Looking back on a rewarding career in the history of art
l How do you describe yourself?
Art Historian, mother, member of Knaresborough Civic Society Committee and the Arts Committee of Renaissance Knaresborough, owner of a dishevelled dog and a widow.
l Describe a typical working day?
If I am writing an Art History Lecture, I am very much aware of time. I may have to research some art works and you need to make choices. As you work, a theme usually emerges and I would begin my lecture from this perspective. This can be as random as trying to find some paper or other, and, instead find a very interesting piece of theory on the way that one can use as an approach to a variety of different art works that need to be covered.
I will stop for teas and lunch at my computer. Although the net is a tool that I would never have guessed at when I began, I still need and use books.
l What part of your work do you find most satisfying?
I think when you discover an art work that you don't know and it has great quality about it or if a lecture goes well and is very well received.
l Who or what has been a major influence?
The last person who asked me this was the principal of the Graphics Department at The Royal College of Art and I shocked him by saying that I had no influences. I do still approach creative work from no particular perspective, anything can influence my work, but my work for the Civic Society has been influenced by Lilian Mina, the remarkable lady whose work led to the restoration of the Royal Hall in Harrogate. It is a real battle to try to keep what surrounds us, what has history and retains the traditional atmosphere of Knaresborough maintained. We need all the various organisations who support this work.
l Tell us what you think of the arts scene in Knaresborough?
I think at the moment we are at a point where some exciting ideas are coming out of a vibrant group of art professionals. This includes the concept of a new Arts Register. We would like to hear from local artists who would like to join this. Ideas are being formulated as well as the established FEVA events, and also since last summer when Jane Sellars, Curator of the Mercer Gallery lent works to create a small exhibition of Knaresbough fine art works at the Court House Museum, this will happen again this year. It is a matter of watch this space! There are some exciting proposals floating about. Exhibitions are being discussed in the future at Henshaw’s Centre and Art in the Mill. From the past, works like a stunning Turner watercolour of Knaresborough exists which in one way or another we would like to reconnect with Knaresborough again in some form.
l Where do you see yourself in five years?
Much the same, perhaps with a book completed.
l What are the positives about living and/or working in Knaresborough?
There is a feeling of history, wonderful picturesque corners, an amble up to the market, wonderful church bells and enthusiastic lovers of the town who work to preserve and conserve. People who have many interests. Amazing transport links that can take you anywhere you wish and bring you home again.
l Likes and dislikes?
I like a quiet wander along ancient streets, river and rock and I dislike those who do not think before they try to build, try to demolish or refurbish in a way that damages our environment. We have a most unique landscape and history, carelessness can do so much damage.
l Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
There is much valiant, careful, imaginative hard work put into every area of life, often by unsung individuals. One cannot be a pessimist when you see this happening.
l How can people find out about you and your work?
If you have an interest in Knaresborough, come along to the Civic Society Meeting . Watch the press as there are often interesting events taking place connected with Renaissance Knaresborough and others. If you are interested in art history, I will be lecturing on English art of the 17th and 18th centuries at Ripley in September. There are various other art history groups meeting in the area.
l If you had three wishes working as a creative individual here, what would they be?
Firstly, I would like us to have a public gallery which could put on a permanent display of historic art, and also plenty of space for current art works. I would like Turner’s painting of Knaresborough to be exhibited in Knaresborough, we could do with an art shop here too and I’m going to ask for one more wish, that planners would always recognise the unique qualities of the Knaresborough landscape from the view from the castle to the ancient streets and respect these qualities and try to preserve them.
l Wendy will be guest speaker at the next meeting of Knaresborough Civic Society on Monday, March 8 when she will be talking about the Pre-Raphaelite windows in St John’s Church. The meeting is at the Dower House Hotel starting at 7.30pm. New members very welcome. Admission 1.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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