Associate Specialist, Indian and South Asian Art

London, England, United Kingdom

10/25/2024

About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

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.
  
  

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