Antique dealer valuer
Antique dealers buy, sell and value collectable objects and works of art, including ceramics, jewellery, furniture, paintings and sculptures.
Also known as: Fine art valuer
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As an antiques dealer valuer, you could:
- attend salerooms, auctions, markets and meet with private owners
- assess the condition, quality and age of items
- sell items to the public from a shop or stall in an antiques centre
- negotiate purchase prices and sales
- buy and sell items online
- do minor restoration work and have items restored professionally
- research the identity, history and value of items
- value antique objects for insurance, probate or sales purposes
Working environment
You could work at a store, at antiques fairs or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to sell products and services
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- persuading and negotiating skills
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a antique dealer valuer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- turning a hobby into a job
University
You could study for a degree or postgraduate award in a subject like:
- art history
- visual culture
- fine arts
- conservation
It can help to get some relevant work experience whilst you're studying, for example through an internship or placement. Your university careers service will be able to help you with this.
You may be able to join a graduate training scheme after completing your university studies, for example with a large auction house.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could take part-time or short residential courses to build up your subject knowledge.
Courses include:
- antiques
- history of art
- fine art
- decorative arts
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
Work
You may be able start in a saleroom or auction house as a porter, clerk or researcher-cataloguer. With experience and further training, you could become a valuer, auctioneer or antiques dealer.
Volunteering
Volunteering in museums and art galleries can be a good way to pick up knowledge of collectable items, like paintings, furniture and ceramics. It also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the subject, which may be helpful in job interviews.
Other routes
You could research and collect antiques and art objects as a hobby, then:
- manage a regular stall at an antiques market or fair
- buy and sell items online
- open a shop on the high street
Some of the larger auction houses, like Sotheby's Institute of Art and Christie's Education , run a range of courses in art history and the arts market. They also offer more in-depth postgraduate study aimed at graduates wanting to work in the commercial arts market.
Career path and progression
With experience, you might specialise in antiques and collectables from:
- particular categories, such as ceramics or jewellery
- different countries and cultures
- specific historical periods, like the Victorian era or Art Deco
You might also set up your own business, offering valuation services, as well as buying and selling fine art objects and antiques.
Career tips
You'll need a good understanding of antiques and market trends . Sales skills, customer care and the ability to spot items that will sell are very important.
Guides for this industry
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