Synopsis:

​Increased exposure to artifacts excavated from classical Roman and Greek sites encouraged a deeper interest in, and emulation of classical art. Promoted by a range of dealers, antiquarians, artists and, in some cases, secret agents, Neo-Classicism was the new art for the newly (and in some cases, already) wealthy. With the French Revolution it became a new style poised for a new regime. From the living rooms of newly constructed elite houses and estates in London, Paris and Berlin, Neo-Classicism became the style of revolutionary anti-monarchists, as exemplified by the work of Jacques-Louis David. This talk will chart the rise of this forward-and backward-looking style.

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Profile:

I am a freelance art historian, educator and museum professional. I have spoken on a wide range of topics from Caravaggio to Kehinde Wiley. My first love is the art of JMW Turner and my primary interest is European 18th and 19th Century painting. 

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I have spent many happy hours looking at and thinking about paintings, and my career in museums has been dedicated to sharing that pleasure with as many people as possible. I am committed to giving people greater opportunities to have positive engagements with art and creating fun, interesting art experiences.

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As a lecturer I have spoken to groups across Britain and Europe in settings as varied as festivals, cathedrals, art appreciation groups and schools. I have lectured at the National Gallery, Royal Collection, Wallace Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

 

I studied History at Cambridge, undertook my Masters in Art History at The Courtauld Institute and my PhD, ‘Mediating Art and Experience: Art Museums in Las Vegas’, is from Birkbeck, University of London.

 

As Museum Director, I ran Turner’s House in Twickenham, dedicated to the great landscape painter, JMW Turner. It was one of the great pleasures of my life to bring JMW Turner to as many people as possible.

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I have taught for over eight years at Birkbeck, University of London. I was Head of the London learning team at the Royal Collection and have devised, run and delivered a wide range of learning events at the National Gallery. Prior to working in museums I was a Director in the Valuations Department at Christies. 

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I have contributed to TV documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and have made a series of short films about paintings with my daughters which can be seen on YouTube. 

When not thinking about art and artists there is nothing I like more than listening to my extensive collection of jazz records with a glass of red wine.