Ms Jo Rhymer

As a freelance lecturer, I have had the pleasure of teaching for PACE’s International Summer Programme for several years. I really enjoy how the programme brings together learners of all ages from across the globe to share the pleasure of learning.

The moment I realised that I wanted to study History of Art was when I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The experience of seeing Van Gogh’s work was electrifying. I studied for both my BA (Hons) in Humanities and my MA in History of Art as a mature student whilst working full-time, so I am particularly committed to the value of lifelong learning.

I am based in London and teach for a range of public and private institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Wallace Collection. I am also an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society which takes me to various parts of the UK as well as abroad. I now have over 25 years of teaching experience in a range of prestigious gallery and museum learning departments including those of the National Gallery and Tate.

My areas of interest are 19th- and early 20th-century French and British art. I am particularly interested in the benefits of slow and close looking at paintings and during my time at the National Gallery I developed guided, slow looking techniques for gallery visitors. My teaching style encourages interaction, and where possible, I particularly relish discussions in front of artworks. What is particularly enjoyable about PACE’s summer programme is how in class discussions students’ observations can open new avenues for interpretation.