Welcome to our Shared View series! Every week we're sharing a mini profile about each of us to give you an insight into who we are and what we do behind the scenes in Eton College Collections.
Who are you and what do you do?
I have worked in the College Collections as Exhibitions and Access Coordinator since July 2018. My role allows me to work across the seven different college collections, logistically supporting curators to execute four different exhibitions a year across two galleries: The Verey Gallery and the Tower Gallery. Acting as registrar for all external loans of objects and artworks is also part of my role, as is facilitating events and adult group visits to the College Collections.
What made you want to work in the Museums and Galleries at Eton College?
I had a wonderful A Level History of Art teacher who ignited a fascination for the subject and dictated the course of my career so far. I studied History of Art at university and my first role after graduating was within the Leaning Department at Watts Gallery – a role which allowed me to work on widening access to the art collection through running a community arts programme. This confirmed by desire to work in museums and galleries – ideally within a role which allowed me to share my passion for the subject. After leaving Watts Gallery, I trained as a secondary teacher with Teach First and therefore, finding a job which allowed me to work with an historic collection within a school seemed ideal.
Do you have a favourite item and why?
There are so many wonderful objects and artwork to choose from – it’s a very difficult decision to make! However, I am completely taken with the tapestries in College Chapel, designed by Edward Burne-Jones. I am particularly fond of the right-hand panel [FDA-A.81:3-2013]. The craftsmanship is just incredible and I am in awe of the special attention Burne-Jones gave the different species of flowers which run through the composition – all of which can be identified. It’s wonderful to stand very close to the tapestry and see the meticulously sewn threads of silk and wool which become un-noticeable to the naked-eye as you move further down the nave of the chapel. There is a similar tapestry on display at the V&A which I used to visit frequently and therefore I was elated to find out there was a Burne-Jones tapestry at Eton on my first visit to College Chapel!
If you wish to view Lucy’s favourite tapestry, you can see it in the Eton Collections Catalogue: http://collections.etoncollege.com/object-fda-a-81-3-2013
Keep an eye on our blog and social media for more shared views across the summer months!
