As part of its core aims to promote interest and research in the history of furniture and interiors, the Early Career Group (ECG) was founded in 2009 to focus on younger members, emerging scholars and those in the early stage of their career development. Active in both the UK and USA, the Early Career Group offers a series of specially organised lectures and events for those looking to develop their interest and expertise in furniture history, interior design, historic interiors, conservation, material culture and decorative arts while also providing networking opportunities.

An ECG events programme for members might consist of lectures, workshops analysing materials and techniques, curator-led tours of historic houses, visits to museum stores, restoration workshops, dealer’s galleries, art fairs and auction sales. As well as offering the close inspection and discussion of furniture in an informal setting, these activities offer plenty of opportunities to build relationships with peers. Activities are often free, and funding applications can be made to the Grants Committee for travel costs. However, you must be a member of the Furniture History Society to attend these events.

A highlight of the events calendar is the Early Career Research Symposium, held approximately every eighteen months in either London or New York. Speakers selected from across Europe, the USA and the UK share their research on topics ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day while offering the chance to forge new friendships and create network connections.

The ECG counts a wide range of careers among its members, including museum and heritage curators, conservators, MA/PhD students and professionals in the furniture trade and auction houses.

The Early Career Group is overseen by the Grants Committee. A committee of four administers activities via WhatsApp, providing space to share news of exhibitions and events, discuss current research projects and network. To participate in ECG events, you must be a member of the Furniture History Society. Those who are under 35 years of age benefit from a reduction in the annual membership fee.

If you would like to join the Furniture History Society and be placed on the WhatsApp mailing list for Early Career events, please contact the FHS Grants Secretary at grants@furniturehistorysociety.org.

In the USA, please contact Catherine Doucette at ecdeventsusa@furniturehistorysociety.org.