An interview with our Gallery Interpreters
Jane has been a Gallery Interpreter at Compton Verney for ten seasons now! She is one of the original members of the first team of GIs!
We are delighted that Jane has answered some questions on her role as a Gallery Interpreter…
What is your favourite collection?
This is a really tough question because I love them all. However, I favour our Naples gallery because of my knowledge and love of Baroque art, and also the Chinese gallery – we have such a wonderful important collection and I am deeply indebted to Morgan, our expert in that particular gallery. I am inspired by the incredible bronzes created two to three thousand years ago by such skilled craftsmen.
What has been your favourite exhibition at Compton Verney?
Bellini, Botticelli, Titian: 500 years of Italian Art (2013) – such a wealth of Italian art on loan from Glasgow Museums. These beautiful paintings embarked on a long tour of America – we were lucky to have them before that major tour.
We have been so lucky with all the extraordinary exhibitions that have been available at Compton Verney.
What forthcoming exhibitions at Compton Verney are you most looking forward to?
We always look forward to the next exhibition. Whistler is bringing in many visitors because of his name. I have been to various exhibitions of his work in London over the years including Tate Britain recently which featured Impressionists in London. There will be so many stories to tell about the artist himself as well as being able to look closely at his work.
A bit of fun – name three artists you would invite to dinner
Jan van Eyck – the Early Netherlandish artist (active 1422, died 1441)
One of his patrons was the powerful and rich Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, who commissioned exceptional court art at that time. Just to be in his court must have been extraordinary. What stories van Eyck could tell!
Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)
Another court painter – how fascinating to listen to his stories of his encounters with Charles 1 and Henrietta Maria. Producing the propaganda paintings that defined Charles 1 must have been a great challenge. Van Dyck originally worked for Peter Paul Rubens and became his master painter before setting up on his own. Rubens was a diplomat as well as an artist so the dinner party would be fascinated by the stories of that time.
Grayson Perry (1960-)
He must come dressed as Claire, of course, and bring along his teddy bear, Measles! What an incredible artist and so eloquent on the subject of art!
What sends you home happy after a day at CV?
Being fortunate to work with a great team of gallery colleagues and knowing that visitors have enjoyed tours and one-to-one discussions about the art at Compton Verney, hopefully going away with the wish to come back.