Chief Curator, Wedgwood Museum

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Curator of the Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston, reporting to the Keeper of the Department of Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass, V&A Museum.

The Chief Curator of the Wedgwood Museum will lead the staff in caring for, developing and interpreting the collections and making them publicly accessible. These historic collections, which encompass both museum objects and extensive archives are of National importance. This exciting opportunity arises at a time of significant reinvestment in the V&A’s European ceramic collections. Working closely with the V&A, the postholder will actively build synergies between the Wedgwood collection and South Kensington. He/she will work with other museums, with academics and artists, as well as centres of ceramic production in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond, including the World of Wedgwood, to develop a dynamic public programme that will attract new and diverse audiences to the Potteries. As Chief Curator the post holder will also advise on these collections to government bodies and other public institutions. This post has significant strategic and managerial responsibilities for staff, budgets, resource planning and for identifying opportunities for promoting and developing the care of the collections and access to them.

We are seeking someone with significant experience of managing similarly complex collections, and with a thorough understanding of best practice in interpreting, documenting and preserving them. The post holder will have an established reputation for management at a senior level and will contribute to the development of scholarship in the subject area nationally and internationally. In addition, he/she will have substantial experience of curatorial work and demonstrable administrative skills.

Please note that candidates who are invited for an interview will be asked for an example of the written/published work.

To apply, please visit our website: www.vam.ac.uk/vacancies

Closing date for receipt of applications is midday Monday 26 August 2019.

Interviews to be held in September 2019.