The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, and the custodian of an extraordinary and extensive collection spanning decorative and applied arts. Working with and for our visitors, we are changing how our extensive Collections are cared for, seen, understood and enjoyed. The mission of the Collections Care and Access division is to manage, preserve, and provide access to the V&A’s collection in both physical and digital format, working across multiple V&A sites, at South Kensington, Bethnal Green and in Stratford. The division is made up of the following departments: Conservation, Technical Services, Collections Management, Photography and Digitisation, and Collections Access. This is an exciting and transformational time join our team and we are looking for varied sets of skills and experience across a range of opportunities available in our varied departments.

The V&A holds a collection of over 2.3 million objects that document 5,000 years of human creativity from across six continents. It holds many of UK’s designated National Collections, including sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, textiles and furniture, including extensive collections of prints, drawings, posters, photographs and portrait miniatures. It is also home to the National Art Library, which holds the UK’s most comprehensive public reference library for the fine and decorative arts, as well as special collections on the art of the book ranging from the Middle ages to the present day.  The Archive of Art and Design holds extensive archives of over 1,000 individuals, associations and companies involved in the art and design process. The two photography galleries display a broad range of contemporary and historic photographs with a further four galleries and library, housing the Royal Photographic Society collection, currently being developed.

We are currently looking for a Head of Photography and Digitisation to provide leadership to our newly formed Photography and Digitisation department. You will establish a clear mission and purpose for the department, leading and directing the work of the team, engaging staff in achieving the V&A’s strategic vision. You will maintain excellence, quality and consistency in the delivery of imaging services, ensuring standards are met. You will have significant professional experience of the photography and imaging specialism within a major museum or gallery environment or equivalent, enabling you to play a leading role in developing expertise, contributing to research, supporting development, enhancing practice and raising the profile of the department internally and externally. You will also be responsible for image management systems and preservation procedures for digital assets and oversight of digitisation initiatives across the museum.  

Closing date for receipt of applications is 30 September at 23:59.