Furniture Historian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of interior design and art, the focus on furniture historians has never been more pronounced.

As society continues to appreciate past eras and diverse cultures, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can investigate, interpret and preserve our furniture heritage is rapidly growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a furniture historian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of furniture history,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable furniture historian job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Furniture Historian Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Historians study and analyze the historical significance, styles, and craftsmanship of furniture.

They are often involved in historic preservation projects, museum exhibits, and educational programs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Research and document the history of various types of furniture, including their design, materials used, and cultural significance
• Identify and authenticate historic furniture pieces
• Assist in the preservation, restoration, and reproduction of historic furniture pieces
• Work closely with museums, historical societies, and private collectors to curate and exhibit historical furniture collections
• Consult with antique dealers, auction houses, and private collectors on the identification, value, and restoration of antique furniture
• Provide lectures, workshops, and presentations to share knowledge and promote interest in furniture history
• Write articles and scholarly papers on the subject of furniture history
• Stay up to date with latest research methods and findings in the field of furniture history

 

Furniture Historian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Furniture Historian to join our team.

The Furniture Historian will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting historical and contemporary furniture designs and styles, understanding the evolution of furniture design and trends over centuries, and providing expert insights.

The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for fine furniture, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

They should be familiar with research methodologies and have a solid understanding of various furniture periods and styles.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research on historical and contemporary furniture
• Identify and authenticate furniture pieces and styles from various periods
• Provide expert insights and interpretations of furniture design trends over time
• Liaise with museums, galleries, collectors, and auction houses for research or appraisal purposes
• Document and maintain records of research findings and appraisals
• Write articles, papers, and reports on findings and insights
• Present findings and insights to professional bodies, academic forums, and public audiences
• Participate in public outreach activities such as lectures and workshops

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Furniture Historian or in a related field such as Art History, Antiques Appraisal, or Museum Studies
• Extensive knowledge of furniture design and history
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Master’s degree in Art History, Furniture Design, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Travel opportunities to museums, auctions, and historical sites

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Historian
• Work Environment: Office setting with opportunities for travel to museums, galleries, and auction houses. Some remote work possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Research or Director of Studies.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a sample of your writing or research work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Historian Do?

Furniture Historians primarily work for museums, antique dealers, auction houses, universities or as independent consultants.

They can also be hired by interior designers or architects to provide insight on the historical context of certain pieces.

They are experts in identifying and dating pieces of furniture based on their style, materials used, and the techniques involved in their creation.

They deeply understand the history of furniture making, including various periods, styles, and cultural influences.

Furniture Historians conduct extensive research to accurately attribute pieces to specific makers or regions and periods.

They might use resources such as historical records, catalogs, and other literature in their research.

Part of their role can also involve advising on the care, conservation, and restoration of antique furniture.

They may inspect a piece for authenticity, determining its value based on factors like age, rarity, condition, and historical significance.

Furniture Historians also contribute to the body of knowledge about furniture history by publishing their research in scholarly journals or giving lectures.

They help educate others about the importance and relevance of furniture in historical and cultural contexts.

 

Furniture Historian Qualifications and Skills

A proficient furniture historian should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Extensive knowledge of the history of furniture design, including various periods, styles, and makers.
• Strong research skills to investigate the provenance and history of individual pieces of furniture, using primary and secondary sources.
• Analytical skills to interpret historical data and identify the influence of cultural, economic, or political trends on furniture design.
• Attention to detail to accurately identify and classify pieces of furniture based on specific characteristics and nuances of different historical periods.
• Excellent writing and communication skills to present research findings in clear, engaging, and accessible ways for different audiences, such as academic scholars, museum visitors, or antique dealers.
• Aesthetic appreciation and understanding of different materials and construction techniques used in furniture making.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with other professionals, such as curators, restorers, or auctioneers, and to build relationships with collectors or other stakeholders in the field.

 

Furniture Historian Experience Requirements

Furniture Historians typically have a background in art history, architecture, or a similar field, where they gain substantial knowledge of historical and cultural influences on furniture design.

Many furniture historians begin their careers in entry-level roles at museums, auction houses, historical societies or antique shops.

This practical experience, often spanning 1 to 2 years, provides an invaluable understanding of different furniture styles, periods, and techniques.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally proficient in identifying and appraising historical furniture, and often have experience working with collections or exhibitions.

They may also have experience in research and publishing on furniture history.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have a deep knowledge in a particular era or style of furniture.

They may also have experience in lecturing, curating exhibitions, and providing expert opinions for antique dealers or collectors.

At this level, they may be ready for senior or managerial roles within museums or academic institutions.

 

Furniture Historian Education and Training Requirements

Furniture Historians typically hold a bachelor’s degree in history, art history, archaeology, or another related field.

Their education often includes coursework in architectural history, historical preservation, museum studies, and material culture.

An understanding of different historical periods, artistic styles, and cultural contexts is crucial for this role.

Many Furniture Historians pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate, specializing in a specific era, region, or type of furniture.

This advanced education typically involves research and written theses or dissertations, often with a focus on furniture history.

Proficiency in languages other than English can be beneficial, especially when researching non-English speaking regions or periods.

Practical experience, such as internships or work in museums, auction houses, or antique shops, can provide valuable on-the-job training.

Though not always required, certifications from professional organizations like the American Society of Furniture Historians can demonstrate a Furniture Historian’s commitment to their field and can offer opportunities for networking and professional development.

Continuing education is important for Furniture Historians, as it allows them to stay up-to-date with the latest research methods, archival practices, and discoveries in their field.

 

Furniture Historian Salary Expectations

A Furniture Historian can expect an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary significantly depending on factors such as level of experience, area of specialization, geographical location, and the institution or company that employs them.

 

Furniture Historian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a furniture historian need?

A furniture historian needs to have keen observational skills, a meticulous approach to detail, and a good memory for historical facts and figures.

They need research skills to uncover the history and context of various pieces, and writing skills to document their findings.

Understanding of design trends, materials and construction techniques used in different eras is also beneficial.

 

Do furniture historians need a degree?

Furniture historians typically have a degree in history, art history or a related field.

While it’s not always required, a master’s degree or PhD is often beneficial for advanced research or academic positions.

Some furniture historians may also have degrees in furniture design or craftsmanship, providing practical insight into the construction and restoration of historical pieces.

 

What should you look for in a furniture historian’s resume?

In a furniture historian’s resume, look for a strong background in historical research and a demonstrated knowledge of furniture design trends across different eras.

Any hands-on experience with furniture restoration or craftsmanship can also be a plus.

Affiliations with historical societies, museums, or antique dealerships can signify professional engagement and credibility in the field.

 

What qualities make a good furniture historian?

A good furniture historian has a passion for history and a keen interest in the evolution of furniture design.

They are detail-oriented and have strong research skills, as well as the ability to communicate their findings in a clear, engaging manner.

Patience and persistence are also important, as historical research can be a slow and meticulous process.

 

Is it difficult to hire a furniture historian?

The challenge in hiring a furniture historian lies in finding someone with the right mix of historical knowledge, research skills, and understanding of furniture design and craftsmanship.

It can be a niche field, so the pool of candidates may be smaller than for other roles.

However, professionals from related fields such as art history, architecture, or interior design may also have transferable skills and knowledge.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the intricacies and details of being a furniture historian.

And guess what?

It’s not just about knowing wood types or upholstery fabrics.

It’s about tracing the evolution of design and craftsmanship, one piece of furniture at a time.

With our reliable furniture historian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this fascinating journey.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of furniture tells a story that is part of a larger narrative.

Let’s chronicle that history. Together.

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