Curator of The Ruskin Collection

Curator of The Ruskin Collection

Sheffield Museums Trust Closing date: Mon, 31 Aug 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
Yorkshire

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

As Curator of the Ruskin Collection you will champion access to this exciting Collection, lead its management & care & work collaboratively to display, research & interpret it. The Ruskin Collection is owned by the Guild of St George & cared for & managed on their behalf by Sheffield Museums Trust

Job Description

The purpose of the job is to:

Ensure that the Ruskin Collection is creatively displayed, researched & interpreted, highlighting the contemporary relevance of the collection & its connection to Sheffield.

Lead the collections management of the Ruskin Collection, & work with colleagues to deliver exhibitions, displays, digital content & events.

Work collaboratively with colleagues, communities, creative practitioners, specialists & business to create a diverse, engaging & enjoyable range of activities that promote ownership & knowledge of the Ruskin Collection.

Champion access to & engagement with the Ruskin Collection.

The Bigger Picture

You will:

Initiate & deliver activities focusing the Ruskin Collection, working collaboratively with colleagues, communities, creative practitioners, specialists & to develop exhibitions, displays, workshops, events & projects that increase engagement with & understanding of the collection.

Develop the use of the Ruskin Collection through collaboration, interpretation, research & strategic acquisitions in liaison with the Guild of St George.

Facilitate access to the Ruskin Collection through loans, digital platforms, publications, research, enquiries & by participating in subject specialist & community networks.
Develop displays that connect contemporary creative practitioners with Ruskin's legacy.

Ensure that knowledge & understanding of the Ruskin Collection is embedded throughout Sheffield Museums.

Contribute to & deliver against Sheffield Museum's strategic plan with specific reference to the Ruskin Collection.

Contribute to decolonising the collections through research, (re)interpretation & display. Working in collaboration with diaspora communities, individuals & groups with specialist expertise, academics, students & volunteers in order to support Sheffield Museums to create more representative & culturally inclusive displays.

Job Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

a degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
demonstrable experience of curating Visual or Decorative Art collections
experience collaboratively developing & delivering engagement activities, including displays, exhibitions & events, that appeal to a range of audiences
experience in research & collections management
experience working collaboratively with colleagues & multi-disciplinary teams
experience building networks with communities, businesses & specialists
excellent organisational & administrative skills with the ability to prioritise & manage multiple projects simultaneously
ability to make specialist knowledge of interest & relevance to a wide range of people
flexible approach to working hours
ability to work on own initiative & within a team

Job Responsibilities

Job Title: Curator of the Ruskin Collection

Responsible to: Head of Collections

Responsible for: Curatorial Assistants
Volunteers
Work Placements
External Contractors & Suppliers

Liaises with: All Employees at SMT
External Contractors & Suppliers
External partners

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Curator of The Ruskin Collection
  • Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 31 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    Yorkshire
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Job: Curator of The Ruskin Collection

Job: Curator of The Ruskin Collection

Organisation: Sheffield Museums Trust

Postcode: S1 2LH

How to Apply

The closing date for this post is midnight Monday 31 August. All applications should be submitted using our Networx Recruitment system. Please note we do not accept CV’s. No agencies please.

Interviews for this role will be held on 22 September 2026.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sian Brown, Head of Collections [email protected]