Page 2 | I work as a National Trust Collection Assistant AMA

Original poster

antiquebarbie · 13/09/2025 21:22

Blueuggboots · 13/09/2025 21:16

How did you get that job. My daughter is desperate to get into an archivist/collections job - she is volunteering at local places and doing a fine art degree..any other suggestions?

Being honest, I had no idea what collection assistant was when I applied, it required a quiz/assessment so no qualifications or CV and the hours looked good so I accepted it at the time!
Hm, several of my team members have done MAs in museum collections etc. but given I’m here without a qualification in that area it doesn’t seem right to suggest it!
I do know because of the redundancy upheaval there aren’t many NT jobs appearing, and I think it will change come the new year as the new strategy comes into play.
I’m sorry I’m not sure what else to suggest! Most NT properties if you email would offer volunteering within the collection team specifically.

OP posts:

Original poster

antiquebarbie · 13/09/2025 21:25

imjustanerd · 13/09/2025 21:21

I work for the NT, I used to be a Collections Assistant many moons ago but still have a good knowledge of conservation/preservation but in other areas now.
It’s such an interesting role, and plays such a huge part of helping ensure the long term preservation of these wonderful and varied properties.
My question is what’s the most favourite part of your job? Is it the physical part or the engaging with the visitors?

Ah Hello fellow collection assistant! Good question, I honestly enjoy all of it (even if the hoovering does get a bit much on occasion!). I do love cleaning dusty items (very satisfying lol), but the variety is my favourite I think, every day there is a new thing to clean/move/inspect and then I get to tell visitors crazy fun facts I learn about objects and engage them in the history!

OP posts:

imjustanerd · 13/09/2025 21:46

antiquebarbie · 13/09/2025 21:25

Ah Hello fellow collection assistant! Good question, I honestly enjoy all of it (even if the hoovering does get a bit much on occasion!). I do love cleaning dusty items (very satisfying lol), but the variety is my favourite I think, every day there is a new thing to clean/move/inspect and then I get to tell visitors crazy fun facts I learn about objects and engage them in the history!

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Aww that’s great that you enjoy most of your job, it is so interesting. I always felt so lucky that I could actually handle “history” (properly of course 😉).
Lots of the visitors absolutely love the engagement and getting to learn about what you do and the stories attached to objects/collections.
I think it’s good thing people get a chance to know how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. It’s an immense job but so important, people have no idea how much care and maintenance goes into these properties.

Allione100 · 13/09/2025 22:17

Hello, I have an Art degree and currently work in a secondary school as a D&T Technician which is physically demanding. Your job is my dream role, what do I need to become a collection assistant, thank you Allione

SumUp · 14/09/2025 09:02

antiquebarbie · 13/09/2025 21:11

Now this is fun! Have you seen BBC ghosts? I feel like most NT properties would resemble this setup. In mine I think the old owner (who did not give a shit about antiques) would be walking around following us and yelling about how the dining table was her potting area, and that she used to eat yogurt off the expensive plates we now have to wear gloves to handle. I also think there’s probably some WW1 and 2 soldiers walking around because it was used as a hospital during that period.

It is the least haunted place I’ve been inside when it comes to scary though! Every morning we walk around turning all the lights on and opening the blinds which I assumed would be the creepiest bit but actually it’s not haunted at all, closest I’ve come is someone left a radio on in the house which let out an eerie low battery beep one morning lol

Im not sure about living in one though! Think I’d need to visit some more to decide- I can tell you which ones I wouldn’t work in though- one down in Devon ‘Greenway’ Agatha Christie’s house has SOO many items I would hate to be dusting those and Lanhydrock in Cornwall way too many staircases to hoover for my liking lol

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Thank you for replying, that’s wonderful. Can picture the old owner so well 😊

Newsenmum · 02/10/2025 21:55

What experience did you have before?

How old are you?

JamieCannister · 03/10/2025 09:24

antiquebarbie · 13/09/2025 14:28

I work as a collections assistant (think museum assistant) in a National Trust house- I'm not going to say which one but it is medium side, Victorian gothic style, quite popular, open all year to the public. And I figured ask me anything- members of the public always seem to ask what I'm up to when working around the house so if you have any questions hit me with them!

Have you noticed a reduction in donations and visitor numbers as a result of the national trusts anti-women agenda?

Have you been told that small drones are allowed to fly over NT properties, and that you can't go around harassing members of the public who are simply exercising their legal rights?