Languages and Christies

Kemble Gallery Blog Post Interview with Hannah Buisman.

Hannah Buisman was awarded a First for her languages degree in 'Modern Languages and Cultures in French and Spanish' at Durham University. Hannah completed a work experience placement with the Kemble Gallery. Hannah has recently been selected for a talent pool at Christie’s for potential candidates following the pandemic. 

We caught up with Hannah to interview her about her work experience with the Kemble Gallery.

Congratulations on a fantastic degree result, Hannah and being selected for the talent pool at Christies. You must be thrilled!

What inspired you to apply for work experience at the Kemble Gallery?

I had always seen the quaint Kemble gallery as a wonderful place to walk around and admire the fantastic local artwork on show. As I increasingly saw the art and antiques world as a place for my future career, it seemed the perfect place to enquire about work experience. The art is high quality, local and varied, covering many genres and mediums. This made the gallery the ideal place to learn about the industry and all it had to offer. 

What did you enjoy most about your experience at the Kemble Gallery? Tell us about your work experience.

Each week I would learn something new- I would meet an artist, help process the accounts, learn about art storage and maintenance, lighting, display, the list goes on! Most importantly, I learnt about how a successful art business functions, balancing the needs of the artist, buyer and industry in creating the optimum space to store, display and sell art. I also really enjoyed working with the Kemble team, learning from their experiences and sharing mine. I always looked forward to my weekly work at the gallery! 

Your degree is in Languages, what attracted you to the Art World?

My family have long been art enthusiasts, with some also enjoying drawing and painting as a hobby. As a result I have always been surrounded by art and a creative culture. Languages provide an ideal platform to accessing art. Much like a culture is best understood in its own language, the same could be said for art. As much as art has no language boundary, when you learn a language, you also gather a great insight into the culture of that language, and with it its art. My degree has lead me to understand the art world on a new level, taking into account the history and culture behind each piece which has only served to enhance my interest.

"To enter the art world through such a prestigious organisation would not only be a fantastic experience but also a brilliant start to my career. Having applied to their graduate scheme I could never have believed that I would reach the final stages of the application".

What inspired you to apply to Christie’s? And how has COVID-19 affected your plans? 

Christie’s is one of the best-known auction houses in the world and has been established for over 250 years. To enter the art world through such a prestigious organisation would not only be a fantastic experience but also a brilliant start to my career. Having applied to their graduate scheme I could never have believed that I would reach the final stages of the application. With the arrival of the pandemic, the scheme could not go ahead, but thanks to their talent pool, candidates can prepare for next year and perhaps other opening or opportunities at Christie’s. It is an extremely exciting prospect and allows me time to gather extra experience in the meantime!

What period or style of Art do you like the most?

My interest in art varies but I am fond of the pastel colours of Monet and more conversely of the precision work of artists such as Hyacinthe Rigaud who painted most famously for King Louis XIV of France. 

Who is your favourite artist or what is your favourite artwork in the Gallery?

I love the intricate work of Kevin Sheehan. I have one of his fantastic maps of Durham on my wall at home. I also have a super print by Stephen Ward of St. Johns College, a place where I spent the four happy years of my degree as a member. His work perfectly captures the handsome frontage of the college.

Plans for the future?

I am planning to head abroad to gather extra experience on the continent in the art and antiques industry. Meanwhile I will also be able to keep up my languages and with any luck, learn a few more! 

Thank you for taking the time to answer the interview questions for the Kemble Gallery Blog and we wish you all the best for the future. We’ll be seeing you again at your Graduation Ceremony next year! 

Update: Hannah is currently living in the Netherlands and is helping her Uncle with the Historic Piano Music Festival.