Julian Spalding

Who is Julian Spalding?

Julian Spalding is a British art critic, writer, broadcaster and former curator. Considered to be a controversial maverick and outspoken critic of the art world, he's been a regular contributor to arts, news and current affairs programs on radio and TV.

Spalding grew up on a council estate in St Mary Cray, South London. His upbringing there played an important part in shaping his subsequent outlook, particularly with regard to understanding how social inequality and cultural deprivation have a negative impact on people's lives. In 1974 he married Frances Crabtree, who is known by her married name.

He studied art history at Nottingham University and art at Nottingham Art College, and after a brief spell as an artist and designer he chose to work in museums and galleries. Spalding started as an art assistant at museums in Leicester and Durham before becoming director of galleries for Sheffield, and then Manchester. In 1989 he was appointed director of Glasgow Museums, responsible for the largest collection managed by a local authority and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the most visited museum outside London.