Working with Art

For some jobs, you don’t necessarily need to have or use creative art skills, but you do need to have knowledge of the art world. For example, this could be through taking a course in art history.

Antique Dealer

Antique dealers buy and sell old and collectable objects to make a profit.

Some antique dealers specialise in certain items, for example, silver, furniture or paintings. Others buy and sell a mixture of items.

They buy from other dealers at antiques fairs and markets, at auctions, and from members of the public.

They use their expert knowledge to estimate the value of something they want to buy. They then negotiate a price with the seller.

Antique dealers advise customers on the age, history and maker of the item, and whether it has been repaired.

Art Gallery Conservator

Art gallery conservators preserve objects, such as paintings, to protect them from damage and decay.

The work is both an art and a science. Conservators use craft techniques and scientific principles to treat the object. They check that the objects are genuine and put a date on them.

They may need to restore the original look of an object. They also control and check the conditions in which objects are kept.

Conservators use a wide range of instruments and tools in their work.

Art Gallery Curator

Art gallery curators are in charge of a collection of exhibits in an art gallery.

They identify, register and catalogue objects of art. They manage budgets, and buy new exhibits as well as organise funding and sponsorship.

In small art galleries, they may also have contact with the public.

To arrange an exhibition, they choose which objects to display, and organise any loan of exhibits.

They may write texts to accompany exhibits as well as carry out research

Auctioneer

Auctioneers value goods that are to be sold at an auction and organise all aspects of the sale.

Some auctioneers specialise in one type of item, such as paintings.

The work involves finding a suitable sales room, arranging transportation of goods, producing publicity materials, valuing goods and conducting the auction.