Expert Art History, Curating & English Tutor | Specialist subjects include Curating, Contemporary Art, and English Language & Literature | Supporting students at GCSE, A-Level and Undergraduate level.

Find out more about Jay

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in my chosen field during my academic studies, where I found myself particularly drawn to Art History, especially curation, with a focus on modern British and Irish art. I loved not only learning the material but also discussing it with peers, helping explain concepts, and finding new ways to make complex ideas accessible. This naturally led me to private tutoring, which I began during university. I quickly realised how rewarding it is to support students one-on-one, adapting my approach to suit each individual's learning style. It's incredibly fulfilling to watch someone gain confidence and make real progress and that's what's kept me passionate about tutoring ever since.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach Art History, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary art. I especially enjoy discussing topics like post-war British and Irish art, the evolution of abstraction, and how art responds to social and political contexts. I love helping students draw connections between artworks and wider cultural movements, it's always rewarding to see them engage critically and develop their own interpretations. I also enjoy exploring curatorial practices with students: how exhibitions are shaped, the narratives they tell, and how curatorial choices influence perception.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I wouldn't say I had one specific role model, but there were definitely a few teachers and lecturers who shaped how I think. What stood out to me were those who taught with real clarity and didn't overcomplicate things for the sake of it. They made space for discussion and encouraged students to develop their own voice, which had a lasting impact. That approach-thoughtful, open, and grounded in real knowledge-is something I try to bring to my own teaching.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient, clear, and adaptable. It's important to be able to explain things in a way that makes sense to each individual student, not everyone learns in the same way, so flexibility is key. You also need to listen carefully, not just to spot where someone might be struggling, but to understand how they're thinking through an idea. Encouraging confidence is just as important as building knowledge, so creating a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes is essential.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During my A-levels, I remember visiting an exhibition on British modernism that completely shifted how I understood art history. Until then, I'd mostly studied textbook examples (big names, well-known works) but seeing pieces in person, especially by lesser-known British and Irish artists, made the subject feel immediate and alive. I remember standing in front of a painting by Barbara Hepworth and suddenly realising how much context (place, material, politics) feeds into the making of a single artwork. It made me want to dig deeper, not just into the artworks themselves, but into the stories behind them. That experience stayed with me and definitely shaped how I now approach teaching the subject.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One of the main challenges I've faced in studying and working within art history is navigating how underrepresented certain groups still are-particularly women artists and artists of colour. A lot of the canon is still dominated by a narrow set of voices, and part of the difficulty has been unlearning some of those frameworks and doing the extra research to uncover overlooked narratives. It can also be a challenge to balance the academic rigour of the subject with accessibility-making sure it doesn't become overly elitist or exclusive. But that's also what I find rewarding: helping others engage with art in a way that feels relevant and inclusive, and opening up discussions around the gaps and assumptions that still exist in the field.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My particular passion lies in making art history more accessible and engaging, whether that's through teaching, curating exhibitions, or writing. I'm especially interested in the stories behind artworks and helping people connect with them in a way that feels personal rather than academic or distant. While I do enjoy teaching in general, what drives me most is sparking that moment when someone sees art differently or feels like they've unlocked something new. I'm also passionate about championing overlooked artists and exploring how art intersects with broader cultural, political, and social histories.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What makes me a Superprof is my ability to tailor each session to the individual student, whether they're aiming for top grades, preparing for university, or simply curious about the subject. I bring not just academic knowledge but real-world experience from working in galleries, curating exhibitions, and interviewing contemporary artists. I'm passionate about making art history feel alive and relevant, and I create an encouraging, open space where students can ask questions, think critically, and build confidence.