Hiscox Insurance Company has supported Art for Guernsey since the earliest days, as a valued grass roots sponsor, key sponsor, supplier and partner. Tom Ellis, Head of Art & Private Clients at Hiscox Guernsey, explained why.
Hiscox has supported Art for Guernsey since the beginning. Why did the company decide to do this?
Hiscox has always been a proud sponsor of numerous UK galleries, exhibitions and charities including the National Gallery, Whitechapel, Art UK and Sculpture in the City, so when David founded Art for Guernsey we were very happy to have the opportunity to extend this to Guernsey. The charitable work that Art for Guernsey does for the community is also something we are grateful to be able to contribute towards.
Hiscox not only insures art, but also collects, sponsors and promotes it. Can you tell us more about Hiscox’s relationship with the art world?
Art has always been an integral part of the culture of Hiscox and we have been collectors for over 50 years. As well as owning works by internationally renowned artists such as David Hockney, Candida Hofer and Cecily Brown, we particularly enjoy uncovering and encouraging emerging talent.
We continue to turn to Hiscox for advice and guidance, never more so than when we were planning Renoir in Guernsey, 1883. How did you feel about being involved in this project?
The Renoir in Guernsey, 1883 exhibition was an internationally recognised world-class event of which Art for Guernsey and Guernsey in general should be very proud. Hiscox has a wealth of experience insuring large exhibitions so we were pleased to be able to offer guidance where we could and be involved in something so significant to the island.
Is there another exhibition we have put on that you have particularly enjoyed?
Although I have enjoyed them all, the spectacle of a giant octopus emerging from the gallery at Mill Street for the Renaissance of Victor Hugo exhibition was a particular highlight.
Art for Guernsey has four “pillars”: Exhibitions, Education, Community and Cultural Diplomacy. If you had to pick a favourite, which would it be, and why?
The exhibitions, community and cultural diplomacy are undeniably important; however, for me, Art for Guernsey’s contribution to local education is my favourite. Engaging the next generation in art benefits the entire community
in the long term.
What does art mean to you personally?
I am fortunate to be exposed to a great deal of art through my work, and over the years I have developed a particular interest in modern and contemporary art.
