Under the hammer

Phillips Auctioneers is to fund two posts in Glasgow University's unique programme in decorative arts. The programme aims to boost practical, academic and curatorial skills in dealing with historic interiors and objects. The course can lead to careers in auction houses, museums, art galleries, heritage organisations, research, journalism and design for film and television. Specialists from Phillips, which has branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh, will introduce the students to work in an auction house. It will also offer an annual one-year traineeship in one of its international offices. Nick Pearce, head of Glasgow's history of art department, said: "Phillips' considerable expertise and resources will perfectly complement our decorative arts course. It is vital that people who go on to work in commercial business or museums have the experience of handling and getting a feel for objects."