ABOUT PLOWDEN & SMITH | CAREERS

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

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

Art Handler / Studio Technician

Job Brief
Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the UK’s largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation company.
Plowden & Smith is looking to recruit a full-time Art Handler / Studio Technician.

For the full job description see here.

Please email a C.V. and covering letter for the attention of Galia Kirilova to info@plowden-smith.com

Conservation Projects Assistant

Job Brief

Plowden & Smith is looking for a permanent, full-time Conservation Projects Assistant to support the Project Manager with a range of administrative, operations and project management tasks. The role will be based in our south London office and will be a multifaceted and hands-on role. 

We are looking for an early-career individual with some experience in operations, logistics or project management. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and dynamic team-player, with a proactive approach to work and problem-solving. The Conservation Projects Assistant will work closely with the manager to support with daily studio tasks and operations, project coordination and execution. Experience of the art and heritage world is beneficial but not essential; an energetic, motivated, and hardworking individual is the key requirement for this role.

For the full job description see here.

If you’re interested in this position, we’d love to hear from you. Please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you’re right for the role to: lauren.healy@plowden-smith.com 

Project Manager

Job Brief
Plowden & Smith is looking for a permanent, full-time Project Manager to join the Projects team, to successfully run and deliver various domestic and international projects.

Our projects department has grown significantly in recent years, with a large proportion of projects taking place in the Middle East, as well as in the UK and Europe. Clients are government bodies, logistics companies, private clients and institutions. Project scope typically covers the condition reporting, conservation and registration of objects and collections in preparation for shipping, exhibitions or museum openings.
We are looking for a mid-career individual with experience managing projects, operations or logistics in a small to medium-sized business. The ideal candidate will be confident employing project management processes, comfortable juggling a busy workload, and will have the people skills and diplomacy to manage various stakeholders and subcontractors.

Managing projects at Plowden & Smith is like no other project management role. The successful candidate will need to be flexible, motivated, and willing to take on a variety of tasks to deliver project success. They will join a high-performing, warm and friendly team with the drive to find solutions, overcome challenges and deliver exceptional services across a range of projects in the art world.

Although a background in the art or cultural sector is not essential, experience managing projects of a similar nature and/or scale would be beneficial.

The role will be based in our south London office with some hybrid working a possibility.

For the full job description see here.

If you’re interested in this position, we’d love to hear from you. Please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you’re right for the role to: lauren.healy@plowden-smith.com 

Paper Conservator

Responsibilities 

  • Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment methodologies and treatment reports
  • Undertaking treatments of both historic and modern works on paper and paper-based ephemera focused on fine art and ranging from those executed on traditional substrates to varied modern materials and techniques.
  • Undertaking both structural and surface treatments including but not limited to – repair of tears, surface cleaning, flattening, stain reduction, adhesive and tape removal, washing, lining, consolidation, infilling, retouching, hinging, and mounting, framing.
  • Keeping stock of studio materials for the studio and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time.
  • Liaising with the Conservation Manager and Client Services to ensure the smooth running of department workload 
  • The ability to communicate conservation treatments to clients and stakeholders.
  • Provide advice on preventive conservation measures for works on paper. 
  • Work with other departments on collaborative projects 


Personal Specifications

Essential

  • You will have a degree in paper conservation and a minimum of 4-5 years’ post qualification experience specialising in paper conservation. 
  • Experience with Fine Art 
  • Experience with Contemporary Art 
  • Reports are a vital part of this role. A clear, concise, technical writing style and excellent IT literacy are required. Knowledge of Microsoft suite and digital mark ups are necessary. 
  • Treatments are carried out both in the studio and in situ, requiring the willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally as and when required
  • You will be an effective team worker with excellent communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience working in private practice is desirable as you will be required to work under your own initiative and effectively manage your workflow to meet deadlines in a fast-paced commercial environment
  • Knowledge of the condition reporting application ‘Articheck’
  • ICON Pathway Member (financial support for maintaining this is provided)

This is a permanent, full-time position based in out of our Mitcham, London studio
5 days per week, offering a salary of between (£32,333,00 and £35,000) per annum. 
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. 


For further information or to apply for this position please submit a C.V, digital portfolio and an example of a Condition Report, to emily.harris@plowden-smith.com

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
  • Hybrid Working

 

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.

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