Arundel Museum job is the perfect role for Polly

Polly, 23, completed her masters degree in art history and museum curating at Sussex University, in Brighton, in September.

As she came towards the end of her studies, rather than aiming to take up a post with a big, national museum, her ambition was to work at a smaller establishment with a strong community involvement.

Arundel Museum and Polly’s qualifications proved a perfect match when she applied for a job there and she was thrilled to be offered the position of assistant manager, sharing the duties with museum manager Carolyn Gray.

The first few days were a baptism of fire for Polly as they coincided with the hugely-popular Arundel by Candlelight event, but she threw herself into her new role and enjoyed getting to know many of the museum’s hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers.

“When it came to looking for a post-graduate job, I wanted somewhere small that was at the heart of a community, rather than a national museum. Arundel Museum is my dream job and I love it,” Polly said.

Once she heard about the post at Arundel, Polly headed for the town to find out more about it. She has family living near Chichester and in Worthing and although at the moment she is commuting from Brighton, she is planning a move to West Sussex.

“My last visit to Arundel had been about three years ago and that was before the museum opened,” she said. “Now that I’m really familiarising myself with the museum, I love the contemporary displays and the really nice collection of objects rooted in the town.”

Polly added: “In the year ahead, I’d like to develop the education side and family events, maybe making sure local people are aware the Jubilee Room is there and available for all kind of activities.”