5 questions we asked our Young Masters 2026 judges.
What first inspired your interest and dedication to the creative arts?
Both my parents are artists. My mother is a graphic designer, my father is a sound designer. So my earliest memories consist of being in my father's arms while he was mixing and recording records, or with my mother, who was very strict in my early arts education. The first books she ever bought me when learning to read were poetry anthologies, primarily of Black writers such as Grace Nichols and Langston Hughes. Growing up in that household, creative arts was both how my parents were able to provide a life for all of us, but also for themselves and their own wellbeing.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your professional journey?
Not to sound like a vengeful creature, but aged 11 I have a vivid memory in my French class when we were writing to our pen pals describing our lives. When I asked the teacher how to say "graphic designer" or "record producer" in French, corners of the classroom erupted in laughter where some sniggered, "that's not a real job". Cut to me doing A Level Economics, History and English followed by a degree in Classical Literature at the University of Birmingham. When I landed at the Financial Times a decade ago, I had ONE mission: to prove the economic value and importance of culture and art to society.
The FT is where I developed my specialism in writing about fashion and investment primarily, but it has also been the outlet for healing that childhood trauma. The pivot into cultural placeshaping is an amplification of the same mission - where I convince asset managers and developers to integrate art and culture into the very heart of their masterplan developments.
What are your thoughts on the latest Young Masters project, and what are you most excited about?
I am extremely passionate about supporting initiatives that provide meaningful platforms for next gen talent and the talent pipeline for the creative industries. The Young Masters project has a proven track record of elevating and amplifying the voices of grassroots talent.
Are you looking forward to visiting the beautiful Wimbledon Museum and seeing how the Suffragette colours are elevated through the history and atmosphere of the tennis championship?
I'm a NW Londoner born and bred. I seldom travel south of the river, so yes, I'm very much looking forward to visiting Wimbledon Museum and learning more about the heritage and the history of the area and its connections to the Suffragettes.
What is your connection with Young Masters, and how did you first meet the founder, Cynthia Valianti Corbett?
I'm a Trustee of the Crafts Council and I've previously covered the Collect Fair for FT HTSI (How To Spend It). Collect is where I first met Cynthia and learned all about the great work Young Masters do for our sector in contemporary craft and art.