Location
New York, NY | United States
Job description
Acting as Cataloguer in the Photographs Department in New York, this position will be responsible for cataloguing, conditioning, imaging, and researching all property consigned to the Photographs sales. The property primarily includes printed photographs from the 19th century to present day for a minimum of 2 live auctions per year. Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Inspect and catalogue all property upon arrival
- Write and finalize catalogue descriptions using auction standards
- Prepare condition reports and review with Head of Department
- Communicate image edits, crops, and color-checking within Phillips’ digital asset manager software, prior to approval of all imaging for all property
- Research property for literature references, provenance, and exhibition history using internal and external resources, such as libraries, databases, and speaking with other experts in the field
- Research and write catalogue essays
- Send cataloguing and provenance confirmation emails to Specialists
- Coordinate with external vendors for framing, conservation, and reprinting of photographs
- Prepare property for in-person property review meetings with Head of Department and Senior Specialists to determine condition and amend cataloguing as necessary
- Coordinate the production and copyright approvals for all department marketing assets and videography
- Support Specialists and department with the pre-sale exhibition including, but not limited to, greeting clients and the coordination of private viewings
- File and release certificates of authenticity and signature labels appropriately and in a timely manner post-sale
- Assist Specialists with research for business-getting initiatives such as appraisals and selections for sale
- Organize and maintain department library
- Manage department intern
- Other duties as assigned
Professional Skills and Experience
- Academic and market knowledge of photographs, essential
- Bachelor’s degree, required
- Master’s Degree or 2+ years or experience performing similar duties in an auction house, gallery or museum, preferred
- Previous experience of cataloguing photographs or works on paper, preferred.
- Language skills in addition to English, desirable
Personal Attributes
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize effectively, work proactively, and adjust to change
- Ability to communicate in a professional manner with a wide variety of people including superior written communication
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and in high pressure situations
- Ability to work individually on own initiative and as part of a team
- Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and responsibly
- Ability to learn Phillips’ internal processes and systems
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint)
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily undertaken in our Park Avenue office with frequent visits to our Long Island City warehouse
- Weekends and evenings required when necessary
Job tags
Salary
$24.04 - $26.44 per hour
