Working in the Arts: Batool Hassan

This week for our ongoing Working in the Arts profile, we talk to Batool Hassan who is the Finance & Gallery Assistant at Stuart Shave Modern Art.

Where do you work? 

I work at Stuart Shave Modern Art in Mayfair and Shoreditch.

What is your job title? 

Accounts assistant. I focus on assisting the financial director of the gallery, keeping up with the accounts, bookkeeping, producing documentation to support the sales team and other tasks.

What time did you wake up? What are you usual working hours?

Working part-time, three days a week has been beneficial to my routine, offering flexibility as I work between the Shoreditch and Mayfair locations. I usually start my day around 7:30 or 8 a.m., depending on which space I’m scheduled to be in.

What are your key tasks?

My role has evolved quite nicely from when I had started 7 months ago. At first it was keeping up with the sales teams spending and receipts, along with data entry. Now along with my previous tasks I also work on the French accounting for the Paris gallery space including consolidations and reports.

What was your career path to this role? 

My education has always been creatively focused, though not specifically in accountancy. I hold a BA in Film and have training in painting. Alongside my creative pursuits, I’ve worked in dynamic environments, including events and an architecture firm. I’ve always enjoyed engaging both sides of my brain—the diligent and the creative—which is why my current role at Modern Art feels like a perfect fit for me.

What are the best and worst things about your job?

Best- The environment and my colleagues. Being around interesting current contemporary artists’ works, along with enthusiastic team members makes me excited to be in the office. A general conversation Tuesday morning can be so insightful and interesting.

Worst- As the artworld had its quieter and incredibly busy moments, sometimes I feel I am catching up with a lot of work. However, with support from my manager, I feel it’s quickly possible to get back on track.

What careers advice would you give to your 18 year old self with the benefit of hindsight? 

I’d say always pursue what genuinely interests you. Even if you don’t end up liking it, discovering what doesn’t suit you is just as valuable as finding what does. Interestingly, sometimes doing things that aren’t always enjoyable can be beneficial—it’s all part of gradually clarifying your vision (emphasis here on gradually). Put yourself in environments that help make your goals possible. Looking back, I realise I tried to rush finding the perfect role for myself, but patience and perseverance are essential.

Have you had a secret job that is not on your CV?

I’ve had many, including helping private viewings for galleries and assisting artists in their studios. But perhaps my many retail jobs which in retrospect I really enjoyed!