Job Description

JUNIOR GALLERY ASSISTANT

6-Month Full-Time Contract | Paid London Living Wage | Tuesday-Saturday | Modern & Contemporary Art

About Waddington Custot

Waddington Custot is a leading modern and contemporary art gallery based in Mayfair, London, with a presence in Dubai and a forthcoming space in Paris. Established in the 1950s and located on Cork Street since 1958, the gallery was formed through the partnership of Stephane Custot and Leslie Waddington.With a rich heritage and an international reputation for quality and expertise, Waddington Custot is known for its museum-quality exhibitions and in-depth curatorial research. Over the decades, it has become a key destination for those seeking exceptional works by modern and contemporary masters, particularly artists active in the mid-twentieth century and beyond.

Position: Junior Gallery Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract)

Waddington Custot is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Junior Gallery Assistant to join its team on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is a paid position, well-suited to an individual with a demonstrable interest in modern and contemporary art who is looking to gain valuable experience within a dynamic and fast-paced gallery environment.

Key Responsibilities Sales Assistant

Greet all visitors with professionalism, warmth, and a deep knowledge of the gallery's programme Manage incoming calls and general enquiries, ensuring they are directed appropriately Maintain the presentation and functionality of the front desk, printed materials, and exhibition collateral Manage the gallery calendar, proactively scheduling key auctions, art fairs, and exhibitions. Respond promptly to online enquiries via Artsy, Artnet, Ocula, and the gallery's website Handle incoming/outgoing post and deliveries Provide administrative support for the sales team during art fairs Monitor and manage the general inbox, ensuring timely follow-up and delegation

Events & Openings

Assist with the production and execution of events including private views, exhibition openings, artist talks, and walkthroughs Coordinate guest lists, RSVPs, seating plans, and front-of-house check-in Support the sales and communications teams in managing invitations and follow-ups

Publications & Research

Help manage the gallery's book inventory and front desk book displays Process book sales and maintain accurate records in sales databases Coordinate preparations and shipments of stationery and books for art fairs Update artist CVs and biographies, ensuring accuracy and consistency across platforms Support research for publications, including exhibition catalogues and artist books

Digital Content & Social Media

Support the creation of digital content (photography, video, graphics, and copy) Assist in scheduling and posting across social media platforms Monitor social media engagement and compile analytics reports

About You

Passionate about Art: You have a strong interest in modern and contemporary art, with familiarity with the gallery's programme considered a plus. Organised and Detail-Oriented: You can manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines with ease. Strong Communicator: You engage confidently with a range of audiences, both in writing and in person. Proactive and Independent: You take initiative, solve problems, and work resourcefully without constant supervision. Tech-Savvy: You're proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with social media and online art platforms; Adobe InDesign experience is a bonus. Languages (Optional): Additional language skills are welcome but not essential.

Who Should Apply

This role is well-suited to individuals with a genuine passion for modern and contemporary art and a desire to engage with a gallery programme that bridges historical depth and contemporary relevance. Applicants should have a strong interest in post-war and contemporary art, as well as the practices of the international artists and estates represented by Waddington Custot. Familiarity with the gallery's programme--both past and present--is encouraged, along with an understanding of the broader art historical context in which our exhibitions and publications are situated. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who values precision, professionalism, and intellectual curiosity within a leading international gallery.

We welcome candidates at all stages of their careers--whether entering the workforce, changing direction, returning after a break, or seeking to grow within the industry.

This is a full-time position, Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Occasional additional hours may be required for exhibition openings and gallery events.

To Apply

Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the United Kingdom for the entire duration of the internship. Initial interviews will be conducted in early July, with second-round interviews scheduled for late July. Final decisions will be communicated in August, and the internship is expected to commence in early September.

Feedback will be provided to all applicants at the conclusion of the selection process.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to carmen@waddingtoncustot.com.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 24,420.00-30,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/07/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025