Registrars typically work for museums or art galleries. Sometimes they work for private art collections, though in this case they usually go under the name of "art managers" or "curator".
Their main responsibilities include the detailed tracking of art inventories, coordinating international shipments and customs clearance, monitoring all incoming and outgoing art loans and consignments, supervising the installation of exhibitions and art fairs with a team of art handlers, efficiently organising the art storage, arranging photoshoots and condition reports to document the artworks.
In other words, registrars take care of the entire logistics related to the artworks. They work behind the scenes to make exhibitions and art fairs happen. Once the show is open to the public, their job is done and they step back, leaving the spotlight to curators, directors, sales teams, artists and art critics.
I like thinking of registrars as the UNSUNG heroes in the art world. ;-)
Seriously. Registrars must have outstanding problem solving skills and attention to detail to be successful. They must be able to multitask, think quickly, critically and keep a cool head under pressure. They face unpredictable and complex logistical situations every day while working on very tight deadlines and specific budgets.
A single artwork being delayed by the Customs Office at the border could mean a failed exhibition opening. An oversized work, which doesn’t fit through the door, could mean a failed delivery and an unhappy client. A damaged work could result in an angry artist and significant loss in value.
How it all began...
It all started in 2013 in London. At the time I was working at Massimo De Carlo and was being trained to become the next member of their sales team. I always sucked at selling and I knew it. On the other hand, I have an organisational talent, critical sense and excellent problem solving skills.
The gallery had only one registrar and she was overwhelmed with work. Therefore, I started helping her whenever I could. I LOVED working side by side with shippers and that happy feeling when crates and artworks were delivered on-time and without damage. I felt like a kid on Christmas Day every time I got the chance to open up a crate and inspect the work inside.
One day I took the courage to speak to my director and told him that I was very grateful for all his teaching, but I didn’t want to work in the sales team: I wanted to become a registrar.
“No, I'm sorry, we already have a registrar”, he replied.
I didn’t give up. Over the next few months I’d regularly show up in his office and repeat the same question: “Can I be your second gallery registrar?” The answer was always negative.
Two weeks before the Christmas Holidays, he came to my desk.
“Do you still want to be a registrar?”, he asked. “YES!” ”OK. Our registrar has just handed in her resignation. She’s leaving by the end of the year. After returning from the Christmas Holidays, the registrar position will be yours.”
I couldn’t believe it!
I remember one of the Associate Directors talking to me shortly after. She was a very confident and talented young lady, responsible for sales along with the Director. We hadn’t always been on the same wavelength, but we respected each other and I admired her strength.
“Are you sure of your decision? What do you want to do with your life: do you want to make money or just do something you like?", she asked me.
I understood what she wanted to tell me. Unlike the registrar job, working in high value art sales can be incredibly profitable. However, I was sure of where I was heading.
As far as I was concerned, I could become the best registrar the world had ever seen. Without millions of dollars in my bank account perhaps, but happy to go to work every day. OR I could be a mediocre seller, nevertheless earning really good money.
My choice was clear. I didn’t just “happen to be a registrar”. I CHOSE to be one and worked my a** off every day, going above and beyond, to prove my value.
It’s been ten years since that day and I never regretted my choice. Lots has changed during this time, but being a registrar gives me as much joy today as it used to when my journey began.
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