Tim Fisher
Recent retired alumnus Tim Fisher has had a 35 year career as a curator in for some of Australia’s major mus
eums, galleries and libraries. Still happily retired, Tim shares some of his memories.
What was your UNE qualification/s?
BA in Human Geography
Online or on-campus study?
On campus, although living in town after first year in Drummond College.
What was your reason for studying at UNE?
I had been aware of, and liked, the remote learning program at UNE, even in the 70s. I was also vaguely aware of the geography school.
How was your experience with UNE lecturers?
Generally fine as far as I can remember.
Your current or previous job?
I had a 35 year career as an Australian Art curator under various guises and institutions including at the National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia, the Victorian Arts Centre and the State Library of Victoria. At last count I curated about 48 exhibitions.
The personal qualities needed to do your job?
A strong visual sense of Australian material culture, original thinking, good writing skills and openness.
If you weren’t in this line of work, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Still retired.
Your advice for anyone interested in pursuing this type of career?
Go for it, Australian material culture is rewarding and still under researched, so there are good opportunities. Unfortunately however, art curatorship is a shrinking profession as many institutions seem to prefer generalists to specialist historians who care for collections, not just the next big event.
The biggest challenge and biggest achievement you’ve experienced in your work or life in general?
Without doubt being married for 35 years and having four wonderful children has been my biggest achievement and challenge.
How has your UNE qualification aided you in your career?
It was a good starting point.
What inspires you inside work and outside work?
I am now most interested in the natural world, bushwalking and possibly building things.
Do you volunteer your time for a community project or organisation?
Yes.
In this time of Covid-19, how has the virus impacted your work?
I'm retired, so not much, particularly as I am currently living in Canberra, which has dealt with it very effectively.
Anything else you would like to share?
I very much enjoyed my time at UNE, particularly it has to be said, the social life in and around Armidale and the North Coast. I met many great people and am always grateful for the memories that UNE has afforded me.
