What is your favourite piece of work on display and why?

Since I arrived have been really struck by Watts’ After the Deluge and The Sower of Systems but I am also very drawn to Mary Watt’s story and her work. One of the things that brought me to the Watts Gallery was my interest in Mary Watts, her work and her involvement with the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The Collections and Exhibitions team office is based in Limnerslease so I get to enjoy her work on a daily basis .

What is your favourite way to get creative in your free time?

I learnt to sew in lockdown. My mum taught me via facetime which was a lovely way for us to do something together even though we were apart. I have made a few things but I decided to start quilting recently and finished my first quilt in March. I’m onto my second and I am really enjoying the process of designing, cutting and sewing. I’ve found a local class in Thames Ditton with a great teacher who is very patient with me as I am just a beginner!

What is your favourite part about working at Watts Gallery- Artists’ Village

The people! Everyone is so passionate about their work here and very friendly too! I have a really great team and I am excited to be working with lots of colleagues in different departments who equally dedicated.

Why did you want to work at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village?

I really got to know the organisation on a professional level in the last five years because my team at Royal Holloway and the team at the Watts wanted to collaborate professionally. We co-hosted a conference, shared vital museum Arts Council England Accreditation process knowledge and Royal Holloway lent a number of paintings to exhibitions here. Every time I came professionally I was so impressed by the high standards of collection care and public engagement and the great team work I could see. Collaborating with Watts Gallery -Artists' Village really made me want to become part of the team so I was delighted to start as Head of Collections and Exhibitions in January this year.

What are your plans for the summer?

I am hoping to travel up to Scotland with my husband and six-year old daughter to see friends. We also have tickets to take her to a music festival for the first time which will be wonderful.

Finally, tell us an unexpected fact about yourself.

I lived in Japan teaching English in a Japanese high school for two years after graduating from university.