Introduce yourselves
Beth: My journey in the arts began at De Montfort University, where I earned a First Class Honours in Fine Art in 2023. During my time there, I discovered my passion for curation when I co-curated our second year exhibition at Two Queens Gallery in Leicester. This experience opened my eyes to the power of exhibitions in engaging audiences and showcasing artists’ work.
My interest in museums and galleries has been nurtured through various experiences since my BA. After graduating from De Montfort, I had the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for art with prospective students through a talk. I have also volunteered at New Walk Museum in Leicester as part of the Photographic Archiving Team. This role gave me invaluable insights into the importance of preserving historical documents and the meticulous work that goes into archiving.
Kexin/Hazel: My journey in the arts began in China, where I studied Ceramic Art Design. This background provided me with extensive experience in art practices, particularly pottery making. During that time, volunteering in artist residency projects allowed me to connect with artists from different countries, sparking my interest in handcrafts as well as a wide range of art forms and exhibitions. I then spent two years interning and working at an art museum and gallery in Shanghai, where I developed a deep appreciation for modern and contemporary art. This experience inspired me to explore different art institutions abroad.
I was drawn to the concept of integrating art into everyday living when I first visited Kettle’s Yard, and I thought how wonderful it would be to work here someday. Now that wish has come true. I’ve been interested in participatory art—how art connects with and engages people.
Describe what you’ve been doing at Kettle’s Yard this summer
Beth: My 8-week curatorial documentation placement at Kettle’s Yard has been an incredibly rich and diverse experience. The core of my work has been enhancing the documentation of the collection, a task that has allowed me to delve deep into the history and significance of numerous artworks.
On a daily basis, I have conducted in-depth research on selected artworks and artists. This involves a wide range of resources, from existing texts and online resources to artist books and historic exhibition catalogues. One of the most fascinating aspects of this research has been exploring the correspondence between Jim Ede and various artists in the Kettle’s Yard Archive. These letters offer a unique window into the relationships that shaped the collection and provide valuable context for the artworks.
Using this research, I have drafted 152 new descriptive artwork records and augmented existing ones held in the database from ceramics and relief sculptures to paintings and glass pieces. The goal has been to create parity across the database, ensuring that each artwork has a comprehensive and consistent record. Each written record explores when and where the artwork was made, its relation to other works by the same artist, when it entered the Kettle’s Yard collection, and how it is currently displayed.
As part of this project, I have also been creating close visual descriptions of artworks. This task is particularly important for enhancing accessibility, allowing visitors of all abilities to engage more fully with the collection. It has been a rewarding challenge to find ways to convey the visual and emotional impact of artworks through words alone.
Another engaging aspect of my placement has been the opportunity to select books from the library collection to be displayed on the table for visitors. This curatorial exercise has given me insight into how even small decisions can shape a visitor’s experience and understanding of the space. It has been a wonderful way to engage with Jim Ede’s vision for Kettle’s Yard as a lived-in space where art and life intersect.
Throughout my placement, I have also had the chance to participate in curatorial discussions about new perspectives on displaying and conserving objects. These conversations have been incredibly enlightening, offering insights into the complex decision-making processes behind exhibitions and conservation efforts.
Hazel: I took on the role of Project Coordinator in the Learning and Community Team, where I have been working on two publications designed as learning resources for Primary and Secondary school teachers. Both resources focus on the theme of ‘identity’, a concept we believe is crucial for young minds to explore, particularly through the lens of how artists in the collection at Kettle’s Yard have represented their identities. We selected 10 artists for each resource whose works delve into various aspects of identity, inspiring students to connect with their lived experiences. Being a part of this project has been very rewarding; I got to see the project grow from the initial drafts to the final prints. We will be making two learning resources accessible on the Kettle’s Yard website, so keep an eye out for the launch!
I’ve also had the opportunity to get involved in different types of workshops and events. Some were artist-led workshops designed for children in response to the Megan Ronney: Echoes & Hours exhibition; I had a lot of fun working with the materials in the creative process. The most memorable event was an audio-described tour of Echoes & Hours for blind and visually impaired visitors. It was inspiring to see how the tour engaged senses like smell and touch to enhance the accessibility of the art. It has been an enriching and fulfilling summer full of creativity, learning, and meaningful connections.
What have you enjoyed the most?
Beth: Without a doubt, the aspect I have enjoyed most is the hands-on experience of working with such a diverse and historically significant collection. Kettle’s Yard is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art. Having the opportunity to engage so closely with these works has been truly inspiring.
