Palaces seek curator to give ‘inclusive’ view on history
HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES are hiring an inclusivity curator to teach history more sensitively.
The full-time permanent role will bring “inclusive perspectives” to the network, which includes the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace.
The appointee’s first job will be to create internal publications and workshops for staff about people of colour connected to the sites. The management hope this will “equip colleagues with the sensitivity and confidence to talk about these histories”.
The job description reads: “The six palaces in our care have borne witness to significant moments in our national history – moments that continue to shape the world around us – but were also the backdrop for everyday lives, in all their richness and complexity.
“We want everyone to be able to find meaning and relevance in their stories.
“We are seeking a new Curator for Inclusive History to bring inclusive perspectives into all our research, concentrating in particular on the stories of people of colour at court who had been excluded from traditional narratives.”
Candidates can apply from any background. The Curator for Inclusive History will establish a research agenda into the history of people of colour connected to the palaces, become an acknowledged expert in these histories and provide advice to other staff.
The position will pay £40,537 a year, and comes two years after the royal palaces lost 85 per cent of their income over the pandemic. Income was still running at less than 50 per cent of prepandemic levels in 2021-22.
Applicants for the curator’s job will need post-graduate qualifications and proven experience in the cultural sector. Experience in a heritage environment and having successfully applied for research funding in the past are an advantage but not essential.
“Equally importantly, you will love history, storytelling and communicating your enthusiasm for the subject to a wide range of audiences,” the job description adds.