Picture Art Handler

**About Bonhams**

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.

**About the Team**

The Picture Art Handler and wider London Art Handling team are a passionate and enthusiastic group based between our New Bond Street and Knightsbridge locations. We consistently provide a high level of support to auctions and the surrounding internal processes of the auction house. We support a number of specialist departments in pre and post auction activities vital to the successful operation of the business.

We do this through:

- Providing consistency and sharing of best practice across our locations
- A focus on continuous improvement to enhance our ways or working
- Maintaining a collaborative approach with a focus on support, communication and teamwork Coaching, developing and recognising the contribution from our team

The Knightsbridge Picture department hold thirteen core auctions per year and contribute to another eight themed and general auctions in London. They vary in size between 100 and 300 lots, covering a wide range of art including paintings, prints and multiples, sculpture and works on paper.

**About the Role**

Working closely with the Art Handling team and Picture Specialists this role focuses on supporting the daily operations of the Knightsbridge Picture department. The individual will be responsible for the safe handling, placement and storage of all works of art throughout the Picture department storage area. A priority will be the stock management of lots, correctly locating them on Bonhams internal inventory system. The efficient locating of artwork and its ongoing safety should be considered at all times.

Working with the Head of Saleroom and Art Handling Team the individual will assist with the installation of auctions when required. This includes the supervision of oversized artwork pre and post auction.

The individual will also be responsible for managing incoming and outgoing transfers including the safe packing and unpacking of artwork. On occasions the support role may include the framing and un framing of art work, collecting and delivering artwork from private property, as well as assisting with pre and post auction tasks such as lotting up.

This role demands a high level of communication to the Head of Saleroom, Specialist, Shipping, external carriers and private clients. As well as having good communication skills the individual should be organised, efficient, flexible and able to work well under pressure.

**Key Tasks and Responsibilities**
- Ensure clear and frequent communication to Head of Saleroom and other colleagues
- To safeguard and protect the condition of artwork at all times,
- Handling and packing of artwork within and between Bonhams locations in compliance with company manual handling and health and safety policies
- Efficient stock management using Bonhams internal inventory system, ensuring all artworks have a barcode and are accurately located
- Management of incoming and outgoing picture consignments and transfers with communication to Picture specialists and Collections
- Liaise with the Picture department to ensure property is managed according to their requirements and deadlines
- Packing and unpacking of artwork
- Coordinate with shippers and specialists regarding collection and delivery of property
- Assisting with the safe movement of items post auction to the Picture department once the free storage period has ended in Collections
- Supervising the pre auction delivery and post auction collection of oversized artwork from the saleroom by third party shippers ensuring they safeguard the condition of items at all times
- On occasion working in Bonhams Oxford to locate and pack artwork pre auction
- Assisting with off site marketing shoots alongside the Art Handling team
- Assisting with the safe movement of property to and from photography
- Installation of artworks and objects, requiring the use of hand and power tools
- Working at height upon occasions
- Regular heavy lifting, including moving large paintings, sculpture, works of art, furniture, saleroom equipment and display cabinets
- Maintain high degree of vigilance for the safe custody of goods, reporting any anomalies to the Head of Saleroom
- To be appropriately attired
- Ensure all accidents, damage or loss are reported to the Head of Saleroom, Legal and the Picture Department
- Ensure that all key areas in the Picture department are clear and operational at all times
- Perform specialist department duties as allocated - specifically the framing and un framing of artwork, lotting up pre auction and carrying out collections and deliveries to private properties when required
- Ensure both the Head of Saleroom and Picture department are aware of current