Friends of Kenwood Curator of Collections & Interiors

We're the organisation that looks after England's most important buildings and monuments, making sure our country's amazing history is available for everyone to enjoy. From world-famous prehistoric sites and Roman forts to grand historic houses, we bring the story of England to life.

We are seeking an experienced and creative curator to take on a unique and prestigious role as the dedicated Friends of Kenwood Curator of Collections & Interiors at Kenwood House, one of English Heritage's flagship London properties.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the care, interpretation and development of a world-class collection within an iconic historic interior, funded by the generous patronage of the Friends of Kenwood. As the first named, endowed curatorship at Kenwood, the role offers a distinctive platform to shape the future of the house's collections and their public presentation.

Please note; due to the responsibilities and requirements of this role, successful applicants will be required to undergo a basic DBS check, any employment offer will be contingent on this.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Curator (South), and working as part of a regional team of Curators of Collections and Interiors, you will:

- Champion the visibility, understanding and interpretation of Kenwood's exceptional collections

- Lead on the care, presentation and documentation of the house and its interiors

- Develop the collection through research, displays, loans and selective acquisition.

- Deliver an ongoing programme of in-focus displays, while contributing to larger exhibitions and strategic projects

- Provide expert curatorial input into site redevelopments, events and visitor experience improvements

- Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Collections Management, Interpretation and Operations to maintain the highest standards

- Act as a curatorial champion for Kenwood, building relationships with stakeholders, partners and donors

- Support the English Heritage fundraising team to actively fundraise for Kenwood

This is a full-time, permanent role, primarily based on site at Kenwood House in Hampstead.

Why This Role Is Special

- A named curatorship, funded by the Friends of Kenwood

- The opportunity to work with a globally significant collection

- A leading role in shaping the future presentation of a major London historic house

- The chance to balance research, public engagement and practical curatorship

- A highly visible position engaging with supporters, donors and senior stakeholders

About You

To be successful, you will bring:

- Experience of curating art collections and historic interiors

- A strong track record of developing displays and/or exhibitions

- Experience delivering reinterpretation or re-presentation projects

- Confidence in the practical aspects of curatorship, including working with contractors and art handlers

- Strong knowledge of British art, history and interiors, particularly the long 18th century and Dutch Old Masters

- Excellent research, communication and organisational skills

- The ability to balance scholarship with public engagement and operational delivery

- A post-graduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. History of Art, Museum Studies), or equivalent experience.

What We Offer

- Salary: £42,070 per annum (depending on experience)

- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (rising to 28 days)

- Matched pension contributions up to 10%

- Flexible working options

- Free English Heritage membership (plus guests)

- Discounts in shops and cafs

- Professional development and subscriptions

- An inclusive, supportive working culture

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 13th July, potentially on Wednesday 15th July, in person at Kenwood in Hampstead, London. The panel will consist of the Senior Curator, The Keeper of the Wellington Collection, the Operations Director, London, and a senior representative of the Friends of Kenwood.

If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Wendy Monkhouse, Senior Curator, on wendy.monkhouse@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.

Find out more about us and what we do: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/

Everybody's welcome at English Heritage

Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.

We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.

Closing date: 09/07/2026 23:59:59

You will need to refer to the following documents when completing your application.

Job Description