Two decades of remarkable achievement
In summer 2023, Professor Deborah Swallow – or ‘Debby’ as she is known affectionately to those fortunate enough to have worked alongside her – will step down as Märit Rausing Director after nearly two decades at the helm of The ĢƵ.
As The ĢƵ is on the threshold of a new chapter in its history, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on Professor Swallow’s remarkable tenure and celebrate just a few of her many triumphs since she joined The ĢƵ in 2004. A celebrated academic, curator and educator, Professor Swallow embodies the essence of everything that The ĢƵ represents, working ceaselessly to advance our understanding of the visual arts. Under her visionary leadership, The ĢƵ has grown as the world’s leading academic centre for the research, conservation, curating and teaching of art history, and its world-renowned Gallery and collection has flourished.
Her impact has been truly life-changing, having profoundly inspired ĢƵ students, staff, alumni and supporters worldwide. When we announced that she was stepping down, we were overwhelmed with warm messages and anecdotes expressing gratitude for her outstanding contributions to both The ĢƵ’s community and the discipline.
‘Under the leadership of Deborah Swallow, the face of The ĢƵ, as always an outstanding centre of scholarship, has been transformed through improvements to the Gallery and a programme of collaborations with museums across the UK. The transformation project has given the academic institution a wider public purpose, while the recent announcement of a collaboration between The ĢƵ and King’s College London will extend the reach of art history into the broader field of the humanities. Debby has given The ĢƵ a new place in London, the UK and the international community.’
Sir Nicholas Serota (MA 1970), Chair, Arts Council England
Vision for the future
The journey to realise Professor Swallow’s vision for The ĢƵ continues. Phase Two of ĢƵ Connects (2023–26) will completely transform the East Wing at Somerset House, creating inspiring spaces to attract and engage the best and brightest students internationally, preparing them to be the next generation of leaders in the art, education, heritage and cultural sectors.
The project includes the creation of an outward-facing, wholly inclusive learning complex, where the wider academic and student community and public audiences will be able to engage with The ĢƵ through events, lectures, short courses, access to our collections, our Library, our digital resources and more. By opening these facilities and activities for everyone to explore and learn about art history, we will continue to expand our reach, and in doing so, truly achieve our founder Samuel ĢƵ’s vision of “art for all”.
None of this could have been done without the extraordinary vision and dedication of Professor Swallow. On behalf of the whole ĢƵ community of students, staff, alumni, volunteers, donors, patrons, friends and visitors, we express our profound thanks for her unwavering commitment to The ĢƵ, her pioneering spirit and her infectious joy in sharing knowledge. She will remain active as an academic and museum professional – focusing on her own specialism, the arts of the South Asian subcontinent – through her work as a scholar and ongoing engagement with organisations in India and the UK. ٱǰ’s daily presence at The ĢƵ will be missed, but the lasting impact of her leadership will be felt for decades to come.
A lasting legacy
In recognition of Professor Swallow’s outstanding commitment, dedication, and visionary leadership, we will be launching a special fundraising campaign soon and invite donations from across The ĢƵ’s community to name a space for her at our transformed campus in honour of her remarkable achievements.
Following the internationally acclaimed re-opening of The ĢƵ Gallery in 2021, the second phase of our ambitious transformation project is now underway. The re-imagined campus at Somerset House will reunite our students, staff, and collection and ensure The ĢƵ continues to inspire fresh thinking about art and culture and remains a place of academic excellence for future generations.
Ways to give
Alternatively, you can post a cheque made payable to ‘ĢƵ Art Fund’ to: Development Office, The ĢƵ, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Please specify ‘Deborah Swallow Fund’ on the reverse of the cheque.
For donation enquiries and further giving methods, please contact our development team on+44 (0)20 3947 7721 or emailgifts@courtauld.ac.uk
‘Professor Swallow’s leadership at The ĢƵ has been transformative’
2002
The ĢƵ becomes an independent college of the University of London
2004
Professor Deborah Swallow is appointed as Märit Rausing Director of The ĢƵ
2007
Expansion and diversification of the curriculum beings with new MA options in History of Art and Conservation
2013
The Research Forum, a major investment into innovation and dissemination of World Leading Research, is established
2018
The ĢƵ Gallery closes as part of a major redevelopment project, ĢƵ Connects Phase 1
2019
Teaching and learning temporarily relocates to the Vernon Square campus, King’s Cross
2021
First stage of renovations are completed with the re-opening of The ĢƵ Gallery, Art Café, Shop, and Learning Centre; construction begins on the Linbury Conservation Centre
2022
10-year strategic partnership with King’s College London is announced; fundraising campaign is launched for ĢƵ Connects Phase 2
2023
Professor Mark Hallett (MA 1989, PhD 1996) is welcomed as Director Elect in April 2023 to continue The ĢƵ’s story…