Auction House Porter & Assistant

Description

Forum Auctions – Battersea, London

Part-Time: 20 hours per week (1.30pm – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday)

Forum Auctions is a leading London-based specialist auction house focusing on rare books, manuscripts, fine art prints, maps, and other works on paper. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to collectors, dealers, and private buyers. We hold regular live and timed auctions, and our busy saleroom requires a hands-on team to ensure smooth operations.

We are seeking an Auction House Porter and Assistant to join our operations team. This role involves working across multiple departments to provide essential support for the preparation, running, and aftercare of our auctions. It is a practical, varied position that will suit someone who enjoys staying active, using initiative, and working as part of a small, dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities

Saleroom & Viewing Preparation

Assist with the physical setup of the viewing room, ensuring auction lots are displayed attractively and safely. Move, unpack, and position books, prints, and artworks ready for viewing.

Photography & Cataloguing Support

Work alongside the photographer to move and position items for photography. Handle items with care, following handling guidelines for fragile or valuable works.

Packing & Shipping Assistance

Support the shipping department by packing and labelling auction lots for dispatch. Move packed boxes to the designated dispatch area for collection or posting.

Storage

Assist with packing, unpacking, and moving books and artworks as required by the relevant department. Help maintain tidy and organised storage areas, ensuring stock is stored safely and accessibly.

Client Assistance

Assist clients collecting or delivering items by transporting boxes to and from vehicles. Provide a professional, courteous service to all visitors and clients.

Auction Day Duties

Act as an internet clerk during live and timed online auctions, operating the online bidding platform and liaising with the auctioneer. Assist the auctioneer and saleroom team as needed to ensure auctions run smoothly.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Ability to carry out regular manual handling of items (boxes up to approx. 20kg) and work on your feet for extended periods.

A self-motivated approach with the ability to identify tasks and work independently when required.

Comfortable using computers and online systems; training will be provided.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions carefully, especially when handling fragile or valuable items.

Ability to drive and a clean license would be desirable but not essential.

A friendly and professional manner when dealing with colleagues and clients.

Flexibility and willingness to assist across different departments as required.

Working Hours- Part-time: 20 hours per week Monday to Friday, 1.30pm – 5.30pm Some flexibility may be required on auction days.

Application Process

If you are interested in joining the Forum Auctions team, please send your CV and a short covering note explaining why you are suited to the role to v.wonfor@forumauctions.co.uk

Ad ID: 5416924366