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The Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict team is one of four curatorial teams, known as the Narrative Teams, whose key role is to develop and interpret IWM’s collections. Curators in the team provide time period-relevant content for our public programme and associated outputs. They document, research and communicate collections material relating to the causes and consequences of war as well as its course and conduct, and facilitate and support access to our collection for our audiences and colleagues across IWM and the wider heritage sector.
As a curator in the team, you will contribute to the development and use of Second World War collections, with particular responsibility for material, displays, and stakeholder engagement relating to the Churchill War Rooms. You will provide curatorial expertise in response to internal and external enquiries concerning Winston Churchill, the Cabinet War Rooms, and broader topics connected to the Second World War and its context.
In line with IWM’s strategic objectives, you will develop an in-depth understanding of IWM’s collection and will promote its potential for display and interpretation at all IWM branches, with a particular focus on the Churchill War Rooms. You will respond to opportunities to use IWM’s collections in all areas of the IWM public offer in order to further understanding of the conflict and the associated time period. You will apply and develop your knowledge and skills for the benefit of our audiences and put forward imaginative ideas for, and contribute to the delivery of, exhibitions, events, publications, digital content (including podcasts, online articles and YouTube videos) and other elements of the public programme. You will contribute to a working culture that is responsive, collaborative and committed, and an environment that welcomes curiosity and creativity.
You will contribute to the effective stewardship of IWM’s collections in line with best practice guidelines and be able to identify priorities for review, acquisition and disposal. You will need to work proactively, collaboratively and imaginatively to develop the collection as outlined in IWM’s Collections Development Plan. This will involve actively engaging stakeholders, communities, people with lived experiences and academic experts, representing and collecting stories relating to the Churchill War Rooms and the Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant practical, legal and ethical considerations pertaining to the care, development and interpretation of IWM’s collections relating to this period. Your practical curatorial skills will be accompanied by an appreciation and knowledge of the material culture of this time period, and you will show a willingness to grow and develop this knowledge base further – with particular responsibility for doing so in relation to IWM’s Churchill War Rooms.
You will line manage and mentor assistant curators, apprentices and volunteers as required, and undertake all mandatory training associated with this role.
Please note that while this role is based at IWM London you will be expected to travel as required.
Your Duties Will Include
- developing and applying to all areas of activity a cohesive understanding of the material culture of the Second World War and mid twentieth-century period.
- working practically and creatively to deliver interpretation and storytelling relating to the Churchill War Rooms, the Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict for IWM’s core and developmental audiences.
- actively contribute to the implementation of IWM’s Collections Development Plan.
- working collaboratively and proactively with Narrative Teams, Collections and Curatorial and other departments across IWM.
- working with Collections Management and Collections Care to ensure the effective stewardship and care of the collection, and to target priorities for review, acquisition and disposal.
- supporting the Senior Curators, Head of Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict and Principal Curator of Narrative in identifying strategic priorities, working towards the development and delivery of the Corporate Plan.
- delivering, and supporting the delivery of, content for galleries and exhibitions, as well as for Learning, Development, Press, Digital Engagement, Marketing, IWM Institute and Commercial activities.
- supporting and developing relevant academic research projects and meaningful partnerships that enrich our understanding of IWM’s collection.
- facilitating and supporting access to our collection, and providing knowledge and skills to the public and to colleagues across IWM, including through public enquiries.
- working at all times as a team member, consulting with colleagues and sharing knowledge and information.
- encouraging, supporting the development of, and line managing Assistant Curators, apprentices and volunteers, as required.
- applying excellent two-way communication skills in working with audiences and stakeholders, both internal and external.
- engaging with stewardship and interpretation priorities in line with broader strategies in relation to the IWM collections.
- representing IWM on external professional and academic boards and at conferences, workshops and seminars.
- providing media interviews and giving tours and presentations to stakeholders and VIP visitors.
For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.
