Female Voices in Art: Manon Borst, Director Museum Martena, Franeker
"When we had to develop a new brochure for the museum I made a selection of the works I wanted to show. Months later I realised there were only portraits of women to be seen. After centuries of men having been to the forefront it was a breath of fresh air!"
Manon Borst (b. 1964, Soesterberg, The Netherlands) is Director of Museum Martena in Franeker. She studied art history at Groningen University and majored in modern art. After working at the natural history museum in Leeuwarden she became director of Museum Martena in 2005, a historic town house in the centre of the former university town Franeker. She is also a board member of the Academy of Franeker
Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?
I am Director of Museum Martena in Franeker. When we had to develop a new brochure for the museum I made a selection of the works I wanted to show. Months later I realised there were only portraits of women to be seen. That wasn’t a conscious choice. But after centuries of men having been to the forefront it was a breath of fresh air!
What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?
I felt very lucky to have been asked by Carla to join this wonderful project. It was an honour to work with her. I loved being photographed with my youngest daughter Jitske Boonstra (19).
Do you have a favourite artist?
This is like asking: ‘which of your children do you love the most!’
What is your earliest memory involving art?
My father was an amateur antiques dealer. He also restored antique clocks and watches. I remember us cleaning up an old wooden picture frame in our garden. He showed me a very special thing, there was a painting on the front as well as a painting on the back side of the canvas.
Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?
They are there to stay.
What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?
I wear a jacket designed by Eiske Henneman. It was part of a suit I bought 25 years ago for a special occasion. I love digging in my wardrobe and rediscover clothes I haven’t worn for years.
Has the Covid crisis had an impact on your daily practice?
We all too soon forget there was a health crisis. The things we thought we learned are all but forgotten.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on the refurbishment of the museum.
Could you mention a project, an institution that, or a person who has been important in/inspiring for your career and why?
My best friend at university was Jonieke van Es. We went to Venice together to do an internship at the Collezione Peggy Guggenheim. This was a defining period in my life. Jonieke died about ten years ago. She was a brilliant art historian.
