Christina
Christina Hesford is an art consultant and artist who starts with people, not preferences. Deep listening and a maker's eye guide her to what's genuinely right - for the client, and the space they inhabit.
Approach & services
Christina's approach is rooted in deep listening and understanding. She doesn't impose taste - instead, she finds work that's genuinely right for your space and your vision.
Curation + consultancy
Art curation Space curation Private Collections
Curation + consultancy
Art curation Space curation Private Collections
Sourcing + relationships
Artist liaison Gallery & agent relationships Sourcing Commissions Purchases Framing Interiors/architecture/brand design collaboration Installation & technical advisor relationships
Sourcing + relationships
Artist liaison Gallery & agent relationships Sourcing Commissions Purchases Framing Interiors/architecture/brand design collaboration Installation & technical advisor relationships
Strategy + narrative
Strategic advisory Themes and narrative development Special interest curation (contemporary craft and textiles)
Strategy + narrative
Strategic advisory Themes and narrative development Special interest curation (contemporary craft and textiles)
Project management
Project management Budgets and costing Contract management Liaison with finance teams
Project management
Project management Budgets and costing Contract management Liaison with finance teams
Trusted by the best
About Christina
An art consultant with a maker's eye, a curatorial mind, and over a decade of exhibited and collected work.
Originally trained as a textile artist and lecturer, Christina brings a maker's understanding of how work is made, and a curator's instinct for how it should live in a space, to every project. That background shapes how she works now; she's not advising from the outside, she's spent years in the studio herself.
Today, she works with private clients, collectors, and organisations to source, commission, and deliver art that's truly right for the space, the people, and the long term; from single acquisitions to large-scale commissioning programmes. She's drawn to work with a strong sense of place, and to projects where art does more than decorate.
Practice
Member of The 62 Group of Textile Artists. Crafts Council: Hothouse alumna, 2017. Represented by Modern Art Hire and Curio
Academic & Advisory
Master of Research in Arts, Northumbria University. Associate Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University. Advisory Board Member, MIMA
Exhibitions
MIMA. Clerkenwell Design Week. Polish Triennial of Tapestry. Toast. Platform A Gallery.
Originally trained as a textile artist and lecturer, Christina brings a maker's understanding of how work is made, and a curator's instinct for how it should live in a space, to every project. That background shapes how she works now; she's not advising from the outside, she's spent years in the studio herself.
Today, she works with private clients, collectors, and organisations to source, commission, and deliver art that's truly right for the space, the people, and the long term; from single acquisitions to large-scale commissioning programmes. She's drawn to work with a strong sense of place, and to projects where art does more than decorate.
Practice
Member of The 62 Group of Textile Artists. Crafts Council: Hothouse alumna, 2017. Represented by Modern Art Hire and Curio
Academic & Advisory
Master of Research in Arts, Northumbria University. Associate Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University. Advisory Board Member, MIMA
Exhibitions
MIMA. Clerkenwell Design Week. Polish Triennial of Tapestry. Toast. Platform A Gallery.
Originally trained as a textile artist and lecturer, Christina brings a maker's understanding of how work is made, and a curator's instinct for how it should live in a space, to every project. That background shapes how she works now; she's not advising from the outside, she's spent years in the studio herself.
Today, she works with private clients, collectors, and organisations to source, commission, and deliver art that's truly right for the space, the people, and the long term; from single acquisitions to large-scale commissioning programmes. She's drawn to work with a strong sense of place, and to projects where art does more than decorate.
Practice
Member of The 62 Group of Textile Artists. Crafts Council: Hothouse alumna, 2017. Represented by Modern Art Hire and Curio
Academic & Advisory
Master of Research in Arts, Northumbria University. Associate Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University. Advisory Board Member, MIMA
Exhibitions
MIMA. Clerkenwell Design Week. Polish Triennial of Tapestry. Toast. Platform A Gallery.
"Working with Christina has been a real joy. She selected four paintings for a prestigious hotel project in the North East and her enthusiasm, communication and management has been amazing. I really look forward to seeing the paintings in-situ and am excited to work with Christina again in the future."
Kirsty Tanner
Artist
"It has been a pleasure working with Christina from start to finish. She made the process of working with a commercial client really easy for me and was always available to answer any questions promptly. Christina has great attention to detail and was very well organised. She ensured I had all of the information I needed so that my work arrived safely and on time. She was kind and courteous with all of her communication. I would love the opportunity to work with Christina again."
