Glasgow Museums Micro Volunteering: Burrell Object Research (remote opportunity)

Glasgow Museums
VO102373

The Burrell Collection is a multi-award-winning museum, displaying the collections of Sir William and Lady Constance Burrell, donated to the city of Glasgow in 1944.

Burrell Object Research and Curatorial Volunteers will attend a Research skills training session ahead of volunteering, then:
research an object on display in the museum which matches the volunteer’s interests
discover key facts and information about the object’s history
complete an Object Information Sheet in written English
submit their Object Information Sheet to staff via email
Object Information Sheets are used by students, volunteers-in-training, and front of house staff, to learn about objects on display for self-study and engaging with visitors.

A staggering 9,000 objects form The Burrell Collection. Highlights include one of the most significant holdings of Chinese art in the UK, medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour and over 200 tapestries which rank amongst the finest in the world, and paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cezanne and Degas.

Tell us why you would be a great match for this opportunity in the ‘suitable experience’ section of our website application process (link below). Let us know which of the areas of the collection interest you most: Arms and Armour; British Art; Chinese and Far Eastern Civilisations; Decorative Arts; European Art; European Dress and Textiles; Medieval and Renaissance Art.

https://volunteer.glasgowlife.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10235967

If you have any questions, please email the Museums Volunteering Team at museumsvolunteering@glasgowlife.org.uk

Experience required

Essential skills:
• A keen interest in museums and objects
• Digital skills (Microsoft word, using databases)
• Communication skills (spoken English or BSL, written English)
• Access to IT and internet (including Glasgow Life or equivalent digital library services)
• Time management to meet agreed timescales
Desirable:
• Previous research experience

Travel details

This is a remote volunteering opportunity, so can be carried out anywhere with access to IT equipment and the internet.

Travel expenses

Public transport expenses within the Glasgow City boundary may be eligible for reimbursement.

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Dates

20 March - 30 June 2025

Support

Training details

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to attend a 20 minute informal interview over Microsoft Teams on their chosen date of 04, 07 or 08 March 2025.
Successful applicants will attend a Research Skills Training and Induction session ahead of starting their volunteer journey. This will be a hybrid session and invitees can attend in person or via Teams link online. The 90 minute training session will take place on Thursday 20 March 2025. An alternative session may be available on request.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 16
Volunteers must have access to their own IT equipment and internet, including Glasgow Life libraries or equivalent.

Availability

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Frequency & commitment

This volunteer role is a remote opportunity; volunteers can research at times which suit them. Designed to improve access to volunteering with Glasgow Museums collections, volunteers will have an assigned Museum Mentor and be provided with an Object Information Sheet for each object researched. Volunteers will have the opportunity to research up to 3 objects. We anticipate each Object Information Sheet will take up to 10 hours to complete. Completed Object Information sheets will be emailed to the volunteers' Museum Mentor.