Podcast Episode Summary: Sir Christopher Le Brun: The Leading Painter on the Homes That Have Shaped Him
Podcast Information:
- Title: Homing In
- Host: Matt Gibberd and The Modern House
- Episode: Sir Christopher Le Brun: The Leading Painter on the Homes That Have Shaped Him
- Release Date: April 3, 2025
Introduction to Sir Christopher Le Brun In this compelling episode of Homing In, host Matt Gibberd welcomes Sir Christopher Le Brun, a renowned artist and former president of the Royal Academy. Knighted in 2021, Christopher shares intimate insights into his life, exploring how various homes have influenced his artistic journey. The conversation unfolds in Christopher and his wife Charlotte Verity’s Georgian farmhouse in Somerset, offering listeners a deep dive into his personal and professional life.
Childhood and Early Homes Christopher begins by reminiscing about his early years in Portsmouth’s Milton area. He describes his grandmother’s modest house in Perth Road, highlighting its significance in his formative years.
"I was born in Portsmouth, but to be more specific, South Sea. And first house I remember is my grandmother's house in Perth Road." [01:58]
He contrasts this with their subsequent move to an Edwardian house on Essex Road, emphasizing the excitement of moving into a bigger home with a front garden and back shed.
"It felt bigger. It had a Front garden. And I had a rather wonderfully... a little back garden with a shed." [02:38]
Balancing Shyness and Athleticism As the eldest of four siblings, Christopher reflects on the responsibility that came with his role. Despite being naturally shy and introverted, he was also exceptionally athletic, often excelling in sports at school.
"I was the fastest runner in my junior school... I was a high functioning introvert. And I like the beginning of that sentence, the high functioning." [11:48]
This duality shaped his character, balancing leadership with introspection—traits that would later influence his approach to art and professional life.
Art Education and the Slade Christopher’s passion for art was evident from a young age, earning him numerous accolades in school. His pivotal moment came when his art teacher connected him with the esteemed Slade School of Fine Art, where he studied for four years.
"I suddenly could see here was a person who lived here, but had been to the Slade, one of the arguably best art schools in the country." [16:30]
His time at the Slade was marked by ambition and dedication, especially following the passing of his father, which deepened his resolve to succeed as an artist.
Meeting and Life with Charlotte Verity The narrative takes a personal turn as Christopher recounts meeting his wife, Charlotte Verity, at the Slade. Their relationship blossomed despite an unconventional beginning involving a spliff.
"Charlotte would kill me for saying this stuff... How would you describe Charlotte when you met her?" [29:04]
Charlotte, an independent and equally shy artist, became a cornerstone of his life, providing critical feedback that fueled his creative process.
"Charlotte would kill me for saying this stuff... She's probably listening outside the door now." [30:35]
Artistic Process and Philosophy Delving into his creative methodology, Christopher explains his approach to painting as a joyful and continuous play of ideas, emphasizing spontaneity and emotional engagement over strict realism.
"It's play really. It's play with all the virtues of, of play." [38:30]
He discusses the importance of not viewing a blank canvas with fear but with optimism, allowing for a free flow of creativity that mirrors childhood play.
"It's a joyful. I promise you, it's joyful, man. I'm not encouraging you to start." [37:05]
Homes and Studios: From Limehouse to Camberwell to Somerset Christopher details his various homes and studios, starting with an artist-driven project in Limehouse facilitated by the Acme Housing Association. This period marked his first meeting with Charlotte and their establishment of a family home.
"We repaired the house and lived in it as a home and a studio." [26:28]
Their move to a Victorian villa in Camberwell, designed with architect Jamie Faubert, provided a harmonious blend of living and working spaces, allowing their family to grow while maintaining creative pursuits.
"He managed to slot a very considered piece of new architecture somehow in under a Victorian villa and make the whole thing work." [46:21]
Eventually, seeking a quieter environment, they relocated to a Georgian farmhouse in Somerset, illustrating Christopher's deep connection between his living spaces and artistic inspiration.
"It's symmetrical. Although the stone mason came and looked at it... He said, faint shade of the workhouse." [61:59]
Leadership: President of the Royal Academy Christopher shares his unexpected journey to becoming the President of the Royal Academy, emphasizing the democratic process and his commitment to maintaining the institution's independence from government funding.
"I did enjoy the responsibility because I used to enjoy working with the staff... But I think there was a sense, I was convinced." [58:09]
His tenure was marked by significant projects, including plans for Burlington Gardens, underscoring his belief in the importance of diverse voices in the arts.
Reflections on Career and Legacy In reflecting on his career, Christopher balances his professional achievements with familial bonds. He expresses satisfaction in both his artistic contributions and his role as a family man, contemplating the legacy he leaves behind.
"It has to be both. It has to be both." [77:47]
He emphasizes the importance of art being a product of both invention and observation, maintaining a fluid relationship with his creative process even as he ages.
"Spontaneity of my response to color is probably greater now than it was when I was younger." [69:39]
Conclusion Sir Christopher Le Brun's journey is a testament to the profound interplay between home, family, and artistry. Through tranquil homes and bustling studios, his life encapsulates the essence of what Homing In seeks to explore—the intimate relationship between our living spaces and our identities. This episode not only highlights Christopher’s illustrious career but also paints a vivid picture of the environments that have shaped his creative spirit.
Notable Quotes:
- "I can remember how exciting it was to move into a big house." (02:38)
- "It's play really. It's play with all the virtues of, of play." (38:30)
- "Most creatives are in that area [high functioning introverts]." (12:20)
- "The house is the backdrop to so many things and the fact that it can also be the backdrop to a new life arriving into the world, that's actually really quite a profound thing." (48:54)
Closing Thoughts: Matt Gibberd masterfully navigates through Sir Christopher Le Brun’s personal narratives and professional milestones, offering listeners an enriching exploration of how home and environment influence artistic expression. Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone intrigued by the stories behind creative minds, this episode provides valuable insights into the symbiotic relationship between an artist and their living spaces.