Aldona Taras
Peterborough,UK
Summary
Collections-focused professional with extensive independent expertise in historic European ceramics, particularly Wedgwood, now seeking to formalise specialist practice within museum cataloguing. Over ten years of hands-on experience researching, identifying, documenting, and handling historic ceramics, supported by active participation in international collector networks, specialist seminars, and a substantial private reference library. Brings proven museum-sector experience, strong documentation and research skills, and a clear commitment to making collections accessible through accurate records and contextual knowledge.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work history
Co-run a small business sourcing, researching, and selling historic ceramics and decorative arts
Joint Business Practice – Historic Decorative Arts
- 01.2026
- Responsible for object selection, research, condition assessment, and accurate written descriptions
- Maintain sales records, provenance notes, and documentation supporting object histories
Independent Ceramics Researcher & Collector
Independent Ceramics Researcher & Collector
01.2014 - 01.2026
- Developed and maintain a substantial private collection of historic English, French, and German ceramics, with specialist focus on Wedgwood
- Concentrated expertise in Wedgwood production, particularly 1878–1920, alongside earlier and later periods
- In-depth knowledge of Wedgwood ceramic bodies including basalt, jasperware, caneware, drabware, creamware, Victoria ware, majolica, and terracotta
- Maintain a documented personal collection of 300+ catalogued objects
- Built and maintain a specialist reference library of approx. 300 books, including 40+ on Wedgwood
- Regular research into provenance, materials, production techniques, dating, and historical context
- Attend antique fairs, museums, historic properties (National Trust, English Heritage), and specialist events to develop knowledge and source comparative material
- Active member of international Wedgwood and porcelain collector groups, contributing comparative material and expertise
Senior Specialist – Ticket & Information Department
Copernicus Science Centre
Warsaw
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Delivered public-facing services, trained and supervised staff, coordinated operations across departments, liaised with external partners, and contributed to documentation and procedural development.
- Developed strong familiarity with museum workflows, professional standards, and institutional collaboration.
- Worked within a major European science and culture institution (ECSITE network).
Healthcare Assistant
Barchester Longueville Court Care Home
Peterborough
01.2016 - 01.2026
- Responsible role requiring accuracy, discretion, structured record-keeping, and teamwork within a regulated environment.
- Developed strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and procedural compliance.
Education
BA (Hons) - Management
Academy of Entrepreneurship and Social Sciences
Secondary Education - undefined
XII Liceum Ogólnokształcące
Skills
- Object identification
- Dating and comparative analysis
- Handling historic objects
- Assessing condition of historic objects
- Understanding ceramic production techniques
- Provenance research
- Historical contextualisation
- Cataloguing-focused documentation
- Record accuracy
- Written object descriptions
- Condition assessments
- Organisation of reference materials
- Record-keeping
- Data accuracy
- Structured documentation systems
- Independent research
- Typological analysis
- Pattern recognition
- Participation in collector and specialist networks
Timeline
Healthcare Assistant
Barchester Longueville Court Care Home
01.2016 - 01.2026
Independent Ceramics Researcher & Collector
Independent Ceramics Researcher & Collector
01.2014 - 01.2026
Senior Specialist – Ticket & Information Department
Copernicus Science Centre
01.2010 - 01.2015
Secondary Education - undefined
XII Liceum Ogólnokształcące
Co-run a small business sourcing, researching, and selling historic ceramics and decorative arts
Joint Business Practice – Historic Decorative Arts
- 01.2026
BA (Hons) - Management
Academy of Entrepreneurship and Social Sciences