Art Explainer Volunteer

The magnificent country house Witley Court was built in the 17th century and remodelled in Victorian times for its owner, the Earl of Dudley, who was once the richest man in England. The 1890s saw fashionable society flock to Witley Court. Disaster struck in 1937 when a fire ripped through the Italianate building. Today, visitors explore the dramatic ruins, beautiful gardens and watch the legendary Perseus and Andromeda fountain as it shoots water high into the air.

English Heritage has commissioned a nationally renowned artist, Keith Harrison (see http://www.keith-harrison.info/) who has connections to the West Midlands, to make a site-specific temporary art installation within the grounds of Witley Court.

The artwork explores the links between Witley and the 200 coal mines once owned by the Earl of Dudley. It was these industrial businesses and the work of their employees that supported the Earl of Dudley’s great wealth, enabling him to buy Witley Court. The artwork draws parallels between the demise of Witley as a country house in the 1930s, and the rise of the provision for workers (including coal miners) in the industries owned and funded by the Earl of Dudley.

We are seeking to recruit a team of Art Explainers to help visitors get the most of their interaction with the installation. You will assist our visitors by helping them to understand the context of the new art installation, to learn about the artist, and to help them to interact with the artwork. You will;

• Engage in conversation with our visitors to prompt discussion about the artwork & its relevance to Witley Court, including its links to the industrialisation of the Midlands and the Earl of Dudley
• Provide, when required, further information about commissioning contemporary art in historic and heritage settings

The work will be open to the public from March 23rd 2024 to March 2025 (with the possibility of extension). 

We would appreciate if you are able to commit to around four shifts per month. Our session times are varied and can be flexible. Please note, you will need to be comfortable standing for long periods of time and being based outdoors. Volunteers who take up this role will be invited to stay beyond the life of the programme.

No prior experience in arts or heritage is required, just an enthusiasm to learn and engage with visitors. We will prepare you for the role by providing role specific training, conversations with the artist and ongoing support from the site team.

Our volunteer teams are dedicated, welcoming and fun. We kindly ask all of our volunteers to; 

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided.
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial. 
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

As an English Heritage volunteer, you can expect; 

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.