Past, Present and Future – a brief history of you and how you came to be at Saxton Bampfylde?
First and foremost, I have always regarded myself as a campaigner and advocate, who has a real passion for the arts and its role in public life.
I began life working in politics, initially supporting the campaign for same-sex marriage and subsequently co-ordinating a cross party group of MPs and Peers – working closely with businesses, charities and grassroots activists – to promote LGBT+ rights worldwide.
My love of actors and passion for theatre, film and TV led me to working for a boutique actors’ agency in the West End as an Agent.
I have also worked for another search firm, where my focus was on non-executive appointments. It’s been a varied career! What ties it all together is a love of people and doing values led work, which is why Saxton Bampfylde feels like home!
What are the exciting evolutions impacting the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries?
Digital transformation in the arts is nothing new, but I think the new wave of digital innovation, especially around things like AI is so exciting for the sector, not just in terms of public facing initiatives but also in how our institutions are run.
The use of AI in cultural institutions, like museums, truly has the potential to facilitate advanced curation, personalised tours and even restoration efforts. We’re seeing this in action right now working with the National Gallery on a newly created role, Director of Digital Innovation & Technology, and I’m really excited to see the future innovations that roles like this bring to the sector.
What would you do on a rainy afternoon in a city or place of your choice?
I would be in New York with my partner, Chris, and I suspect we’d be in The Met!
Tell us your one hot tip
Go and see drag queens live and never wear a dull pair of shoes.
With the choice – pop on a podcast or bury your nose in a book? And please share any good recommendations…
A tough one! I am a devotee of The Rest is Politics podcast, but I love reading a biography. I’ve just finished Joe Orton’s ‘Prick Up Your Ears’ by John Lahr. The film with Gary Oldman is also well worth watching!
