Freelance Archivist / Research Position for the Laverstoke Mill Project

JOB TITLE: Freelance Archivist or similar heritage professional for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill.
DURATION OF CONTRACT: 6 months, starting as soon as possible.
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Full-time ideally, part-time will be considered.
LOCATION OF PROJECT:
The position will be based at Laverstoke Mill, address:
The Bombay Spirits Company Ltd, Laverstoke Mill, London Road, Hampshire, RG28 7NR. The site is between the villages of Overton and Whitchurch, near both the 303 and the M3, and in easy reach of Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover, as well as only 45 minutes from Heathrow.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill will be the new and sole distillery for Bombay Sapphire, located in rural Northern Hampshire, on the river test. Currently work is underway to convert the 1000 year old mill into a state of the art, highly sustainable gin distillery. Previously the site was home to the Portal family who made high quality paper for the bank notes of England, and commonwealth countries under exclusive contract. The site has had 5 royal visits and contains 3 grade two listed English Heritage buildings.

When open in late 2013 the Visitor Centre aims to attract over 100K visitors annually, who will be able to see Bombay Sapphire being made, as well as the botanicals used in the process in a striking glass house, designed by Thomas Heatherwick (of Olympic Cauldron fame). There will also be a bar, shop and cafe where guests can relax and drink a cocktail next to the beautiful river test. We will have both a heritage centre open to the public (free of charge), and also further exhibition talking about our production process, history as a brand and the history of the site (paid).

HERITAGE PROJECT OVERVIEW
As part of the above project, we are looking for one freelance archivist or similar heritage professional to research the history of the Laverstoke paper mill in order to develop the heritage elements of this project alongside existing agencies. This covers the gathering of information relating to the history of the site, the development of exhibitions in the visitor centre and assisting with the publicity of the site from a heritage perspective.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The archives for the Mill are not owned by the Bombay Sapphire Company, so the work would therefore largely include:

• Researching the history of the Mill, for example: locating and recording other archive sources for the Mill; speaking to local people to gather oral history and locate archives and artefacts in the local community with the possibility of purchasing or borrowing items for exhibition; gathering all information together so that we have a permanent record of the available historical information; obtaining surrogate copies of photographs and other materials as appropriate.
• Assisting with the communication of the history of the mill, for example to the press in the lead up to the opening of the site, for the training of new staff and for the visiting public. This will include the creation of a detailed summary of the history of the mill and various specific aspects of the mill’s history, taking into account special features such as the ice house and the old mill wheel. It will also involve working closely with the marketing team and may involve presenting the history to special groups.
• Taking part in related historical events which may be held at the site or in the local area during the period of the contract.
• Working with relevant agencies to develop an historical exhibition about the history of Laverstoke Mill, including the placement of physical objects and the development of historical content for audio and video presentations.
• Answering any enquiries relating to the history of the mill which are received during the period of the contract.
• Working with a writer to develop an official history of the site and buildings.
• The development of an archive storage area for items relating to the mill and the Bombay Sapphire brand.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
The position will report to both the Visitor Centre General Manager with regard to the project specifics and the Global Archive Manager for Bacardi Global Brands regarding heritage practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The position would best suit an individual with extensive experience of using or working with archives, for example a qualified archivist or a professional researcher. Experience of creating exhibitions and conducting oral history interviews is also essential. The person must possess excellent communication skills and presentation skills and be comfortable working in a marketing environment.

TIMEFRAME
• Interested applicants should send copies of CVs and covering letters with relevant information to me, Jacqui Seargeant, at the address below. Please include proposed costs.
• Please submit all details by 7th May 2013.
• Interviews will be held soon after this date.
• The project is urgent and therefore we would like the chosen applicant to commence the work as soon as possible.

CONTACT
Jacqui Seargeant, Global Archive Manager
John Dewar & Sons Ltd, 1700 London Road, Glasgow, G32 8XR
Telephone: 0141 551 4081, Email: [log in to unmask]

John Dewar & Sons Ltd and The Bombay Sapphire Company Ltd are part of the Bacardi Group of companies.

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