Dye & Breakdown Intern

We are currently recruiting for a part-time Dye & Breakdown Intern to join our Dye Room on a part-time, fixed-term contract from February - August 2027.

You will undertake on the job training for the role of a Dye and Breakdown Artist and will gain an understanding of Dye Room Health and Safety requirements.

Under supervision, you will learn essential techniques for successful dyeing, painting, ageing and distressing of fabrics and costume items.

You will learn how to liaise with and work collaboratively with designers and other departments and teams.

You will complete dye and breakdown tasks using both chemical and botanical methods to create examples of work that can be used for interview purposes.

This role involves handling chemicals and working with gas and open flames. It also requires the safe handling and movement of heavy textiles, costumes, garment rails, and other supplies. The successful candidate will be required to undertake relevant training and comply with all health and safety procedures, including safe manual handling practices. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To be open to training, to be motivated and willing to learn new skills.
• To develop knowledge of dye garden plants and to assist with small tasks if required.
• To understand and comply fully with H&S legislation relevant to all dye room materials, equipment and the general working environment.
• To ensure good housekeeping practice is implemented at all times, and that all equipment is maintained to a good standard.
• To work towards achieving the highest standards for each task as would be expected from a professional dye artist.
• To keep accurate and up to date records of dye recipes or processes used for all tasks and to assist the mentor with recording of information for relevant dye room bibles.
• To compile a training log on a regular basis for review at the end of the Internship.
• To complete a final show piece task at the end of training to highlight acquired skills for future use in Interview
• To be aware of stock levels and report back to the line manager in good time when stock is running low.
• To work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with all staff within and outside of all production areas.
• To report any machine or equipment failure to the line manager.
• To demonstrate a flexible approach to duties, attending technical rehearsals as required.
• To perform all other reasonable duties as assigned by the Dye Room Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

ESSENTIAL

• A relevant qualification (BTEC, HND or Degree) in Art, Fashion, Costume or Textiles and / or extensive recognised industry experience in a similar role.
• An understanding of colour theory and art techniques.
• Proven interest in printing, painting and fabric dyeing.
• Basic knowledge of dyes, paints and sprays with a willingness to undertake further training as required.
• Ability to use IT devices and work with established departmental systems in Google suites.

DESIRABLE

• An understanding of theatre costume design.
• Knowledge of historical costume.
• Knowledge of Botanical dye techniques.
• Basic knowledge of gardening skills.

Salary and Benefits

The rate of pay is £13.25 per hour. The contractual hours of work are 30 hours per week, worked across 5 days Monday-Sunday. However, you may be required to work additional hours to meet the demands of the role.

This is fixed-term contract from February - August 2027

We offer 6.6 weeks/ 33 days holiday per annum, pro rata, inclusive of Bank Holidays.

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera. For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station.

We also offer:

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
• Corporate Gym memberships
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Cost price electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Free tea and coffee
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Free on-site parking
• Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now;’ to submit your application. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 25th October. Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 16th November.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this please contact a member of the HR team at .

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.