Silver Steward – £30,000 per annum (Maternity cover up to 14 months)

The Goldsmiths' Company is looking to appoint a Silver Steward who will be responsible for the practical day-to-day maintenance and storage of the Company’s historic Collection of silver, jewellery and medals, and for its security and safety both in and out of storage. The Silver Steward works in the storage area at Goldsmiths’ Hall with the Collection on a permanent full-time basis, including regular evening duties, for which overtime payment will be given and a taxi home organised.

JOB TITLE: Silver Steward (Maternity Cover)

DEPARTMENT: Curatorial Department

RESPONSIBLE TO: The Head Curator

LOCATED AT: Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN

HOURS: Working hours are 9.30 a.m. to 5.15 p.m., Monday to Friday, with an hour for lunch. The job is physically based at Goldsmiths Hall. However, the Company will require you to work outside these hours, for which overtime pay will be given, e.g. supplying and checking silver in use at regular evening events; couriering objects on loan to exhibitions etc.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Working to The Head Curator, the Silver Steward is responsible for the practical day-to-day maintenance and storage of the Company’s historic Collection of silver, jewellery and medals, and for its security and safety both in and out of storage. Based in the storage area at Goldsmiths’ Hall with the Collection, the Silver Steward supplies and couriers objects from Collection storage for exhibitions, Company events, teaching sessions, Committee meetings, filming and other requirements. The Silver Steward is also responsible for the safe and responsible movement of objects in the Collection; for recording location changes on the Collections Management System; and for preparing condition assessments for loans. They work with the Head Curator, makers and specialists to organise conservation and care of objects in the Collection. They supervise photography and supply the Head Curator and her team with information and images to document the Collection on the new Collections Management System and Digital Assets Database.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

(a) Working with the Head Curator and the Team in organising the cleaning & effective storage of the Company’s Collection; Liaison as directed by the Curator with artists, makers and expert conservators to arrange repairs and conservation to pieces in the Collection when necessary; monitoring humidity and temperature levels in storage; preparing the Collection for the annual audit using the Collections Management System; responsibility for supervising photography of the Collection and the safety and security of objects being photographed; responsible for uploading new digital images to their respective CMS records accurately and swiftly.

(b) Administration and security of Collection when used at all Company functions; liaising with insurers on insurance for objects used in Company functions, or in transit or on loan.

(c) Supply of silver, jewellery and domestic plate for evening functions on a regular basis; ensuring the safety and security of Collection pieces in use at events; responsibility for their safe return to store after an event. Supervision of Company staff from other teams involved with the collection, cleaning and counting in of silver during Company evening functions.

(d) Working closely within the Curatorial Team organizing the supply of objects and providing support for Exhibitions inside and outside the Hall; monitoring and updating location codes as well as object movement within the CMS; providing access to and alarming storage areas, Hall display cases and exhibition spaces; Couriering objects to outside exhibitions; drafting condition reports prior to all loans out of the Collection; condition check all items upon return of loan and recording this information on the CMS.

(e) Ensuring that visits to the storage area are properly arranged and supervised at all times; conducting visitors as required

(f) Other duties as required

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR THE JOB:

This is a practical service job requiring a responsible individual with a polite and cheerful manner in every setting. The job requires good communication skills, orally and in writing.

It is a physical role requiring constant and careful handling of heavy and precious objects, sometimes on high shelves accessed by step ladders; the chosen individual will need to move safely and appropriately objects weighing up to 45 kg.

A demonstrable experience of practical work with collections, eg exhibitions, storage, movement, audit, technician, museum assistant, mountmaker OR craft or making experience especially in precious metals and jewellery OR conservation training might be suitable backgrounds for the role-holder. A demonstrable interest in silver plate, jewellery, medals and the ability and desire to learn more about them as related to our Collection.

They role-holder should be conscientious and diligent with an eye for detail. A background training in conservation and preventative conservation would be useful though not essential. A demonstrable aptitude for the handling, care and cleaning of silver and jewellery, preferably with previous silversmithing or jewellery experience would be advantageous.

Computer literate, with experience of using Collections Management Systems and Digital Assets systems. Knowledge of the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and their application to the care of silverware is desirable. They will be required to be effective within a small team responsible for this important Collection.

They will need to be reliable, responsive, and able to be a good ambassador for the Company. They will sometimes be required to wear formal clothing and work in a formal environment in our historic Hall.

They must be self-motivated and able to balance routine needs with last minute demands. They must have an ability to work under pressure, and should be adaptable and flexible in turning their hand to the task required. They will also need to be able to manage their own time, but in balance with supporting the work of the team as necessary.

If you believe that you have the required skill set and experience to fulfil the relevant role at the Goldsmiths’ Company, email us at jobs@thegoldsmiths.co.uk with your CV and a covering letter (no more than a page) detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 29 September 2025. If you are successful in being shortlisted, we will be in touch shortly after the closing date. Please note that the role will require a DBS check.

Interviews will be held at Goldsmiths' Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN on Tuesday 7 October.