Katy is an art historian, broadcaster and curator and has lectured at the National Gallery and the Guggenheim and presented programmes for the BBC.  

Her wonderful book, ‘The Story of Art without Men, shines a spotlight on the women artists whose talent and skill have been under represented in history for centuries and is a clapback on the first ‘Story of Art’ published in 1950, which as great as it is, even in its 16th edition, features only one female artist! Katy’s novel has challenged and rewritten art history, without the exclusion of women.  

Katy shared her knowledge with us about various female artists through time that have been dismissed and overlooked from Artemisia Gentileschi to the secret portraits of Clara Peeters to more current works by figures such as Tracey Emin and Marina Abramovic. Emin herself said the book ‘will change the history of art’. Shocking statistics from a survey carried out by Katy revealed that only 30 percent of people can name three women artists, highlighting just how revolutionary this book full of them has been in presenting women as more than muses, mothers and daughters of male artists.  

The talk was a huge inspiration for students, in allowing them to expand their knowledge and appreciation for the infinite women who have paved the way and made so many sacrifices to allow us to aspire to pursue careers and interests in art and creative fields.  

Students had the opportunity to purchase their own book at the event and have it signed, accompanied by some lovely tote bags and T-shirts! Katy also received a tour of our very own Art Department and a look at some of the artworks in progress, and we are so grateful to have had such a celebrated figure visit who has achieved so much in regaining balance in the art world and giving great women artists a voice.  

Kareena, Year 13, Visual Arts Subject Ambassador