Manager of Art Gallery and Art Advisory company

Waterhouse & Dodd and Fine Art Brokers

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Waterhouse & Dodd, dealers in 20th Century and Contemporary Art and formed in 1987, and its sister company, Fine Art Brokers, a leading art advisory company, are seeking a full-time Manager to start immediately. The companies are based in a small but well-appointed private dealing space on the Upper East Side near Madison Avenue. We also have a gallery in London.

We are looking for an allrounder with wide-ranging skills and knowledge of the art market, and who has had at least 4 years’ experience in the art world. The successful candidate will have his or her own office space and work with the owner, Ray Waterhouse, and with the Director of Modern and Contemporary Art, Sandra Safta Waterhouse, and also with our consultant, Simone DiLaura. The new Manager will work with and be responsible for the part-time book-keeper/admin assistant. There will be days when the Manager will work alone and be in charge (especially until we fully open in September).

The role involves managing the day to day activities of both companies and the admin - both of which are highly important - but the Manager will also play a significant role in sourcing art, research, helping create client presentations and generally helping to create business. Depending on the experience and expertise of the successful candidate there will be opportunities to research upcoming auctions in the US and elsewhere for potential purchases for both W&D inventory and for FAB clients. There will also be involvement with writing and designing occasional newsletters and social media.

Because of the amount of learning involved, we seek someone who will work with us for a minimum of two years (and hopefully much longer) during which time his or her responsibilities will increase. The wide-ranging nature of the role means that the successful candidate will learn a great deal about art dealing and art advisory work. Someone with excellent organisational ability will be able to cope with the admin aspects of the role and work on more interesting aspects and even develop client relationships.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Being responsible for managing all gallery and advisory admin and instructing the part-time assistant in certain tasks. Admin includes creating sales invoices, writing and preparing tear sheets for inventory, managing the gallery database for inventory and mailing lists for US items, and organizing logistics. (The London gallery organizes UK inventory and clients on the same database).

  • Helping to organize the gallery exhibits in every respect, and occasionally assisting with storing paintings in racks and moving paintings for hanging.

  • Overseeing the part-time assistant with minor book-keeping, and arranging occasional payments in conjunction with our in-house London accountant.

  • Updating online art databases (primarily Artsy) for New York inventory, in conjunction with Simone DiLaura, the part-time our assistant and also the London gallery.

  • Researching auctions for inventory, doing value comparisons for possible purchases, contacting other dealers and auction houses with regard to purchases and sales, and helping with valuations.

  • Assisting Ray Waterhouse generally with the running of Fine Art Brokers.

  • Assisting with and developing online and postal sales campaigns with Simone diLaura.

  • Assisting Ray Waterhouse with research for sales and acquisitions for both Waterhouse & Dodd and Fine Art Brokers, and working with Sandra Safta Waterhouse on Modern and Contemporary research and sales.

  • Preparation for art fairs and gallery openings.

  • Developing our social media in conjunction with our external online marketing expert.

  • Answering the phone when needed, coordinating and receiving deliveries, liaising with restorers and framers.

Requirements

As written above, a minimum of four years’ experience is a requirement, preferably in a New York auction house or gallery. A broad knowledge of late 19th century and 20th century art is desired, and direct experience of Modern and/or Post-War art a distinct advantage. W&D and FAB deal in and advise on art from 1860 to the present day (with Sandra and Simone handling most Contemporary business).

  • Language abilities are beneficial but not essential. We assume most candidates will have a degree in Art History but art market experience is more important. The ability to have already or learn some basic design skills for Newsletters and Catalogues is helpful.

  • Good presentation, attention to detail, the ability to be organized, great people skills and a pleasant character are all characteristics which are important.

  • An appropriate salary will be paid, depending on experience and ability. There is the possibility of a commission on sales after six months.

Hours are Mon-Fri 9.30-6, plus occasional extended hours for special events. (At the present time with Covid we rotate who works in the gallery, so until September the Manager will usually work in the gallery three days a week and at home 2 days a week).

Vaccination for Covid is helpful for colleagues and clients.

Please send a CV and cover letter to Ray Waterhouse, ray@waterhousedodd.com.

No telephone or personal callers, please.

www.waterhousedodd.com

www.fineartbrokers.com

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a covering letter to the owner and Director, Ray Waterhouse

ray@waterhousedodd.com

Before doing so please read the requirements relating to experience and expertise.

Posted on May 24