Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Cataloguing Volunteer

Do you enjoy photography?

Are you curious what we can learn from studying original photographs?

Would you like to be part of a team sharing these stories worldwide?

The V&A’s Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Collection holds around 290,000 photographs. It includes all kinds of original processes, from albumen prints and early colour works to lantern slides and classic gelatin silver prints – all unique historical photographs each with their own story.

As an RPS Cataloguing Volunteer, you’ll help unlock these stories by studying the collection and gathering information for 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 discuss shorter arrangements.

Information for applicants: 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.