Judy Wetherall
Following graduation in Conservation from Brighton and the City and
Guilds of London Art School, studying in Italy and Germany, Judy
established her reputation working on gilding, japanning,
polychrome and period paint. She is a Churchill Fellow, and 2015
winner of the Lord Balfour of Burleigh Award for Excellence in
Craftsmanship. She is passionate about her work, and her infectious
enthusiasm has led her to teach in many institutions. Her
life's-work portfolio is impressive, and includes work for National
Trust, English Heritage; Royal Collections; Globe theatre; Churches
and Cathedrals; Guildhall Art Gallery and numerous private
clients.
What is your approach to teaching?
As a conservator I am fascinated by the nature of materials and
techniques, and how they interact in the hands of craftsmen, both
in past artists' work, and in applying that knowledge, in new,
creative ways today. My teaching focusses on really understanding
historic materials and techniques, and to developing new ones, and
using them in innovative ways. I teach by demonstration, equally
sharing visual and tactile elements, with simultaneous talks. I use
historic and new materials' samples, and West Dean interiors to
illustrate and inspire. Sensitive, one-to-one teaching has been
core to my practice, to gently nurture, enable and resource anyone,
at any level, to acquire new revelations, skills and
possibilities!
What is inspires your own work?
Throughout my life's work in conservation, the techniques and
materials used by expert craftsmen have always inspired, driven and
fascinated me. I've delighted in discovering new and old
techniques; in pushing boundaries; in teasing things out, and
trying to creatively connect with those masters in our shared
passion for the extraordinary. I've thrilled in exploring and
forging new ways to use all this marvellous stuff, and because I
just love this field of decorative art, it is natural to me to want
absolutely everyone else to be as keen on it too, and to share it
all!
It seems innate in me to help others who want to do the same: lives
shaped by this passionate legacy of craftsmanship, continuing this
'contagion of excellence' in our work.