About Jennifer

Assistant Curator of Fine Art, based at York Art Gallery

Background

I completed my BA in 20th Century Art: History and Culture at Lancaster University and followed this up with a year working at Scotlandart.com - a commercial art gallery in Glasgow.

I finished my MA in Art Gallery Studies at Leicester University and went on to volunteer at Leeds City Art Gallery. I came to York Museums Trust as Assistant Curator of Fine Art in 2005 after covering maternity leave for the Curator at Beverley Art Gallery.

Interests

Although I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a specialist in any area, my interest lies predominantly in European painting and print making from the latter half of the 20th century.

I have a long-held interest in the narrative and symbolic paintings and prints of Paula Rego and the American Abstract Expressionists of the 1950s - artists like Rothko and Pollock.

Whilst working on the William Etty exhibition "Drawing from Life" in 2006, I quickly became immersed in his life and work and have become quite well acquainted with the York artist.

When I'm not being an assistant curator, I also undertake commissions for drawing pet portraits.

Why I wanted to be a curator

I have always had a keen interest in art and exhibitions, and initially toyed with the idea of becoming an artist myself (after periods of wanting to be a vet and then a photographer!).

During my degree at Lancaster University I gained an insight into exhibition planning during a project at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery and this opened up a new career possibility and focus for me.

Favourite part of my job

I love that it's rarely the same from one day to the next. One minute I could be researching William Etty's family tree, the next, posing in front of a painting for a photographer for the Yorkshire Post, and the next selecting works for a new display.

My favourite thing would be the achievement of seeing an exhibition through from the ideas stage to hanging it on the wall and seeing people's reactions.

Favourite painting

If I could take one painting home from the collection (which isn't encouraged!) I would say 'Winter Sea' by Paul Nash (1889-1946). It is quite a large oil painting of waves under a dark sky.

I like it because it does not include the traditional blue you would expect from a sea painting. The shapes are also straight and solid instead of frothy, yet it still communicates the immensity of the sea at night.

Historical idol

Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975)

She was a magnificent sculptress from my own home town of Wakefield who worked alongside renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Ben Nicholson, and probably among the first female artists to achieve international recognition in her own right.

Proudest moment

It may sound trite, but getting my job here - my first full-time museum job. Those of you who are trying, will know how difficult it is. That, and jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet in New Zealand!

Strangest request

Standing heart in mouth while a painting from the collection was attached to wires to hang above the stage at the York Theatre Royal during the run of the play 'Art'.

If you see me, ask me...

About doing research in our library.. or to do a portrait of your dog!