Senior Specialist, Illuminated Manuscripts

London, England, United Kingdom

11/28/2024

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 win business for, to catalogue and research property, and to help co-ordinate sales of books and manuscripts across Europe and the UK while aligning with Global initiatives; with a special focus on medieval manuscripts, continental books and manuscripts, and, preferably, music

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Business getting across Europe (and further afield when necessary) for various-owner and single-owner sales, and sales by private treaty; valuation of property for sale, and negotiation with potential and existing clients
• Contributing to meeting sales and net profits targets for sales, either by auction or private treaty
• Providing expertise; researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard and according to scheduled deadlines
• Assisting with and co-ordinating research, both internally, and with external experts
• Involvement in all aspects of sale production including photography, online publication of catalogues, the creation of related content and editorial materials
• Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by e-mail and on the telephone
• Writing condition reports, estimate enquiries and general correspondence
• Working alongside the New York, Paris, and London departments in business-getting, the promotion and selling of sales worldwide, and global sales coordination
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Contributing to maintaining and raising the department’s profile by undertaking lectures and other promotional engagements as appropriate
• Involvement as required with the preparation of major valuations
  
  

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• Educated, certainly to graduate, and possibly to post-graduate level
• A knowledge of medieval and renaissance manuscripts is essential
• An existing high profile with concomitant experience in the field of rare books is highly desirable
• A working knowledge of musical manuscripts would be an advantage
• The ability to work effectively individually, and as a part of a team, to support colleagues both locally and globally when required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Prepared to travel, at short notice, as required
• A flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure. Extended working hours will be necessary at deadlines
• Good organisational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Some understanding of, and interest in, Sotheby’s, including the services it offers as well as its corporate values
• The ability to communicate at all levels within the business, and with a wide range of potential clients
• Knowledge of European and/or classical languages would be an advantage
  
  

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