Julia Peyton-Jones: The Serpentine Gallery's Visionary Director

Since 1991, Julia Peyton-Jones, 56, has been at the helm of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens, London, elevating it to a prominent contemporary art venue. She initiated her curatorial journey at the Hayward Gallery and highlights the artistic aspect of her position. Her close relationship with Damien Hirst facilitated his inaugural public exhibition in 1991 and a curated show in 1994. The Serpentine, which does not possess a permanent collection and relies on loans, has faced some criticism. With free entry, the gallery draws 800,000 visitors each year and showcases summer pavilions designed by architects such as Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. Peyton-Jones aspires to establish the Serpentine as the leading publicly funded contemporary art institution and is often referred to as the 'Anna Wintour of contemporary art.'