Exhibitions Workshop & Display Technician


Company:	Imperial War Museums
Salary:	from £29,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, SE1 6HZ
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	9 Nov 2026
Closing date:	30 Nov 2026

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Summary

What It's Like to Work Here

At IWM, we're driven by a shared purpose: helping people understand the causes, course and consequences of conflict and its impact on people's lives. As an Exhibitions Workshop & Display Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in maintaining and enhancing the galleries and exhibitions that bring these stories to life. Working as part of the Exhibitions Production team, you'll help ensure that gallery spaces remain safe, functional and visually engaging for visitors while supporting the construction, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions across IWM sites. This role offers a varied mix of workshop, maintenance and display activities. From carpentry and decorating to exhibition builds, case maintenance and collections care, you'll work closely with colleagues across the museum to deliver high-quality gallery environments and exhibition experiences. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to contribute directly to the visitor experience while working with exhibitions, displays and museum collections.

What You'll Be Doing

Carry out daily gallery inspections and maintenance checks, reporting issues and monitoring maintenance requests through to completion.

Maintain long-term gallery environments through repairs, decorating, painting, carpentry and general maintenance activities.

Clean and redress display cases and support approved object removals for photography, filming, press activities and other museum requirements.

Construct exhibition walls, display cases, cladding, plinths, panels and exhibition furniture from design plans and project briefs.

Support the installation and removal of temporary and permanent exhibitions, including decoration and making-good works.

Assist with the installation of audiovisual equipment and exhibition technology.

Support the installation, dressing and deinstallation of exhibits in galleries and temporary exhibition spaces.

Work alongside art technicians and specialist contractors to hang and install works of art and exhibition objects.

Assist with showcase access, display case maintenance, object handling and transportation across IWM sites.

Maintain accurate gallery, showcase and object movement records using departmental systems, including the Axiell collections database.

Essential requirements

We'd love to hear from you if you have: GCSE-level education or equivalent, together with a relevant vocational, technical or professional qualification. Practical workshop experience, ideally within a museum, gallery, exhibition, heritage or similar environment. Strong carpentry, construction and maintenance skills, including woodworking, decorating, plastering, painting and exhibition or set building. Experience safely using workshop machinery, hand tools and power tools, including panel saws, band saws, bench saws, planers, spindle moulders and pillar drills. Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Teams and Outlook. The ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities and responding to changing operational needs. Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and work effectively with a wide range of colleagues. A good understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices within workshop, maintenance or exhibition environments.

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