You could complete a degree in a relevant subject, such as art history, fine arts and restoration, or fine arts conservation, and then take some professional training in valuation.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Art valuer
Art valuers give advice on how much a piece of art or a collection of art is worth.
Average salary (a year)
£18,500 Starter
to£40,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38 to 40 irregular
You could work
evenings / weekends as customers demand
How to become an Art valuer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
University
Work
You could work in an auction house or antiques business as an assistant, porter, or cataloguer and learn through experience and part-time study.
Volunteering and experience
Entry can be very competitive so it’s important to get some work experience. Taking on some voluntary work experience can also help you to get started in this career.
Other routes
You could join a graduate training scheme with a large auction house – only a few of these are offered each year. You'll usually need a degree in a subject such as history of art or fine art, along with relevant art and business experience.
Some major auction houses offer internship programmes. Information on placements and work experience is available from the Museums Association.
More information
Further information
You can find out more about careers in this area from the Museums Association.What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- administration skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- the ability to work well with others
- Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- assessing the condition, quality and age of the object or collection
- checking if objects have been restored or changed in any way
- checking the origin of the object or collection by examining receipts or other proof of how the owner obtained it
- carrying out research, using reference books and the internet
- consulting specialists and historians
- keeping up-to-date with current prices and demand
- preparing written valuations for clients
- preparing catalogues and run auctions
- running as an expert witness in disputed cases that have gone to court
Working environment
You could work at a client's home, in an office or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be dusty and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
With experience you could set up your own business, offering a valuation service as well as buying and selling fine arts and antiques.Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an Art valuer right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
History of Art
- Provider: Lady Margaret School
- Start date: 05 September 2019
- Location: London
History of Art
- Provider: St Dominic's Sixth Form College
- Start date: 01 September 2019
- Location: Harrow