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ICEFAT
Newsletter #2 — 2006 |
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MEET STEPHEN DUNN, REGISTRAR AT TATE MODERN:
REACTING OR PLANNING |
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STEPHEN
DUNN, EXHIBITION REGISTRAR AT TATE MODERN. |
Meeting Stephen
Dunn was an opportunity to discover a little more about his experiences
and knowledge, and also to hear his opinions and thoughts about
ICEFAT. The interview
took place in Stephen’s offices behind the magnificent Turbine
Hall.
What will a typical day at the Tate may involve?
– It depends on whatever stage of the exhibition process
I’m at the time but it mainly fell into two areas. I can
be reacting or planning. The ‘reacting’ part can be
anything from coping with a change in aircraft options to dealing
with lenders’concerns about lighting levels once the exhibition
had started. Or responding to courier’s requests and trying
to resolve those while also satisfying the Tate’s requirements.
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––Planning is a little
more self explanatory. This could include following up on estimates,
planning collections and working with agents and suppliers. A very
important part of the planning process is applying for indemnity cover
from the MLA.
– Without British Indemnity there would be significantly fewer
exhibitions in the UK, Stephen says. |
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What steps are you following
in arranging an exhibition in other countries?
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The initial stage is the estimate request. This would be sent to two
or three preferred agents. Once these were submitted, there is a selection
stage, which is time consuming and difficult as price is not always
the overriding issue.
Stephen believes attentive service, trust and reliability are crucial
throughout the exhibition process. He finds it important to have a
‘connection’ with his agent; that his supplier has an
awareness of the high standards the Tate demands.
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What channels are you using
in finding a reliable agent in either the originating or destination
countries?
– I usually takes the advice of my chosen London agent but I
also have to consider the requests of lenders. This may result in
more than one agent being involved in a single exhibition, although
the chosen agent must have the resources to manage the project.
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However, Stephen often chooses smaller
agents to work on local transport jobs, he says.
What was the most important thing he had learned as a Registrar?
The answer was familiar! ‘Never assume anything!’
What do you like best about your job?
– I enjoy the international network of associates and friendships,
dealing with my counterparts in far flung Museums, working with different
agents and the often curious demands of lenders.
Travel was sometimes to be enjoyed, rather than endured, and he make
up to six trips a year for the Tate.
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Interview by Chris Kneale, member
of ICEFAT News Editorial Committee and Director of MARTINSPEED LTD,
UK |
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FACTS |
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Stephen Dunn completed his ‘A’ Levels and furthered his
education at the Sorbonne in Paris, studying French language and Culture.
A short spell at the National Maritime Museum led to a four month
internship at the Guggenheim, New York. The internship obviously whetted
his appetite for Museum work and he took up a position at the Tate
on his return to London. He has been a Registrar at Tate Modern since
it opened.
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