Cataloguer, Chinese Works of Art

Cataloguer, Chinese Works of Art

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

Why This Role Matters

The Cataloguer position contributes to the production of all auction catalogues for the Chinese Works of Art department throughout the year.  Responsibilities include processing the consigned works of art for sale, including research and catalogue entry writing and proofing, coordination of photography, and varying duties as dictated by sale schedule. The cataloguer will also assist with appraisals and client management.     
 

How you'll make an impact

• Research property for bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using libraries, on-line databases, the internet, and outside experts (such as curators, dealers, publishers, etc.).

• Catalogue property for public and private sales using methods listed above in complete and proofed Christie’s format.

• Write and prepare catalogue essays.

• Attend all hilling sessions and amend catalogue sheets after hilling sessions.

• Proof all cataloguing with specialists before submitting final proof to Catalogue Production.

• Translate (English-Chinese) catalogue entries and condition reports where needed.

• Send out special interest letters to market each upcoming auction, as assigned.

• Prepare condition reports in the system and forward to clients upon request.

• Assist clients in galleries during preview weekend and sale week for the purpose of building client relationships for Christie’s, especially in Greater China.

• Maintain department library and research materials.

• Assist with catalogue production where needed.

• Assist with photography coordination as needed.

• Serve as liaison with outside experts.

• Maintain sale images in canvas image library (color checking, monitor progress, liaise with photo studio on missing images, deadline constraints)

• Flag any authenticity concerns and condition issues in timely manner to appropriate specialist.

• Assist specialists with case order for exhibition design and be on hand for helping with exhibition set-up.

• Greet/visit clients on-site and off-site to support appraisal, consignment and sale efforts.

• Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction.

• Other duties as assigned by Manager.

What you’ll bring to the team

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred

• Knowledge of, and demonstrable interest in, the wider art market

• Minimum 2 years paid experience in the Arts

• Spoken, written and reading proficiency in Traditional Chinese, fluency preferred

• Knowledge of E-mail, Spreadsheet, Word Processing and Presentation
  software (Microsoft Office preferred)

• Ability to learn Christie’s systems including JDE and Canvas

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication

• Superior client service skills

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Demonstrated ability for project management

• Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail

• Required to handle, inspect and/or take photographs of works of art for appraisal and consignment

• Required to create written or recorded descriptions of inspected items

• Required to attend events, exhibitions, art fairs locally, domestically and possibly internationally

• Some travel required (local, domestic and possibly international)

What’s great about working for us

• Comprehensive Medical