JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 171

ANTIQUES

decor, art collections and previous
occupants. A substantial part of the job
involves answering visitors' queries.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? Excellent communication skills
are a must, and fluency in one or two
other languages is an advantage. A good
memory for facts, dates and events is
crucial, as is a lively and engaging way
of presenting information to visitors.
No academic qualifications are needed,
although employers often ask for GCSEs
or equivalent in English and maths, and
you may need to train with the Institute
of Tourist Guiding (see box, right).
How much can I earn? Seasonal
positions may be paid by the hour (£9.25

on average), while entry-level salaries
start at £18,000, rising to £30,000.

How much can I earn? Between £250
and £350 a week, or more in London.

Porter

Art handler

A porter is responsible for transporting
items such as books, pictures, furniture
and antiques, many of which are valuable
and fragile. You may also unpack and lay
out goods and deal with customer queries.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? You'll need good communication
skills, a clean driving licence and to be
physically fit. No formal qualifications are
needed, but GSCEs or equivalent in maths
and English are usually required. Previous
experience in an auction house or in a
similar role in the retail sector is valuable.

It's vital to take care when packing and
unpacking valuable pieces to ensure
they arrive at their destination in perfect
condition. This may even involve building
custom crates and ensuring items are
safely secured during transportation.
The role may also involve photographing
items and taking condition reports,
and in some positions, you would
decide how the work is displayed.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? Assessment and decision-making
skills are vital, as is the ability to work
independently. A clean driving licence
is often a requirement. Some colleges
and universities offer art handling
courses, where you practise every detail
of the job on dummy artefacts and art
works before touching the real thing.
How much can I earn? Entry-level
positions start around £25,000, but with
experience can increase to £45,000.

As an auctioneer, it is your
job to secure the highest
price while ensuring the
auction runs to schedule
Find out more
* British Antique Dealers'
Association bada.org
* Institute of Tourist Guiding
itg.org.uk
* Society of Fine Art Auctioneers
& Valuers sofaa.org

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 1 7 1



http://www.bada.org http://itg.org.uk http://www.sofaa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/jcspring2018
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/JobsandCareersAutumn2017
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/YourBusinessWithJamesCaan2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/Careers/Careers_with_Hayley_Taylor_2011
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com