Take your career in the fine art restoration sector to the next level with Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the UK’s largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation company. Operating out of new purpose-built premises in Mitcham, our team of experienced, skilled restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All treatments are guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Plowden & Smith is committed to supporting employees with their continued professional development and training.

We advertise current vacancies on our website, listed below, however we are always interested in hearing from talented professionals at all stages of their careers. Please send CVs to info@plowden-smith.com. We will be in touch should a suitable vacancy arise.

Why work for Plowden & Smith?

• Work with some of the world’s most rare, beautiful and interesting artworks and artefacts, as well as national and international collections
• Work in a stimulating, creative environment
• Free entry to museums and exhibitions being held in the UK and around the world
• Opportunities throughout the year to attend preview nights and private view events
• Personal Continued Professional Development fund
• Child Care Voucher Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

About Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is a leading fine art and furniture conservation and restoration company.

In December 2018 we moved to purpose-built premises in Mitcham where our team of experienced and skilled conservators and restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All our object treatments are informed by science, guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Staff are committed to continued professional development and training.

Exhibitions Technician

We are seeking an Exhibitions Technician to join our Exhibitions team. This is an exciting opportunity for a practical, detail-oriented individual to contribute to the display and presentation of a wide range of cultural objects. The role involves producing high-quality mounts and supports, as well as creating bespoke armatures, brackets and plinths using materials including brass, steel, acrylic and wood.

• Location: Plowden & Smith, Unit 5, Liongate Enterprise Park, 80 Morden Road, Mitcham CR4 4NY
• Contract type: Permanent Full-Time, Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm
• Salary: £31,000 – £33,000 Depending on Experience
• Proposed Start Date: 27/07/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Exhibitions Technician Key Responsibilities:

• Produce estimates and mock-up drawings for mounts and communicate requirements to the Client Services team.
• Design and fabricate bespoke armatures, brackets and plinths for a wide variety of objects.
• Ensure all materials and methods used are appropriate for the object and comply with conservation standards.
• Work closely with colleagues across departments to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome while maintaining the safety and stability of the object.
• Safely handle, pack and, where required, install artworks and objects.
• Produce photographic records and documentation of projects, particularly completed work.
• Support collaborative projects across the wider business.
• Follow company Health & Safety procedures and best practices (training provided).

About you:
You may already have experience as a museum preparator, exhibitions technician or art handler, or you may come from a background in fine art, engineering, industrial design, fabrication or a related discipline.
We are looking for someone who:
• Enjoys practical problem-solving and making.
• Is an effective team player with strong communication skills.
• Can work accurately and efficiently to meet project deadlines.
• Takes pride in maintaining a tidy, organised and safe working environment.
• Has a careful and conscientious approach to handling valuable and often fragile objects.
Experience working in a commercial environment or private practice would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Skills & Experience:
The following skills would be advantageous, although training will be provided:
• Experience in metalworking, including brazing, welding and soldering.
• Experience in woodworking and plastics fabrication.
• Familiarity with workshop machinery such as lathes, milling machines, band saws and a variety of hand and power tools.
• An understanding of conservation principles and best practice in art handling.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to produce work that is both structurally sound and visually sympathetic to the object.

Why work for Plowden & Smith?
We work with some of the world’s most rare, beautiful and interesting artworks, artefacts, and national and international collections.
• Work in a stimulating, creative environment
• Access to company ICOM cards for free entry to a range of international museums & galleries
• Opportunities throughout the year to attend preview nights and private view events
• Support for Continued Professional Development
• Child Care Voucher Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to Apply
Please send your CV, and covering letter of no more than 250 words to hr@plowden-smith.com, quoting “Exhibitions Technician” in the subject line.
Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas for this role.
Recruitment Adjustments
We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to consider reasonable adjustments for candidates.
If you would like to discuss any adjustments, please contact Kate Goad at hr@plowden-smith.com or call +44 (0)20 8874 4005.

Business Support Administrator

Position: Permanent, Full Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Location: Plowden & Smith Ltd, Unit 5, Liongate Enterprise Park, 80 Morden Road, Mitcham, CR4 4NY
Salary: £29,000 per annum
Proposed Start Date: 27 July 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter

Interviews: Interviews will take place on site at our Mitcham premises.

About Us

Plowden & Smith is one of the UK’s leading providers of art conservation services and is entering an exciting new chapter as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, exceptional craftsmanship and extensive expertise across a wide range of conservation disciplines. Together, our talented team delivers innovative solutions for some of the most complex and prestigious conservation projects for museums, galleries, institutions and private clients across the UK and internationally.

The Role

We are looking for a confident, highly organised and proactive individual to join our team as our Business Support Administrator.

This is a pivotal role within the business. As the first point of contact for visitors, clients and colleagues, you will help create a professional and welcoming environment while providing essential administrative support that enables our operations to run efficiently every day.

Working in a busy and fast-paced conservation practice, you will be responsible for managing multiple priorities, responding to changing demands and ensuring that day-to-day administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time. Your ability to stay organised, communicate effectively and use your initiative will have a direct impact on the smooth running of the business.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will oversee the day-to-day reception function, and provide administrative support across several departments, including our Furniture and Exhibitions teams. This is a varied role where no two days are the same, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys being at the heart of a busy organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome visitors in a professional and friendly manner, acting as the first point of contact for visitors, telephone enquiries, the shared information email account and deliveries.
• Answer, screen and direct incoming telephone calls and respond promptly to general email enquiries.
• Manage visitor records and issue visitor passes where required.
• Handle incoming and outgoing post and deliveries efficiently.
• Coordinate meeting room bookings and assist with diary scheduling.
• Maintain office, workshop and conservator supplies, placing approved orders to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business.
• Provide administrative support across the business, including inventory administration, preparing reports for the weekly Operations Meeting and dedicated administrative support to the Furniture Business Manager and Exhibitions team.
• Ensure the reception area, meeting rooms and communal spaces are maintained to a consistently high professional standard.
• Prepare meeting rooms, materials and refreshments for meetings, visitors and company events.
• Support colleagues with additional administrative tasks as required to meet business needs.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is dependable, adaptable and enjoys working in a busy environment where priorities can change throughout the day.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience in a receptionist, front of house or administrative role, ideally within a creative, logistics or professional services environment.
• A positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding organisational and multitasking abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise work effectively, remain calm under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A confident and professional manner when dealing with clients, visitors and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Knowledge of Airtable and inventory administration would be advantageous, although not essential.

This role is central to the successful day-to-day operation of Plowden & Smith. We are looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership of their work, takes pride in getting the details right and is motivated by supporting a busy team in delivering exceptional service to our clients.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, and covering letter of no more than 250 words to hr@plowden-smith.com, quoting “Business Support Administrator” in the subject line.

Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas for this role.

Recruitment Adjustments

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to consider reasonable adjustments for candidates.

If you would like to discuss any adjustments, please contact Kate Goad at hr@plowden-smith.com or call +44 (0)20 8874 4005