I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to delve into the correspondence between Jim Ede and various artists. Reading Ede’s exchanges with artists such as David Jones has given me a deeper appreciation for the personal stories behind the artworks. It has been fascinating to see how these friendships influenced Ede’s collecting practices and ultimately shaped the character of Kettle’s Yard.
The process of creating new artwork records and enhancing existing ones has been incredibly rewarding. There is a certain thrill in uncovering new information about an artwork or artist and knowing that this knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of the collection. I have enjoyed the detective work involved in piecing together the history of certain objects, especially when information is scarce or contradictory.
Hazel: Just being in this space is a joy in and of itself. The first thing that comes to mind is communication. I enjoy the work environment here – people collaborate closely, share ideas, and support one another. I’ve been given a lot of space to develop my ideas, with support from colleagues to make them happen. We are currently creating a playlist linked to the theme of ‘identity’, gathering songs from colleagues that reflect their identities through music, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this playlist comes together, as it not only highlights our diverse identities but also strengthens our sense of community here at work.
How have you found it spending the summer in Cambridge?
Beth: Spending the summer in Cambridge has been a truly magical experience. The city’s rich cultural heritage and academic atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for my work at Kettle’s Yard. Every day, as I walk through the historic streets to the museum, I’m struck by the sense of history and intellectual curiosity that permeates the city.
One of the highlights has been the opportunity to explore other local galleries and museums with the senior curator. We visited the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Heong Gallery. These visits were invaluable for understanding different curatorial approaches and have broadened my perspective on museum practices.
Living in Cambridge for the summer has also given me a taste of what it might be like to work in a city with such a rich cultural heritage. It has been inspiring to be surrounded by so much history and creativity, and it has certainly influenced my thinking about where I might want to work in the future.
Overall, my time in Cambridge has been more than just a work placement – it has been a truly immersive cultural experience that I will cherish for years to come.
Hazel: I’ve found a great sense of peace in Cambridge in the summer. I think Cambridge is a lovely place to stay, even without a set plan, simply wandering around the city, relaxing on the grass and having picnics are great ways to unwind and enjoy the day.
I had the chance to visit the David Parr House, a terraced house with hand-painted interior. The house gave me a fascinating glimpse into the history and achievement of the Arts and Crafts movement during the 20th century. The atmosphere, along with the smell of the aged wood and paint, triggers a sense of nostalgia, almost as if you’re stepping back into your grandparents’ house. I also enjoy exploring the surrounding areas—Mill Road. It is a perfect spot to take a stroll and grab a good cup of coffee.
What have you learnt from the placement?
Beth: This placement at Kettle’s Yard has been an incredible learning experience, providing me with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional insights that will undoubtedly shape my future career in the museum sector. From gaining hands-on experience with collections management software, to the complexities of curatorial and conservation decision-making, this placement has deepened my understanding of the unique role that arts institutions play in the cultural landscape, what a museum or gallery can be and how it can engage with its audience and enabled me to think more deeply about the stories we tell through art collections.
Hazel: Such a lot! This experience at Kettle’s Yard has been an eye-opening journey, filled with growth and learning. One of the key things for me has been developing a self-motivated mindset. Unlike my previous roles where I was in a supportive capacity, this time I took a much more proactive approach in managing the project. This included planning the project timeline, managing the budget, and securing copyright permissions from artists. This shift has really boosted my confidence and greatly improved my management and communication skills.
Another valuable thing I learned was refining my writing skills; coming from a university background focused on academic writing, I have learned how to adapt my language style to better connect with different audiences. This was crucial in ensuring my communication was effective and appropriate for each context.
Also, the most profound lesson I would say working here also taught me is how to treat people with kindness.
What’s next?
Beth: This placement at Kettle’s Yard has absolutely reinforced my desire to work in museums and galleries. The hands-on experience I have gained here, combined with my academic studies and previous experiences, has cemented my passion for this field and clarified my career aspirations.
In the immediate future, I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge gained at Kettle’s Yard to a career in the sector. Looking beyond my MA, I hope to secure a curatorial role where I can continue to make art accessible to diverse audiences. Ultimately, I see myself in a role that combines curatorial work with public engagement and education. Whether that is in a traditional museum setting, a university gallery, or an innovative new kind of art space remains to be seen – but I am excited for the journey ahead
Hazel: That’s a good question (and also a tricky one). This experience at Kettle’s Yard has made me more determined that I would like to pursue a career in the arts in the UK, where I can immerse myself in a different cultural environment and see things from a new perspective. From this, it has also helped me realise that I enjoy working in smaller teams, as it allows me to get to know people better and collaborate more closely. I’m excited to see where my journey in the arts will take me next and am open to exploring the many possibilities that lie ahead.