Curator Modern Europe 1800 to Present

About the role:

Presenting history through objects is key to all curatorial roles at the British Museum. The holder of this senior post in the Department of Britain, Europe & Prehistory will have a strong foundation in European history from 1800 to the present and an established track-record of questioning material culture to locate the histories of European peoples, places and events in their global, cultural, and historical contexts by working with museum professionals and other experts.

The jobholder needs some specialist knowledge of one or more categories of objects in the collection which encompasses decorative and applied arts, glass, gold, silver and other metalsmiths’ work, industrial and studio ceramics, traditional textiles, basketry, and woodwork. Objects demonstrating the reception of earlier periods and other cultures, oftentimes relating to international archaeological milestones, are a particular strength. Judaica, the material culture of British and colonial administrations, artefacts made and used by traditional communities, and objects reflecting the experience of Europeans outside Europe form other elements. Objects in the permanent collection are documented and digitised. Their variety can be appreciated through searching Collection Online on the Museum’s website.