Arts and Antiques

Surveyors in this specialism are involved in the valuation, sale, purchase, management and conservation of personal property, arts and antiques. This includes, but is not limited to, fine art, collectables, heritage assets, antiques and jewellery, whether in public or private ownership.

Practice Area Personal Property/Art & Antiques
What skills are required?
  • An interest in arts and antiques
  • Research skills
  • Attention to details
  • Confident communication skills
  • Practical skills for conservation work.
  • Ability to communicate and work well with clients
What qualifications are required? Surveyors in this area often have qualifications in art history and valuation and may have worked in auction houses or similar areas.
What is it like in practice?

This area is quite varied, but work could include visiting sales rooms, using expert knowledge to provide detailed inventories and valuation reports of art, antiques and jewellery for insurance and replacement, expert witness work and the sale and purchase of items at auction or privately.

Employers can include auction houses, and art and antique valuation firms.

The hours can vary, and you may be expected to travel.
Work Environment Office based but with travel to sales, auction houses and clients. Some overseas travel may be required.
Employment opportunities Specialists in this area can work for auction houses, conservation charities and specialist firms.
More information

Visit RICS (opens new window)

Visit SOFAA (opens new window)
Relevant UCEM programmes

BSc Real Estate Management

MSc Real Estate

You might like this role if you enjoy:

  • Working with different people (such as clients, colleagues and the general public)
  • Researching and explaining specialist data and information relating to arts and antiques

See more skills used by arts and antiques specialists:

  • Using verbal and written communication skills
  • Analysing and identifying patterns in data

References:

Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (2019) RICS (2019) [online]. Available at https://sofaa.org [accessed 1 August 2019]

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (2019) RICS (2019) [online]. Available at https://rics.org/uk [accessed 1 August 2019]

 

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: UCEM cannot accept responsibility for the content of external websites. Please view and refer to UCEM’s Terms of use.