An interview with Catherine Milner: The Fair Tour Guide
12 July 2024
If you visited the 2024 iteration of The Treasure House Fair, chances are you came across Catherine Milner. Formerly the Arts Correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, Catherine took guests on guided tours of the event, where she shared the rich stories behind the exhibits and explored the Fair’s hidden gems - which may otherwise have been missed.
Read on to discover more…
Above: Catherine showing a group of Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioners around the Fair
Catherine was brought up abroad, and after studying Fine Art at Edinburgh University, became the Arts Correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph. After having her children, she left the Sunday Telegraph and began writing for the Financial Times, Guardian and other papers. For the last eight years, Catherine has been the Creative Director of Messums art gallery, curating shows of ceramics, paintings and sculpture.
How did you become involved with The Treasure House Fair, and what did your role entail
during the event?
I was asked by Thomas Woodham-Smith, Director of The Treasure House, to show collectors around the Fair over a series of guided tours.
What were your personal highlights from the Fair?
Hiroshi Senju's Waterfall paintings, presented by Sundaram Tagore Gallery.
And what objects did you feel resonated most with guests during your tours?
Jewellery both antique and modern; Japanese ceramics; Andy Warhol’s drawings, Grayson Perry’s new map.
Why should people attend future editions of The Treasure House Fair?
Because of the beauty, the culture, and the conversation.
If you had to do another job, what would it be?
Painting.
Other than a phone and keys, what's the one item you always have on you?
An intaglio of a running deer.
How do you relax when you're not working?
Walking.
What's your favourite-ever piece of art, either that you own or wished you owned?
A landscape by John Nash.
Below: Catherine in action at the Fair.
Read on to discover more…
Above: Catherine showing a group of Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioners around the FairCatherine was brought up abroad, and after studying Fine Art at Edinburgh University, became the Arts Correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph. After having her children, she left the Sunday Telegraph and began writing for the Financial Times, Guardian and other papers. For the last eight years, Catherine has been the Creative Director of Messums art gallery, curating shows of ceramics, paintings and sculpture.
How did you become involved with The Treasure House Fair, and what did your role entail
during the event?
I was asked by Thomas Woodham-Smith, Director of The Treasure House, to show collectors around the Fair over a series of guided tours.
What were your personal highlights from the Fair?
Hiroshi Senju's Waterfall paintings, presented by Sundaram Tagore Gallery.
And what objects did you feel resonated most with guests during your tours?
Jewellery both antique and modern; Japanese ceramics; Andy Warhol’s drawings, Grayson Perry’s new map.
Why should people attend future editions of The Treasure House Fair?
Because of the beauty, the culture, and the conversation.
If you had to do another job, what would it be?
Painting.
Other than a phone and keys, what's the one item you always have on you?
An intaglio of a running deer.
How do you relax when you're not working?
Walking.
What's your favourite-ever piece of art, either that you own or wished you owned?
A landscape by John Nash.
Below: Catherine in action at the Fair.