One of the most significant highlights of Professor Swallow’s tenure has been the ground-breaking transformation of The Courtauld Gallery following an ambitious three-year programme of renovation. Despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19, the project kept progressing and the Gallery reopened to the public in November 2021 to tremendous critical acclaim.
Innovatively redesigned by Witherford Watson Mann and Nissen Richards, with open spaces and carefully reconfigured displays, the Gallery is now an accessible, welcoming space, exquisitely tailored to showcase its spectacular collection and provide a space for innovative, research-led exhibitions. The first major exhibition at the Gallery following its reopening, The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Van Gogh. Self–Portraits (3 Feb – 8 May 2022) was a sell–out hit, receiving rave reviews worldwide, and 70,394 visitors during its 10–week run.
‘One of Debby’s most admirable qualities is her great sense of optimism. Simply put, she believes in the future. This has allowed her to find a way through countless challenges and to shape The Courtauld as the progressive and forward-looking institution it is today.’
Dr Ernst Vegelin van Claerbergen (PG Dip 1993, MA 1994, PhD 1999), Head of The Courtauld Gallery