Verity Howard
Artist
"Working with Christina on the ATLAS project at Rockliffe Hall was a real pleasure from start to finish. She holds the bigger curatorial narrative in her head and the brief was clear. We supplied two pieces for the space, and every stage, from the first conversation through to delivery, was calm, considered and well organised. Christina understands makers because she is one, and it shows in how she works with them. We'd work with her again without hesitation."
Carl Koch
Founder & Artist, Paynes Grey
"Christina has been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the outset her intellect and extensive knowledge, and support of the arts and the region meant we hit the ground running. In just a few conversations she helped develop an initial idea into a narrative that was cohesive, interesting, relevant, creative and a true celebration of our North East region. Christina finds a perfect balance of managing and directing while nurturing and allowing artists full creative freedom ; a valuable and rare skill. Christina is one of those people you want to work hard for, because she’s dedicated, encouraging and clear about objectives and deadlines. I hope to get another opportunity to work together in the future."
Sally Ann Norman
Photographer
"It was such a pleasure working with Christina on this commission. From our first conversation, she created a genuinely collaborative way of working. We were able to explore ideas and concepts openly, and her passion for the project and my work was evident throughout. She provided clear direction when needed, while trusting my creative process from the outset, which allowed me to focus on making the sculpture and delivering it to a tight deadline. It was a fantastic project to be part of, and delivering the sculpture in person and seeing it in its final setting was a real highlight. I'd love the opportunity to collaborate with Christina again."
Anja Hessler
Artist and designer
"I have really enjoyed working with Christina Hesford this year, who commissioned me to create a series of drawings and paintings for Rockliffe, a high-end hotel refurbishment. From the outset, Christina provided a clear and considered brief, while also giving me the creative freedom to develop the work in a way that felt authentic and exciting. Christina’s own background as an artist clearly informs her approach, giving her a genuine understanding of how creatives work, and how to communicate what she, or her clients, are looking for - which can be a rare skill! She has a fantastic eye, and a real ability to see how individual pieces will sit within an environment and enhance the overall feel of a room. In working together I always felt that my work was in safe hands and that my ideas and creative approach were valued. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Christina, and I would absolutely recommend working with her. She brings a thoughtful, discerning and highly personal approach to every project, and I hope to work with her again in the future."
Anna Chapman Parker
Artist
"Christina was a joy to work with from start to the finish of the commission. She was always helpful, well organised and thoughtful. She delivered everything that she promised and in a timely manner. Her guidance was exemplary and helped me to get the most out of the commission. It is, in my experience, quite rare to fine sympathetic commissioning agents who get the best out of you and are so supportive."
Mike Collier
Artist and academic
"I was approached by Christina to develop a series of new works for a hospitality venue in North-East England. The collaboration was a wonderful experience, with great communication, trust and a real sense of freedom throughout the process. I was thoughtfully guided while having space to explore, which made the commission particularly enjoyable and opened up new directions in my practice."
Marilou Chagnaud
Artist
"Working with Christina was an absolute pleasure. She was thoughtful, enthusiastic and incredibly supportive throughout the whole process, from selecting the works through to their installation at Rockliffe. I’m so pleased with how the pieces have come together in the space and would be delighted to work with Christina again."
Natascha Maksimovic
Artist
"Working with Christina on my commission for Rockliffe Hall was a genuinely wonderful experience. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and the belief she showed in my work gave me a huge amount of confidence as I developed the commission. She managed the whole process with great care and professionalism, while giving me the freedom to develop the work in my own way. Her feedback was thoughtful and constructive, and I always felt that she was genuinely invested in the project. Even when my first vase dramatically collapsed in the kiln, Christina was incredibly understanding and reassuring! Her support throughout the process gave me the confidence to push the work further, and I’m enormously proud of the resulting commission. I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity and for making the whole experience such a positive one."
Katja Seaton
Ceramic Artist
"Working with Christina has been a real joy. She selected four paintings for a prestigious hotel project in the North East and her enthusiasm, communication and management has been amazing. I really look forward to seeing the paintings in-situ and am excited to work with Christina again in the future."
Kirsty Tanner
Artist
"It has been a pleasure working with Christina from start to finish. She made the process of working with a commercial client really easy for me and was always available to answer any questions promptly. Christina has great attention to detail and was very well organised. She ensured I had all of the information I needed so that my work arrived safely and on time. She was kind and courteous with all of her communication. I would love the opportunity to work with Christina again."
