Canvas Art Law is a team of like-minded lawyers, provenance researchers and advisors working in the international arts, culture and heritage sector. Founded in London in 2017, we have grown our team and our client base steadily over the last few years, taking Canvas to clients all over the world. We are now recruiting for a mid-level Provenance Researcher to join our join our dynamic team as we continue to grow. Due our varied client base and projects, the ideal candidate will have experience in Geology and Natural History. You can find out more about us at www.canavasartlaw.co.uk
About us:
Our team is ambitious, enthusiastic and passionate. We care deeply about the work we do, the impact we have and about those we work with. We are a multi-national firm which has steadily grown over the years expanding into new areas and regions. We cover all areas of art, heritage and cultural property law, but we are best known for our extensive practice in the Middle East, cultural property protection and policy, museum advisory and our work empowering artists and creatives. Over the last 5 years, we have expanded our practice to include natural heritage, natural history and geology, both in regulation, policy and due diligence.
Whilst our office is in London (Somerset House), 50% of the team are based internationally and we are currently expanding to open offices in the Middle East. We try to get together throughout the year for events, team building and training, and our company retreat.
The role:
The role is for a full-time provenance researcher to provide support to Canvas’ due diligence team, primarily serving its museum clients, but also supporting the policy team in the advisory and heritage protection work we do. Whilst the candidate will be expected to work across all areas of art and cultural property, a large part of this role will focus on natural history and geology, including researching geological objects and collections, such as minerals and gemstones, meteorites, and other petrological objects, as well as natural history objects, including dinosaur fossils and collections of flora and fauna.
The ideal candidate will be a mid-level professional with 2-5 years’ relevant experience and preferably with knowledge of the market for natural history and geological specimens and an understanding of the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the trade in this field.
Responsibilities
• Conduct comprehensive research into the provenance of objects or collections through analysis of primary and secondary sources and thoroughly document all research, maintain accurate records of research findings, and communicate findings effectively
• Communicate with external stakeholders and experts and participate in client meetings.
• Contribute to advisory reports, policies and wider regulatory projects in the heritage sector.
• General administrative duties including email filing, document and file management, minute-taking and generating actions and follow-ups.
Experience, skills, and attributes:
ESSENTIAL Qualifications and Experience:
• Between 2-5 years’ experience in provenance research, museum due diligence, acquisitions, collection management or related field;
• Undergraduate degree in any of the following fields: art history, museum studies, archaeology, palaeontology, geology, natural sciences, earth sciences, natural history OR 1 years’ experience working in the field of geology or natural history including in an art market context;
• Familiarity with art market practices and auction processes.
• Fluency in English.
ESSENTIAL Skills and Qualities:
• Excellent organisation skills; time management, prioritisation and multi-tasking.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including being able to synthesise information from diverse sources and identify patterns or trends in the history of an object.
• Strong drafting and report writing with a keen eye for detail.
• Good communicator who enjoys working in a team and demonstrates commitment to the role.
• Ability to work independently and take the initiative in seeking out relevant sources and leads.
DESIRABLE Skills and Qualifications
• Educated to postgraduate level (Master’s) in any of the following: art history, museum studies, archaeology, palaeontology, geology, natural sciences, earth sciences, natural history.
• Experience in museum acquisition or experience working in the art market, specifically in the field of natural history and geological specimens or in a museum environment.
• Understanding of the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the trade in and collection of specimens.
• Foreign language(s).
Further details:
The role will be hybrid or remote based on location, with the successful applicant preferably based in the UK or the GCC but we are also open to considering those based in Europe on a consultancy basis. If you work remotely, you must have a suitable and secure home office from which to work. From time to time, you may be asked to carry out research at local libraries and institutions and some international travel may be required.
Position: Full Time but willing to consider 4 day week options
Salary range: Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits (including Private Medical Insurance), pension (if UK based) and art and cultural events, discounts and exhibitions.
Holiday entitlement: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (Full Time Entitlement).
Requirements: Right to work in the UK (if UK based) or to work on a consultancy basis in your current location, without sponsorship.
Application process:
Please send a CV and covering email to us at info@canvasartlaw.art Your cover letter should answer three questions:
• Why are you applying for this role at Canvas?
• What skills and experience do you have that are directly relevant to the role?
• What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Timeline:
• Applications will close on Friday 14th March at 5pm GMT
• First Interview and Second Interview for selected candidates: anticipated to take place virtually at the end of March (each between 30-45 minutes)
• Offer, subject to Reference checks: anticipated early April
• Anticipated start date: within one month of offer