Bonhams
Cataloguer for Marine and Travel & Exploration Pictures
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About the Bonhams Network
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.
With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.
Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.
For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com.
Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.
About the Role
In your role as Cataloguer you will be required to carry out the following:
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- To catalogue incoming property for sale and oversee photography of each item
- Management of the catalogue including but not limited to:
- Overseeing authentication
- Property control - keeping track of consignments and artwork movements
- Research
- Maintaining a progress database accessible by all but accountable to you
- Monitoring adverts
- Monitoring special terms in proposals
- Contributing catalogue notes
- Liaising with senior staff over sensitive areas
- Assisting with condition reporting prior to the sale
- Liaison with specialists to ensure prompt advice and service to our customers and complete initial research and to develop specialist knowledge across the period
- To continue to play a leading role in business intelligence and client research; updating databases and anticipating growth areas by keeping on top of news and blogs etc
- Keeping records and files in order for customers, sales and external consultants
- Efficient handling of client enquiries over the telephone and at the front desk and on valuations alongside specialists
- Keep exploring areas where your career can grow in terms of client development, expertise, and ultimately business getting
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In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager.
Note: The Marine and Travel & Exploration Sales fall under the 19th Century Paintings Department, which holds over 12 sales a year, both live and online, between NBS and KB.
Key Skills and Experience
- Excellent word processing skills, knowledge of MS Word and Excel
- Excellent time people skills and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
- Ability to be discrete and keep confidentiality
- Flexibility and the ability to be a team player
- Experience in an Auction house, gallery or museum is preferred
- Foreign language skills are desired
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What We Offer
Time Off
- 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays), 1 extra day per year of service (up to 33 days holiday a year)
- Christmas Closure & Summer Fridays
Healthcare & Protection
- Private health insurance & EAP
- Eyecare Vouchers
- Life Assurance
Family Support
- 16 weeks maternity leave at full pay
- 4 weeks paternity leave at full pay
Other Perks
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Perks at Work cashback & discounts via Medicash
- Gym Discount
- AWITA subscription (Association of Women in the Arts)
- Parent Support Network
Bonhams’ reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 22nd October 2026 at midnight.
We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.
Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
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