Verity Howard
Artist
"Working with Christina on the ATLAS project at Rockliffe Hall was a real pleasure from start to finish. She holds the bigger curatorial narrative in her head and the brief was clear. We supplied two pieces for the space, and every stage, from the first conversation through to delivery, was calm, considered and well organised. Christina understands makers because she is one, and it shows in how she works with them. We'd work with her again without hesitation."
Carl Koch
Founder & Artist, Paynes Grey
"Christina has been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the outset her intellect and extensive knowledge, and support of the arts and the region meant we hit the ground running. In just a few conversations she helped develop an initial idea into a narrative that was cohesive, interesting, relevant, creative and a true celebration of our North East region. Christina finds a perfect balance of managing and directing while nurturing and allowing artists full creative freedom ; a valuable and rare skill. Christina is one of those people you want to work hard for, because she’s dedicated, encouraging and clear about objectives and deadlines. I hope to get another opportunity to work together in the future."
Sally Ann Norman
Photographer
"It was such a pleasure working with Christina on this commission. From our first conversation, she created a genuinely collaborative way of working. We were able to explore ideas and concepts openly, and her passion for the project and my work was evident throughout. She provided clear direction when needed, while trusting my creative process from the outset, which allowed me to focus on making the sculpture and delivering it to a tight deadline. It was a fantastic project to be part of, and delivering the sculpture in person and seeing it in its final setting was a real highlight. I'd love the opportunity to collaborate with Christina again."
Anja Hessler
Artist and designer
"I have really enjoyed working with Christina Hesford this year, who commissioned me to create a series of drawings and paintings for Rockliffe, a high-end hotel refurbishment. From the outset, Christina provided a clear and considered brief, while also giving me the creative freedom to develop the work in a way that felt authentic and exciting. Christina’s own background as an artist clearly informs her approach, giving her a genuine understanding of how creatives work, and how to communicate what she, or her clients, are looking for - which can be a rare skill! She has a fantastic eye, and a real ability to see how individual pieces will sit within an environment and enhance the overall feel of a room. In working together I always felt that my work was in safe hands and that my ideas and creative approach were valued. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Christina, and I would absolutely recommend working with her. She brings a thoughtful, discerning and highly personal approach to every project, and I hope to work with her again in the future."
Anna Chapman Parker
Artist
"Christina was a joy to work with from start to the finish of the commission. She was always helpful, well organised and thoughtful. She delivered everything that she promised and in a timely manner. Her guidance was exemplary and helped me to get the most out of the commission. It is, in my experience, quite rare to fine sympathetic commissioning agents who get the best out of you and are so supportive."
Mike Collier
Artist and academic
"I was approached by Christina to develop a series of new works for a hospitality venue in North-East England. The collaboration was a wonderful experience, with great communication, trust and a real sense of freedom throughout the process. I was thoughtfully guided while having space to explore, which made the commission particularly enjoyable and opened up new directions in my practice."
Marilou Chagnaud
Artist
"Working with Christina was an absolute pleasure. She was thoughtful, enthusiastic and incredibly supportive throughout the whole process, from selecting the works through to their installation at Rockliffe. I’m so pleased with how the pieces have come together in the space and would be delighted to work with Christina again."
Natascha Maksimovic
Artist
"Working with Christina on my commission for Rockliffe Hall was a genuinely wonderful experience. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and the belief she showed in my work gave me a huge amount of confidence as I developed the commission. She managed the whole process with great care and professionalism, while giving me the freedom to develop the work in my own way. Her feedback was thoughtful and constructive, and I always felt that she was genuinely invested in the project. Even when my first vase dramatically collapsed in the kiln, Christina was incredibly understanding and reassuring! Her support throughout the process gave me the confidence to push the work further, and I’m enormously proud of the resulting commission. I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity and for making the whole experience such a positive one."
Katja Seaton
Ceramic Artist
"Working with Christina has been a real joy. She selected four paintings for a prestigious hotel project in the North East and her enthusiasm, communication and management has been amazing. I really look forward to seeing the paintings in-situ and am excited to work with Christina again in the future."
