VACANCY: PAUL OPPÉ ARCHIVE PROJECT CATALOGUER

9 month contract or a secondment opportunity 

London WC1  

The Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art is delighted to have been allocated – under the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme – the archive of the art historian and art collector, Paul Oppé.  It is now seeking a professional Archivist to appraise, arrange, repackage, catalogue and make available this pre-eminent collection.  Proven experience of sorting and cataloguing archive collections in accordance with international standards and to set deadlines is essential.    

The Paul Oppé Archive was permanently allocated to the Centre in 2017 and contains papers created in both a professional and personal capacity.  Alongside material that reflects the individual’s work as an art historian, critic, museum official and art collector, it also includes a significant volume of correspondence with, and between, family members.  At the heart of the archive is an extensive series of diaries and notebooks which were used to record professional appointments, every day activities and private thoughts.  Together the material presents a great source of art historical information relating to the first half of the twentieth century.    Further information can be found:  
https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/whats-on/news/oppe-acquisition/page/1

The archive requires detailed cataloguing – the diaries and notebooks at item level - and the resulting catalogue must be ISAD(G) compliant.  The project will also involve selecting material for digitisation, clearing copyright and attaching images to the catalogue.  In addition, it will include liaising with a library cataloguer working on Oppe’s extensive library of art historical and rare books.  Dependent on timescales, the project may additionally include publicising and promoting the collection via the Centre’s website, newsletter, blogs and other means.  The Paul Mellon Centre uses Axiell’s CALM software.  

The successful candidate will have a postgraduate qualification in Archives and Records Management as well as significant proven experience of cataloguing large, discrete archive collections.   Applicants should be highly motivated and possess excellent communication skills.  Good organisational skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team and alone are also essential.  A basic knowledge of British Art would be an advantage. 

This is a nine month, full time role beginning February/March 2019 with a salary of £30-33k (dependent on experience) per annum, pro rata.  The position is offered either as a 9-month employment contract or the Centre would consider offering as a secondment. This is a re-advertisement and previous candidates need not apply.

For an informal discussion, contact the Centre’s Archivist & Records & Data Protection Manager, Charlotte Brunskill on 020 7580 0311 or [log in to unmask] Please note that the Centre is closed from 20 December 2018 and reopens on 3 January 2019. 

To apply please go to https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/about/paul-oppe-archive-project-cataloguer where you will find the Centre’s application form, an outline of the responsibilities and further details of the role and of the organisation. 

To apply for this role please send your completed application form either by post or email to [log in to unmask] The closing date for applications is midnight on 11th January 2019.  Interviews will be held on Monday 28th January 2019.

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