National Life Stories: Artists’ Lives

Jerwood Foundation has renewed its funding for National Life Stories: Artists’ Lives through a grant of £21,500. The grant will maintain the important recording programme conducted by Artists’ Lives and will continue to support vital archival processes by improving audience access as well as increasing the visibility of the archive.

 

Artists’ Lives is part of National Life Stories (NLS), an oral history charity based in the British Library. Artists’ Lives now comprises over 470 in-depth autobiographical recorded testimonies from artists and art world professionals.

 

With this grant, Jerwood Foundation continues its long-standing support of Artists’ Lives by sponsoring the life story recordings of important British artists Mark Wallinger and Ingrid Pollard. Moreover, this grant facilitates several vital archival processes: the funding of the transcription of Eileen Cooper’s Jerwood supported life story recording as well as the production of two short thematic films.

 

In a recent interview, renowned art historian Griselda Pollock reflected on her own experience of being recorded for a Jerwood Foundation-funded life story for Artists’ Lives:

A recorded oral history is a double journey of self-discovery for the interviewee and revelation made possible by attentive listening on the part of the interviewer […] Being and becoming over time are only captured in words spoken in trust to one who listens and hears. With a recording of the spoken word in such a space of shared exploration, anyone else listening, joins the circle.

Lara Wardle Executive Director and Trustee Jerwood Foundation said.

We are delighted to continue Jerwood Foundation’s long-standing relationship with National Life Stories through this grant, which will support two further Artists’ Lives recordings, and also fund the full transcription of Eileen Cooper’s life story interview.. Together, these initiatives will strengthen an exceptional oral history archive of lasting value for researchers, audiences, and future generations.

Hester Westley, Project Director for Artists’ Lives said:

Jerwood Foundation’s continued support for Artists’ Lives will support National Life Stories to capture long-form recordings with important British artists, ensuring that the artists themselves have the last word on their life and practice. Moreover, Jerwood’s generosity will guarantee that these recordings enjoy the visibility they deserve.

 For more information, please visit British Library and for a list of interviewees please contact nls@bl.uk

 

June 4, 2026