variety can be appreciated through searching Collection Online on the Museum’s website.
The jobholder is expected to be a recognized authority on European history in the range 1800 to the present. They will draw upon this knowledge to curate, research, document, display, and expand the Museum’s collection in support of the Museum Operating Plan and relevant Museum strategies. An ability to encourage, communicate and combine archaeological, anthropological, historical, curatorial, conservation, and scientific perspectives is needed. Core tasks will include original research, making the collection accessible and critical expert participation in the Museum Masterplan. The successful applicant must be able to contribute to discussions of subjects relating to empire, colonialism, enslavement, and decolonization within the Museum and beyond.
Opportunities exist to develop the section through internally and externally funded research projects, and to use hypothecated funds to expand this section of BEP’s work. The curator of later European history will be required to assess the potential and limits of the existing permanent collections and will be entrusted with establishing a contemporary collection through which future generations will be able to illustrate the history of today.
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