The V&A’s Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Collection holds around 290,000 photographs and transparencies. It includes early colour processes, hand-coloured albumen prints, and unique historical photographs — each with its own story.
As an RPS Cataloguing volunteer, you’ll help unlock these stories by studying the collection and gathering information to go on our public online database, Explore the Collections. As part of a team of volunteers and supported by staff, you will be key to ensuring the collection can be digitally discovered, understood and enjoyed worldwide, preserving this remarkable photographic heritage for the future.
Based in offices at V&A South Kensington, you will be asked to flexibly give one or two days a week (10:00-16:00). You’ll get the most out of the role if you can commit for up to six months, but we’re happy to consider shorter-term arrangements.
What you will be doing:
- Using trusted sources at the V&A, research objects in the photographic collection to gather basic cataloguing information
- Record this information in Microsoft Excel to help make the collection digitally accessible
- Learn to handle collection objects with the support and training of our specialist team.
If you are shortlisted, you will need to attend an informal group session at V&A South Kensington on Wednesday 15 October from 2pm - 3.30pm. This is a chance to get to know us and find out more about the volunteer role. If you are invited to join the team, you will need to attend an induction session on Wednesday 22 October from 10am – 12pm.
Full details and apply: https://volunteer.vam.ac.uk/opportunities/97664-royal-photographic-society-rps-cataloguing-volunteer-2025-09-19
Comments