Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers
Senior Department Specialist- Fine Interiors
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About Sworders
Operating since 1782, Sworders is one of the longest-established fine art auction houses in the UK, conducting over fifty auctions annually. Specialist categories include British and European Paintings, Asian Art, Jewellery, Watches, Furniture, Silver, Design, and Modern and Contemporary Art.
Combining exceptional personal advice with innovative, thoughtful marketing and a deep understanding of the art and antiques market, Sworders operates internationally, providing valuation and auction services worldwide.
Outline Summary
Sworders’ Fine Interiors Department holds four sales a year, each one comprising a covetable selection of period and modern furniture and decorative arts. Incorporating single-owner collections and private estates as well as individual consignments, each auction brings together a wide range of collecting categories, including furniture, silver, carpets, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and works of art from around the world.
We are looking for a Senior Department Specialist who will be pivotal in the department, sharing our passion for fine objects, important collections and stylish interiors to contribute to the production of four Fine Interiors catalogues per year, as well as offering support for exciting single-owner sales.
Responsibilities
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Support the Head of Fine Interiors in the day-to-day leadership of the department, ensuring high standards of performance, organisation and client service are consistently maintained.
- Act as second-in-command within the department, deputising for the Head of Department where required.
- Mentor and support the Cataloguer, overseeing workloads and maintaining departmental standards.
- Lead by example, encouraging collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement within the team.
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Play a leading role in preparing Fine Interiors sales by researching, cataloguing and presenting property to the highest professional standard.
- Catalogue a wide variety of furniture, works of art and decorative objects.
- Produce accurate condition reports, catalogue entries, research and specialist essays.
- Assist in reviewing catalogue proofs and maintaining Sworders' cataloguing standards.
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Support specialist projects, private collections and other departmental initiatives.
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Support the successful delivery of Fine Interiors auctions from initial consignment through to auction day and post-sale activity.
- Assist with sale preparation, lotting and viewing arrangements.
- Make catalogue and marketing recommendations in collaboration with the Head of Department and Marketing team.
- Participate in auction days through auctioneering, telephone bidding and responding to client enquiries.
- Provide post-sale support to clients where required.
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Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, helping to grow the Fine Interiors Department through securing high-quality consignments and delivering an exceptional client experience.
- Take responsibility for business getting, developing new opportunities and fostering long-term relationships with buyers, vendors and repeat clients.
- Undertake valuation appointments, external client visits and represent Sworders at events where appropriate.
- Handle departmental client enquiries, providing specialist advice before, during and after sales.
- Contribute significantly to the department's annual hammer total through successful business development activities.
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Manage pre-sale processes, including contacting vendors for valuation confirmation and responding to valuation enquiries.
- Assist with unpacking consignments, checking deliveries and organising departmental stock.
- Oversee stock management, ensuring items are accurately labelled, located and tracked throughout the sale process.
- Liaise with the Photography and Art Handling teams to ensure the efficient movement of property through the business.
- Help develop and improve departmental processes to maximise efficiency.
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Show integrity and have a willingness to learn, develop personal knowledge and skills to support the department and personal growth, keeping up to date with commercial fashions, trends, and hammer prices.
- Participating in team meetings, sharing ideas and feedback to support department growth.
- Collaborating with valuation, administrative, and marketing teams to ensure the successful presentation of items for sale.
- Staying updated on trends, commercial fashions, and hammer prices to support cataloguing and personal development.
- Proactively identifying areas for personal growth and undertaking research or training to enhance knowledge and skills.
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Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures.
- Adhering to Sworders' internal policies and procedures, including Data Protection, Privacy Policies, and AML processes.
- Attending Sworders events and supporting initiatives where appropriate.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar specialist role within an auction house or fine art environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with a proven ability to secure consignments, generate business and build long-term client relationships.
- Excellent knowledge of British, European and International furniture, works of art and the department's principal collecting categories.
- Demonstrable experience in researching, cataloguing, valuing and condition reporting to a high professional standard.
- Proven ability to contribute towards departmental sales targets and wider business objectives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build credibility with clients and colleagues alike.
- Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- A proactive, self-motivated and commercially minded approach with a willingness to identify opportunities and drive improvements.
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues and maintaining high departmental standards.
- Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
- High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and auction management systems.
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Desirable Skills
- Existing network of collectors, dealers, interior designers and professional advisers within the Fine Interiors market.
- Auction market experience.
- Experience working with high-value private collections and single-owner sales.
- Knowledge of current market trends and developments across Fine Interiors categories.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for client appointments.
What We Offer
Family First
- Flexible working: We are committed to providing flexibility in how and where work is performed to support our diverse workforce.
Wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme: A confidential service offering resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges.
- Company events: Seasonal parties, school connections, charitable initiatives, and more.
- Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day, including the flexibility to take as long as needed for lunch.
Development
- Education & Growth: We support and encourage staff to expand their skills and experiences through both internal and external opportunities.
Sustainability
- Climate Perks: We offer paid 'journey days' to staff who choose land or sea travel over flying for holidays, empowering employees to act on their values.
…and much more!
If you are enthusiastic and looking to establish yourself in an exciting role please send your CV with a brief covering letter outlining why you are perfect for Sworders to Jo Winter – jowinter@sworder.co.uk
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