HELLO FROM THE EDITOR / SPRING 2024

COVER IMAGE: Lemn Sissay photographed in London by John Millar

Welcome

The poet Lemn Sissay shouldn’t really be as famous as he is. The odds against him becoming so were just too high. There was no family to cheerlead; no money to speak of. Brought up in the care system, there was no budget nor time for extracurricular sessions to nurture his outstanding talent for words. Yet up he rose. Today he is internationally known. How did he do it? And what is his advice for young artists whose start is similar to his own? In nearly 30 years of interviewing figures from the arts, I don’t think I’ve encountered one more grounded, honest, nor eloquent. Turn to page 14 to find out more.

From a leading light to national treasures, we’re also covering a special arts anniversary inside. In May London’s National Gallery, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, is 200 years old. Founded by parliament, for the people, its holdings are considered by many to be perfect. But taste is a funny thing. It changes. We asked Arts Society Lecturer Jonathan Conlin, also the gallery’s historian, to explore just how that has applied to the gallery. You might be surprised to discover which artworks, offered as a bequest, were almost turned down, considered to be, it was said, a disgrace. Art, of course, rouses strong opinions.
If you’d like to dive into lively discussions on the subject with fellow Arts Society members, and gain access to more exclusive arts content, then we hope you’ll join us in the new members group on Facebook. We’d love to hear your viewpoints (see page 44 for details). Speaking of which, we were delighted to discover how this magazine is viewed by peers in the publishing industry. As 2023 closed we were awarded the PPA Independent Publisher Membership Publication of the Year Award. It’s a great accolade, but then we’re lucky to work in this field, covering stories as rich and diverse as art itself. 

Sue Herdman, Editor

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