General Decorative Arts Valuer

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London based 12-month temporary role with Sotheby’s London Valuations seeking a graduate with at least five years experience valuing chattels, able to deliver evidence based valuations across 15th to 20th Century Decorative Arts covering British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture and Clocks, with desirability for Modern Design, Asian and Islamic Decorative Arts. Responsibilities include on-site or desktop cataloguing, producing catalogues and estimates, and travel across the UK and Europe while upholding discretion and liaising with specialists. Requirements: full driving licence, IT and photography skills, English fluency; RICS membership desirable. To apply, tailor your CV to show provenance research, deadlines met, regulatory compliance, and strong client service aligned with Sotheby’s standards.

THE ROLE

To provide formal, evidence-based valuations of all Decorative Arts categories (15th – 20th Century) including, but not limited to, British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks on behalf of Sotheby’s London Valuations department. Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. desirable.

This is a Temporary position with a 12-month commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing formal valuations for sale, insurance, taxation, family division, loan collateral, and estate planning purposes based either on on-site visits or desktop updates
• Locating, cataloguing, and photographing items whilst on-site demonstrating exceptional attention to detail
• Submitting accurate and detailed cataloguing in a timely and efficient manner along with reliable, evidence-based estimates
• Assisting with valuations across the UK and Europe, being prepared to travel extensively, occasionally at short notice
• Offering a thorough and excellent service to a wide range of clients and their professional advisors in line with corporate standards, acting as an ambassador for Sotheby’s in both manner and appearance
• Maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and trustworthiness, always respecting complete client confidentiality
• Working as part of a team alongside valuation managers and production staff both on-site and in the office
• Liaising and communicating clearly with Sotheby’s specialist departments and external consultants when appropriate to check cataloguing and values
• Carrying out office-based work such as provenance research, composing footnotes (when appropriate), proof-reading and correcting documents, and handling ad hoc general valuation enquiries when required
• Understanding and adhering to all legal and compliance requirements particular to the industry i.e. Ivory, CITES, AML etc.
• Understanding the risk inherent in valuation work, being responsible and accountable for all work submitted
• Maintaining an accurate and up to date calendar at all times
• Supporting sales and business-getting when required
• Managing expense claims in a timely manner

EXPERINCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Educated to graduate standard
• Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or a related professional body desirable
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience valuing chattels at an international auction house, specialist valuation service, or related art business
• Proven practical experience of cataloguing and valuing British and Continental Furniture, Rugs and Carpets, Sculpture, and Clocks
• Knowledge in additional areas such as Modern Design, Asian, Indian and Islamic Decorative Arts, Silver, Collectibles, etc. advantageous
• Awareness of the broader market at both regional and international level
• Understanding the UK taxation system within the context of chattels valuations i.e. IHT, CGT, Acceptance in Lieu scheme, conditional exemption claims, rental negotiations, and retrospective valuations desirable

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Full, clean driving licence
• Good IT and photography skills, along with basic Excel
• Strong communication skills along with an organised and methodical approach to work
• Fluency in English, proficiency in another European language advantageous

COMPETENCIES

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively alone using own initiative, as well working as part of a larger team taking direction
• Holding a flexible approach to working hours and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally when required
• Ability to work under pressure, coordinate a busy schedule, and prioritise workload all whilst meeting tight deadlines