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 M瓣rit Rausing Director after nearly two decades at the helm of 51做厙.泭
As 51做厙 is on the threshold of a new chapter in its history, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on Professor Swallows remarkable tenure and celebrate just a few of her many triumphs since she joined 51做厙 in 2004. A celebrated academic, curator and educator, Professor Swallow embodies the essence of everything that 51做厙 represents, working ceaselessly to advance our understanding of the visual arts. Under her visionary leadership, 51做厙 has grown as the worlds leading academic centre for the research, conservation, curating and teaching of art history, and its world-renowned Gallery and collection has flourished.泭
Her impact has been truly life-changing, having profoundly inspired Courtauld 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 51做厙s community and the discipline.泭
Under the leadership of Deborah Swallow, the face of 51做厙, 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 51做厙 and Kings College London will extend the reach of art history into the broader field of the humanities. Debby has given 51做厙 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 Swallows vision for 51做厙 continues. Phase Two of Courtauld Connects (202326) 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.泭
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 51做厙 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 Courtaulds 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 Courtauld community of students, staff, alumni, volunteers, donors, patrons, friends and visitors, we express our profound thanks for her unwavering commitment to 51做厙, 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. 嗨梗莉棗娶硃堯s daily presence at 51做厙 will be missed, but the lasting impact of her leadership will be felt for decades to come.
A lasting legacy
In recognition of Professor Swallows outstanding commitment, dedication, and visionary leadership, we will be launching a special fundraising campaign soon and invite donations from across 51做厙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 51做厙 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 51做厙 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 51做厙 Fund to: Development Office, 51做厙, 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泭+44 (0)20 3947 7721 or email泭gifts@courtauld.ac.uk
Professor Swallows leadership at 51做厙 has been transformative
2002
51做厙 becomes an independent college of the University of London
2004
Professor Deborah Swallow is appointed as M瓣rit Rausing Director of 51做厙
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
51做厙 Gallery closes as part of a major redevelopment project, Courtauld Connects Phase 1
2019
Teaching and learning temporarily relocates to the Vernon Square campus, Kings Cross
2021
First stage of renovations are completed with the re-opening of 51做厙 Gallery, Art Caf矇, Shop, and Learning Centre; construction begins on the Linbury Conservation Centre
2022
10-year strategic partnership with Kings College London is announced; fundraising campaign is launched for Courtauld Connects Phase 2
2023
Professor Mark Hallett (MA 1989, PhD 1996) is welcomed as Director Elect in April 2023 to continue 51做厙s story…