From Alleyn’s Art Rooms to London Art Gallery 

A huge thank you to Rebecca McDowell (Cribb's 2015) for inspiring Alleyn’s Art students with an insightful and thought-provoking talk about her route from the Alleyn’s Art rooms to Archives and Registrar Assistant at the renowned Michael Werner Gallery in London. 

Becky returned to Alleyn’s on 29 January to share her experience of combining her passions for art and writing and her advice to students hoping to break into a career in the Arts. She impressed upon them the need to follow their passions and be open minded about the future: 

“There is no clear-cut or linear trajectory in the Arts industry,” she said. “The only way to succeed is to do what you’re passionate about so study what you enjoy and don’t overthink it.”  

Becky offered a window into her route from Alleyn’s to studying a Foundation Course at The Royal Drawing School. From there she undertook a History of Art Degree at the Courtauld Institute of Art and then an apprenticeship at the V&A in the National Art Library. She later undertook a Communications Assistant internship at the Timothy Taylor Gallery before securing her permanent current position at Michael Werner Gallery. 

Becky spoke frankly to students about knockbacks along the way and about how she worked hard and maximised every opportunity. She encouraged students to: 

“Apply to everything. Getting in and getting experience is worth its weight in gold.” 

She said that in the Arts world, a lot of it is luck and about being in the right place at the right time: 

“Putting yourself out there and advocating for yourself is so important,” Becky said. “Make yourself indispensable in any role and if the job isn’t perfect, make the most of it. Flex it as much as you can to get the experience you need to make it the job that gets you the next one.” 

Students and staff had the chance to ask Becky insightful questions, including about how she maintains her own practical art making and what kind of interaction she has in her role with the artists the gallery represents. 

Thank you, Becky, for returning to Alleyn’s and broadening the horizons of our Alleyn’s Art students. We are always incredibly grateful to our alumni community for giving back in this way. If this sort of opportunity interests you, please do get in touch! 

Group photo shows Becky McDowell (Cribb's 2015) with her former Alleyn's Art teachers Ms Reynolds, Mr Nolan and Ms Kingston.