Volunteers
What do volunteers do?
Handel House Museum is a registered charity, where volunteers play an invaluable and very welcome part in the work of the museum. The volunteering programme not only makes a valuable contribution to the museum’s work, it also offers volunteers a wide range of benefits; offering an interesting and stimulating environment, it enables people to develop their knowledge and acquire skills which they can go on to use elsewhere.
Below are some of the front of house duties that volunteers carry out. They have been written by current volunteers and should give you an idea of what a volunteer does at the museum.
Gallery Assistant:
‘As a gallery assistant I am responsible for greeting visitors, handing them room information sheets for each of the historic rooms and guiding them. I also answer any questions visitors might have about Handel’s life and the museum and anything else they might want to know. As there are lots of valuable and historic objects I help maintain gallery security by completing an hourly security check. I especially like being in the rehearsal and performance room where lots of musicians and singers rehearse and provide ambiance to the house, where Handel lived and performed.’
Shop Assistant:
'Although the museum is small, each day is different and one can be involved in a range of tasks - supervising rooms to ensure the safety of museum artifacts, guiding and advising visitors and working in the shop. Quite a lot of my shifts are spent in the shop where my duties involve ensuring the shop looks presentable to visitors and selling a range of good products - everything from fridge magnets to CDs, DVDs, mugs and of course the Handel House guide book - a handy and readable reference to all things ‘Handel House’ - a useful and reasonably priced Christmas stocking filler. So, if you find yourself with a few hours to spare and want to enhance your quality of life then do consider becoming a volunteer at one of London’s most important small (and perfectly formed!) museums.’
Receptionist:
‘Handel House is a little tricky to find, so as the visitors arrive at the front desk the first job of the receptionist is to make them feel welcome. Many are from overseas, so knowledge of other languages is useful, and many are visiting the museum for the first time. Mastering the till and the ticket prices is quite easy and there is usually time for a chat as the visitors leave, as well as giving them directions to tube stations, large stores, other museums and the nearest coffee shops. It’s really good to hear that so many of the visitors plan to return, often hoping to include one of the regular concerts next time.’
Why Volunteer?
- Volunteering is a great way to gain practical experience, especially for getting your foot in the door of the museum sector.
- It is a great way to meet new people, volunteering at Handel is a very social thing to do!
- You will learn and develop valuable work related skills.
- You can use your skills and experience to help the visitors.
Getting Involved
If what you have read interests you, please download and complete the volunteer application form (144KB Word file) and e-mail it to Ralf Sternad. Alternatively, you can send it by post to Ralf Sternad, The Handel House Museum, 25 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HB.
The Handel House Museum operates a fair and open recruitment process. Prospective volunteers will be interviewed to find out what they would like to do, their skills and suitability.
Further Information
Handel House operates a rolling recruitment process. You must be able to commit at least one day a week to volunteering for at least four months. The museum can only offer unpaid Front of House experience.