Female Voices in Art: Shona Elliott, Lead Curator – Art and History for Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums
'Knowing about women who do great work with art collections is inspiring and motivational for me.'
Shona Elliott (b. 1982, Norwich, England) is Lead Curator – Art and History for Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums. She gained a First, then Master's degree in Music at Royal Holloway, University of London with a focus on ethnomusicology and also connections between early 20th century music and Surrealism, Cubism, Dadaism and Futurism. Shona has worked with museum art collections for the majority of her professional career, and has a Masters degree in Museum Studies. Her article on ‘Changes in the University of Aberdeen’s Approach to Displaying Art, 1860-2010’ was published in the Volume 16 journal of the Scottish Society for Art History (SSAH) and she has been editor of the SSAH newsletter for several years.
Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?
I lead a team of curators, with a focus on developing Aberdeen City Council’s museum collections e.g. acquiring artworks, and sharing the art and history collections with the public through creating exhibitions, giving talks and tours, writing articles and assisting researchers.
What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?
Unexpectedly taking part in an impromptu photoshoot!
Do you have a favourite artist?
I enjoy Salvador Dali’s art. It was an amazing experience to visit the Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres and House-Museum in Portlligat where he lived and worked for many years.
What is your earliest memory involving art?
My great aunt was a keen painter and used to send lovely handmade cards with her artworks on them to me and my siblings on special occasions.
Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?
Knowing about women who do great work with art collections is inspiring and motivational for me.
What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?
I was smartly dressed as I had just been chairing a session at the Scottish Society of Art History’s annual Study Day in Edinburgh
What are you currently working on?
I am putting together an exhibition on artists’ depictions of Scottish Castles.
Could you mention a project, an institution that, or a person who has been important or inspiring for your career and why?
I began my career at William Wordsworth’s home and museum in the Lake District. It confirmed for me that I wanted a future in the museum/ gallery sector, and I loved getting opportunities to closely examine stunning artworks that we borrowed for temporary exhibitions there.
