The Discerning Eye has enabled me to realise a dream. I have always longed to begin a collection of works of art that thrill me by reflecting, in a new way, my love of early French porcelain, and of those that teasingly recall events or people in my life.

The great royal factory of Sevres, so brilliantly represented in the Wallace Collection, was an inspirational innovator in eighteenth-century Europe. I long to be reminded of its ravishing creamy-white porcelain body, its tangible sculpture and its vibrant decorative qualities, so I have included those artists whose work in ceramics, stone, glass, metal, resin and even modelled paper seem to me to have invented contemporary ways of continuing the earlier novelty I so admire.

It fascinates me to see how the same image can be reinvented when it is created in different materials.

This occurred when paintings and sculpture were interpreted at Sevres and it continues today, though my desire to select exactly the same model in varying guises was often quizzically regarded by the artists themselves. Perhaps it pigeonholes me as a decorative arts curator rather than as a creative artist.

I also wanted to represent those artists working at Sevres today because they reveal how the factory has never ceased to be an innovative force while still using largely traditional materials and techniques. Lastly I include some personal reminders of my passion for the Wallace Collection, for doves and for my daughter. These tend to be represented by the paintings in my group, with the artists in the open selection providing some unintentional but wonderful connections for me.

My dream selection is shamelessly subjective, but perhaps the works of art will also inspire you. The special magic for so many of them is how tactile they are; each has its own shape, texture and temperature and is glorious to hold. They are as rewarding to the discerning hand as they are to the discerning eye.

 

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