I am Welsh, I was born in Llandaff, just outside of Cardiff in South Wales. I moved to Surrey when I was 9 years old.  I had such an inspirational teacher of History that I made the decision to teach the subject when I was twelve years old. At the age of 15, I was making regular visits via train to the National Portrait Gallery in the heart of London. I would love to revisit this facility next year as it was closed for refurbishment when I visited Europe three years ago. 

I have a very broad appreciation of visual art. In both Sydney and Auckland, I taught Art History and Classics to Senior School students. In most cases this included a focus on the Early and Late Renaissance and Modernism/ Cubism. However, one of my favourites is the Art and Craft movement. It appeals to my interest in art, literary creations and antique furniture to name but a few! 

Three years ago, I was very fortunate to spend a month in Europe. During this time I visited Amsterdam where I visited the renowned Rijksmuseum. in addition to Rembrandt’s House as well as galleries containing art by Vermeer, one of my all time favourites! At Rembrandt’s House one could view the actual artistic tools the master had used on his canvases. The Rossetti Exhibition at the Tate Britain was also amazing and very memorable. 

One of the other highlights for me as a teacher of History and Art History was presenting a paper at the special exhibition held in Melbourne from the 8-11th September 2016 entitled “ Human Kind : Transforming Identity in British and Australian Portraits 1700-1914.” It was quite surreal discussing portraiture with leading curators from the Tate Britain, The National Gallery ( London)  and the Albert and Victoria Museum. The event was also sponsored by the National Gallery of Victoria and the University of Melbourne. As conference participants we were all allowed free access to the “Degas: A New Vision” Collection which had just been launched.

I arrived in Timaru 12 years ago to take up a position teaching History at Timaru Boys’ High School. Naturally as an art historian I located the Aigantighe Gallery within 48 hours! I was so impressed by the House Gallery as it reminded me so much of the intimate locations I knew from the United Kingdom. Many of our magnificent stately homes such as Longleat have vast collections of art which are on public view. Unfortunately, that was not the case in Australia, consequently I was thrilled to visit the House Gallery and also appreciate the history of Timaru. When I moved into my house which is very close to the Aigantighe, I proceeded to research the history of my home. I was shocked to find that an important artist Astrid Mollie Steven had lived on the premises and painted in a studio she created, which is still in the grounds of the house. Two years ago I was very pleased to be able to erect 2 prints of classic paintings which are held in the Aigantighe Collection, in her original studio setting. I am thoroughly enjoying my involvement on the committee of the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery. I was Secretary for 8 years and have been in the role of President for 3 years. I look forward to being involved in the sphere of visual art for many years to come.