Qualified barrister Caroline Wiseman is the founder of the Aldeburgh Beach Lookout and Art House. Ahead of sharing her Desert Island Poems for the Suffolk Poetry Society, she talks of her creative journey to the Suffolk coast
As a qualified barrister, what led you to setting up Caroline Wiseman Modern and Contemporary, and dealing in major British and International art instead?
I did not find that I could express my creativity through law. I was in public relations and good at getting publicity so I decided to be my own client and get publicity for a business I really believed in – which was to encourage people to buy good art and to realise that it can be inexpensive.
What led you to establishing the Aldeburgh Beach Lookout and Art House in 2010 and what is it that you love about the Suffolk coast?
My late partner, Francis Carnwath and I were very happy in London but wanted to buy a cottage in Aldeburgh. But then I saw the Lookout and fell in love with it. We were lucky enough to buy it and the house behind it. We sold our house in London and I have no regrets at all. The Suffolk coast is bleak and beautiful and is hugely inspiring to many people.
What the thinking behind Aldeburgh Beach Lookout?
I love Kettles Yard in Cambridge, and I have always sold art from my homes in London and in New York, so we are continuing in this tradition.
Have you learnt anything about yourself over the past 18 months or so?
Aldeburgh is a wonderful place to live, a very cossetting community. I realise that I love living in a community.
How can people expect on the night of the Desert Island Poems event with Suffolk Poetry Society?
I am hoping we will have a full house especially as Blake Morrison is reading one of his poems.
Do you think we could all think of 10 favourite poems that have inspired us, if we tried? And can you reveal one of your favourites?
I think we can all think of 10 poems we love. One of my favourites is the one Blake will be reading.
Any future projects you can share?
We are planning a big project on creativity. Analysing what it is, why we all need to express our creativity and how we can do it successfully.
Suffolk Poetry Society’s Desert Island Poems, with special guest Caroline Wiseman, takes place at the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham Hub, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham on November 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 for SPS members or £6 for non-members – available on the door or in advance from Events – Suffolk Poetry Society. Call 01787 374516 or email treasurer@suffolkpoetrysociety.org.uk. The Aldeburgh Beach Lookout and Art House can be found at 31 Crag Path, Aldeburgh IP15 5BS.
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