Curator or Senior Curator of Drawings

Job description

About The Courtauld 

The Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts. It is an internationally renowned centre for the teaching and research of art history and is also a major public gallery. The Courtauld Gallery cares for one of the greatest art collections in the UK, sharing these works with the public at its home in Somerset House in central London. It also produces a critically acclaimed series of temporary exhibitions and displays. 

Curator of Drawings or Senior Curator of Drawings 

The Courtauld Gallery is seeking to appoint an outstanding Curator or Senior Curator to lead its internationally renowned collection of drawings and to oversee the work of its Prints & Drawings department – one of the most active in the United Kingdom. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in the history of art or equivalent research experience, specialist expertise and significant curatorial experience in the field of European drawings pre-1800, and the ability to work across the range of the drawings collection. The post requires a highly committed, energetic and ambitious approach, the ability to flourish within a small team, and excellent organisational and communication skills. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking for an exceptional curator with substantial experience of working with drawings in a museum or public gallery setting. You will have a strong curatorial record and and the ability to lead across a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including research, cataloguing, exhibitions, acquisitions, stakeholder engagement, and the management of a small specialist team. 

Role Details 

Permanent

Full-time

Based at Somerset House, London

Salary Range: Curator Grade 7 (£52,947 - £60,658) or Senior Curator Grade 8 (£64,089 - £73,611) per annum, dependent on experience.

Please note that applications will be assessed in accordance with our grading criteria attached. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to;

• Lead the stewardship, development, display and interpretation of the internationally renowned drawings collection.
• Work closely with the Gallery’s Conservator of Works on Paper in all matters relating to the material care, conservation and technical study of the collection of drawings.
• Play a key role in developing the collection of drawings as an online resource through the documentation, cataloguing, digitisation and interpretation of the collection and its delivery to wide and varied audiences, particularly via Collection Online.
• Build and nurture relationships with collectors, auction houses, dealers and potential benefactors so as to enhance the collection of drawings and support the Gallery’s programmes.

Why Join Us? 

At The Courtauld, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment where professional growth is encouraged. 

Some of our benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave + 6 office closure days
• Bicycle Loan, Season Ticket Loan
• Free Gallery Access & Discounts
• Staff discounts at our onsite café and coffee shop
• Wellbeing Support & Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Review the job description and person specification, then complete the online application form and submit for review. 

Closing Date: Sunday 13 September 2026 at 23:59pm.

Interview Date: Friday 2 October 2026.

As an equal opportunities employer, the Courtauld is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Courtauld.

If you have any questions, please contact

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

london (city of london)

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

02-08-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English