About the role
We are looking for an experienced curator with a focus on the long eighteenth century. This temporary role will see you work within the Historic British Art team at Tate Britain, reporting to the Manton Senior Curator. This varied role will see you use and share your expertise of the period and project management skills to develop and oversee programmed exhibitions and collection displays. The role will also entail researching and writing texts for Tate’s website and supporting the activities of the Historic British team more widely.
You will undertake these activities in alignment with Tate’s priorities, including those concerning our audiences, our environmental impact, and our staff values (to be open, bold, rigorous and kind).
About your team
Tate Britain aims to increase public awareness, understanding and enjoyment of British art from the 16th century to the present day.
Tate Britain’s Curatorial team is responsible for researching and delivering exhibitions and displays, as well as researching, building and advocating for Tate’s Collection of British Art. The Curatorial Department is divided into three teams of curators with period expertise (Historic, Modern and Contemporary), together with a Programme Management team. You will be part of the Historic British Art team, working alongside the Manton Senior Curator, and other Curators and Assistant Curators plus occasional temporary colleagues.
What you will gain
As a specialist in the period 1730–1830, this role offers the chance to work with one of the world’s most important collections of British art from this period. The priority task is to progress and project manage an exhibition programmed for 2027, working with two colleagues from the Historic British Art team. You will be encouraged to contribute ideas, learn new skills, expand your professional network and develop and share your knowledge.
What you will do (Main Duties and Responsibilities)
Exhibitions and Displays
• Develop and project-manage programmed displays and exhibitions
• Lead project teams, which might include external consultants, to deliver projects on-budget, meeting deadlines, and in accordance with Tate policies and procedures
• Work with the International Partnerships team to deliver ongoing touring exhibitions
• Work with colleagues in Tate’s Interpretation team on gallery-based interpretation
• Identify works for display changes in the permanent hang
• Provide occasional talks and tours
Collection and Research
Using your specialist knowledge of the period and of its main artists you will:
• Write and edit a variety of texts in a clear, accessible prose and according to Tate house style; work with colleagues to deliver texts in-gallery and online
• Collaborate with curators and key colleagues in other divisions to organise events and research activities centred on our collection and programme
• Work to strict deadlines to provide valuations and expert advice to statutory bodies on Tate’s behalf
• Maintain progress on any live research that addresses priorities in the interpretation of Tate’s collection, particularly with reference to diversifying the collection and widening the canon
• Administer potential acquisitions in your time period, in accordance with the collection strategy and in collaboration with colleagues in Development
• Generate and update catalogue records and archive files for works within your remit, to ensure the latest historic research is embedded in Tate’s collection records
• Maintain good relationships with key stakeholders in ongoing activity (e.g. external curators, academics, collectors, art trade)
• Develop your profile as a specialist in eighteenth-century British Art; attend events as an advocate for the Historic British team, particularly those in your area of curatorial responsibility
• Provide academic supervision and advice where required for doctoral students and others associated with Tate’s research programme
• Respond to enquiries in a timely manner
Management and Administration
• Manage, coach and develop the Assistant Curator working to you
• Contribute to the management of curatorial files and archiving
What you will bring to the team
Essential
• Demonstrable specialist knowledge of British art of the long eighteenth-century and its key artists (e.g. Gainsborough, Reynolds, Blake) and its associated scholarship, including new directions in art historical research around this period
• Evidence of a strong art historical research profile in this period and of a commitment to sharing your specialist knowledge
• Significant relevant curatorial experience in an art gallery, museum, or with a collection and a sound understanding of the policies and processes involved
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, and an ability to adapt these to the needs of different audiences
• Experience of the processes involved in staging displays and exhibitions, including managing budgets and delivering to deadlines
• A commitment to audiences and an up-to-date understanding of interpretation strategies
• Experience of line management, supporting the development and wellbeing of direct reports
• Well-developed interpersonal and diplomacy skills with the capacity to lead and negotiate
• Proven track record of collaborative and team-based working, with a commitment to applying principles of equality, diversity and respect for all in the workplace
• Excellent organisation, planning and administrative skills, with ability to prioritise and coordinate multiple activities
• Computer literacy – ability to use standard PC applications, as well as collections databases (TMS is used at Tate)
• Interest in and commitment to Tate's work, vision, objectives and values.
Desirable
• Knowledge of Tate’s collection
• Experience of teaching and/or mentoring in the context of academic or curatorial work
• Supervising PhDs.
National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
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