How Butlers Are Prepared in Europe

Since the late 1980s, due to the increase in the number of millionaires and billionaires in the world, the demand for butlers has grown significantly. Despite the preconceived notion that the butler is a humiliating job, this ancient profession in the service sector has its own traditions, rules and rich history.

In the past, butlers have traditionally held this position as a result of promotions. But in the modern world there are many special schools where anyone can become a professional butler and house manager.

Photographer from France Capucine Bailly visited the Dutch International Academy of Butlers to tell how people who want to master this unusual but so demanded profession in the modern world are trained. After graduating from this educational institution, you can find a job in the house of some celebrity, royalty, or become an employee of a fashionable hotel.

(Total 29 photos)

1. Valkenburg, Netherlands, International Academy of Butlers. Before an important reception, at which there will be many dignitaries, students measure the distances between the dishes. Each student has a role to play in preparing for the reception and setting the table. A strict committee will evaluate students' abilities based on the results of this unusual "test".

2. At a master class with the rector of the academy.

3. Students are ready for the morning briefing.

4. According to representatives of the academy, which trains butlers, it is no longer enough for today's rich to buy or rent an old house. They need to keep all the traditions in this house - including the butler.

5.

6. After graduating from the academy, many will find promising jobs as butlers in the richest houses in the world.

7. A student spills water to his fellow students and teachers during the reception.

8. The day to day duties of a butler can range from managing the household and running personal errands to managing the family budget. In the photo: A student prepares cigarettes for the rector and his wife.

9. In the 21st century, the responsibilities of butlers have expanded to include work previously performed by junior staff. Therefore, students of the academy students are also taught how to effectively carry out daily housework.

10. If traditionally only men were butlers, then women are also in demand in the modern labor market.

11. Morning briefing.

12. Rehearsal for an important dinner.

13. Butlers today may also work for corporations, embassies, cruise ships, yachts, or run their own small Rent-a-Butler business providing temporary employees.

14. These students are responsible for the cleanliness of the plates.

15. Ironing tablecloths on the tables.

16. Even the distance between the plates is important...

17. ... and between cutlery.

18. Last check: is everything in its place.

19. Each student has his own task, which he must complete 100%.

20. The table is ready. Butlers too.

21. Students have three minutes to put on their uniforms.

22. The starting salary of the best graduates of such institutions can start from $50,000-60,000 per year.

23. In the 21st century, the image of a butler with a tray, serving at the table and pouring wine, is outdated. Employers today need butlers capable of handling a variety of household chores, from traditional dinner attendants to valet and personal secretary duties.

24. Academy students are taught the tricks of etiquette, serving, business correspondence, culinary skills, floristry and much more.

25. Modern butchers must be versed in wines, silverware and fashion trends.

26. In most schools in the world, butlers are prepared, focusing on the British experience, which is still considered the best.

27. Private schools prepare butlers for celebrity houses: politicians, businessmen, show business stars. They travel the world with them, sail on yachts and are always ready to help.

28. This is how butlers are trained at the Dutch Academy.

29. And this is the rector of the academy!