Property Curator
Summary
The National Trust is continuing its work with collector and author Karun Thakar and his internationally important collection of textiles, dress, sculpture and art, building on the partnership established in 2026 with the ‘Journeys’ exhibitions and helping to share the stories behind the collection with wider audiences.?You’ll be working as part of an inclusive team.
What it's like to work here
You’ll be part of a team of specialists including curatorship, collections management, conservation, project management, fundraising, and more, working together on the future of this exceptional collection.
Your contractual place of work will be the National Trust head office at Heelis, Swindon. Travel to other sites will be required (at least 2-3 times a week). Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for a minimum of 40–60% of your working week.
What you'll be doing
This is a unique opportunity to work with an internationally important collection which showcases global creativity and craft, particularly textiles of South Asia and Africa.
You will be leading work to catalogue and assess the significance of this collection, to help develop future management, programming and partnership opportunities.
Using your knowledge of global material cultures and professional networks, you will coordinate advice and input from a range of specialists and audience groups, to build understandings of the collection and its engagement possibilities.
You will be experienced in the needs of collections management and care, and work with colleagues to prepare items for display, study, recording and storage.
You’ll inspire people with your enthusiasm and capacity to see global collections as accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences. Your communication and community engagement skills will share knowledge through public talks, hosting visits, or meeting with interested groups – being approachable and building trust are essential skills.
You will be experienced in accessible and co-curated display and exhibition making, able to meet the needs of existing and new audiences through creative engagement with collections.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you:?
- Have knowledge across two or more of the following areas: Asian textile history; South Asian art and design history; African art, design and textile history; museum studies; cultural heritage & social history.?
- Have knowledge of current best practice and innovations in relation to the research, care and management of, especially, textile and dress collections.
- Are adept at working collaboratively and leading teams, with pragmatic and sensible approach to solving problems.
- Are good at connecting with a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders, with skills in listening, learning, and building trust.
- Are experienced in exhibition making, taking an audience-led approach.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.