Specialist: Furniture Department | Newbury

Job Title: Specialist – Furniture Department
Location: Dreweatts Auction House, Newbury, UK 
Department: Furniture and Works of Art
Reports To: Head of Furniture

As a Dreweatts Furniture Specialist you will play a key role in supporting the Furniture and Works of Art department. This dynamic position involves carrying out valuations as part of the department and helping the valuations team; client engagement including advising clients on valuations and overseeing client consignments;  assisting with the preparation and execution of auctions, including researching and cataloguing furniture, rugs and works of art to strict deadlines, preparation of the catalogues, preparing of condition reports pre-auction, telephone bidding and helping with post-auction client service. 

Key Responsibilities

Valuation and Cataloguing:

• Valuation of furniture, rugs and works of art for inclusion in auctions including departmental sales and house sales.
• Fielding client enquiries and advising clients both in person visits and via email.
• Visiting clients around the UK both for the department and for the Valuations department as part of a team and on your own.
• Write accurate and engaging catalogue descriptions reflecting the relevant provenance, condition, and significance of pieces.
• Ensure all lots are properly catalogued, photographed, and uploaded to the auction platform in a timely manner.
• Assist with the production of auction catalogues.

Client Engagement:

• Liaise with clients providing advice and guidance on consignment and sale of their items.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of service and satisfaction.
• Assist with private valuations and appraisals for probate or sale purposes.
• Enter client consignments onto the inhouse system and be responsible to managing client consignments in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Draw up contracts and ensure terms of engagement are agreed prior to auction.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Auction Preparation and Execution:

• Work collaboratively to stage, arrange, and oversee the auction preview displays.
• Prepare and send condition reports pre-auction.
• Assist during auctions, both online and in person, including telephone bidding, ensuring commission bids are handled properly and ensuring a seamless experience for clients.
• Collaborate with marketing to highlight the department’s expertise and offering, including video campaigns and press releases.
• Manage post-sale administration, including assisting buyers and corresponding post-sale with vendors.

Undertake any other reasonable tasks or projects as requested.

To apply, please send your CV and letter to Mandy Dooley | email: mdooley@dreweatts.com