- Employment
- Internship
- Seniority
- Intern
- Compensation
- £26,936/year
- Department
- Heritage, Patrimony & Archives
- Posted
- Nov 6, 2026
About Christie's
Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.
Christie’s is hiring an Old Master Paintings Intern for a six-month internship in London, providing day-to-day research, specialist and administrative support to the department. The intern researches works for upcoming sales, assists with valuations and sale preparation, and supports clients and departmental operations.
Role & Responsibilities
- Support specialists with research into property for sale, valuations and pricing.
- Conduct in-depth research on works due to be offered in upcoming sales, including occasional visits to external libraries in London: the British Library, National Art Library and Tate Library.
- Assist in the warehouse when required.
- Maintain departmental libraries and offices.
- Assist with setting up and maintaining sale views.
- Respond to image and factsheet requests and support the Specialist team with client requests during sale week.
- Support Sale Coordinators with the day-to-day running of the department.
- Liaise with internal departments, including Proposals, Image Editing and Valuations.
- Collect and distribute post daily, arrange couriers, and send out and bind catalogues.
- Maintain departmental stationery and printing supplies.
- Assist Specialists and the Sale Coordinator with catalogue preparation.
- Assist external clients with image copyright requests.
- Undertake other tasks as required.
Qualifications
- Interest in or knowledge of Old Masters.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
- Good research and writing skills; experience with research libraries is desirable.
- Collaborative team worker, willing to help when needed.
- Hardworking.
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- Previous paid or voluntary work experience in the art sector.
- Fluent English; a European language is desirable.
- Ability to demonstrate client-facing experience.
- Strong IT skills and familiarity with all Microsoft packages.
Skills
Experience
Previous paid or voluntary work experience in the art sector; client-facing experience.
Workplace
The role is situated in London, England, UK.
Explore jobs in England or in the UK.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position is GBP 26,936 per annum.
Benefits
25 days’ annual leave plus 1 birthday leave day; guaranteed Christmas office closure between 25 December and 2 January in addition to annual leave; an additional week of annual leave in the year of each five-year anniversary; one volunteering day; donation matching up to £500 per annum; a taxable Flexible Fitness Fund allowance of £400 per year; access to gallery exhibitions and exclusive guided tours; discretionary bonus dependent on business and employee performance, payable in March each year; pension contributions double-matched up to 5% of basic salary, with a maximum 10% contribution from Christie’s; private health insurance with no employee contribution and subsidised cover for family members; dental insurance, with the option to extend at personal cost; income protection insurance after 12 months; life insurance from the first day; Employee Assistance Programme including counselling; annual eyecare vouchers; Cycle to Work scheme; Christie’s Extras discounts; Seniorcare by Lottie; 16 weeks’ maternity leave at full pay; an eight-week, four-day week at full pay on return from maternity leave; 10 sessions or days of dependent childcare or eldercare per year; The Stork Club parent community.
Culture
Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.