Kirsty Tanner
Artist
"It has been a pleasure working with Christina from start to finish. She made the process of working with a commercial client really easy for me and was always available to answer any questions promptly. Christina has great attention to detail and was very well organised. She ensured I had all of the information I needed so that my work arrived safely and on time. She was kind and courteous with all of her communication. I would love the opportunity to work with Christina again."
Verity Howard
Artist
"Working with Christina on the ATLAS project at Rockliffe Hall was a real pleasure from start to finish. She holds the bigger curatorial narrative in her head and the brief was clear. We supplied two pieces for the space, and every stage, from the first conversation through to delivery, was calm, considered and well organised. Christina understands makers because she is one, and it shows in how she works with them. We'd work with her again without hesitation."
Carl Koch
Founder & Artist, Paynes Grey
"Christina has been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the outset her intellect and extensive knowledge, and support of the arts and the region meant we hit the ground running. In just a few conversations she helped develop an initial idea into a narrative that was cohesive, interesting, relevant, creative and a true celebration of our North East region. Christina finds a perfect balance of managing and directing while nurturing and allowing artists full creative freedom ; a valuable and rare skill. Christina is one of those people you want to work hard for, because she’s dedicated, encouraging and clear about objectives and deadlines. I hope to get another opportunity to work together in the future."
Sally Ann Norman
Photographer
"It was such a pleasure working with Christina on this commission. From our first conversation, she created a genuinely collaborative way of working. We were able to explore ideas and concepts openly, and her passion for the project and my work was evident throughout. She provided clear direction when needed, while trusting my creative process from the outset, which allowed me to focus on making the sculpture and delivering it to a tight deadline. It was a fantastic project to be part of, and delivering the sculpture in person and seeing it in its final setting was a real highlight. I'd love the opportunity to collaborate with Christina again."
Anja Hessler
Artist and designer
"I have really enjoyed working with Christina Hesford this year, who commissioned me to create a series of drawings and paintings for Rockliffe, a high-end hotel refurbishment. From the outset, Christina provided a clear and considered brief, while also giving me the creative freedom to develop the work in a way that felt authentic and exciting. Christina’s own background as an artist clearly informs her approach, giving her a genuine understanding of how creatives work, and how to communicate what she, or her clients, are looking for - which can be a rare skill! She has a fantastic eye, and a real ability to see how individual pieces will sit within an environment and enhance the overall feel of a room. In working together I always felt that my work was in safe hands and that my ideas and creative approach were valued. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Christina, and I would absolutely recommend working with her. She brings a thoughtful, discerning and highly personal approach to every project, and I hope to work with her again in the future."
Anna Chapman Parker
Artist
"Christina was a joy to work with from start to the finish of the commission. She was always helpful, well organised and thoughtful. She delivered everything that she promised and in a timely manner. Her guidance was exemplary and helped me to get the most out of the commission. It is, in my experience, quite rare to fine sympathetic commissioning agents who get the best out of you and are so supportive."
Mike Collier
Artist and academic
"I was approached by Christina to develop a series of new works for a hospitality venue in North-East England. The collaboration was a wonderful experience, with great communication, trust and a real sense of freedom throughout the process. I was thoughtfully guided while having space to explore, which made the commission particularly enjoyable and opened up new directions in my practice."
Marilou Chagnaud
Artist
"Working with Christina was an absolute pleasure. She was thoughtful, enthusiastic and incredibly supportive throughout the whole process, from selecting the works through to their installation at Rockliffe. I’m so pleased with how the pieces have come together in the space and would be delighted to work with Christina again."
Natascha Maksimovic
Artist
"Working with Christina on my commission for Rockliffe Hall was a genuinely wonderful experience. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and the belief she showed in my work gave me a huge amount of confidence as I developed the commission. She managed the whole process with great care and professionalism, while giving me the freedom to develop the work in my own way. Her feedback was thoughtful and constructive, and I always felt that she was genuinely invested in the project. Even when my first vase dramatically collapsed in the kiln, Christina was incredibly understanding and reassuring! Her support throughout the process gave me the confidence to push the work further, and I’m enormously proud of the resulting commission. I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity and for making the whole experience such a positive one."
Katja Seaton
Ceramic Artist
"Working with Christina has been a real joy. She selected four paintings for a prestigious hotel project in the North East and her enthusiasm, communication and management has been amazing. I really look forward to seeing the paintings in-situ and am excited to work with Christina again in the future."
Kirsty Tanner
Artist
"It has been a pleasure working with Christina from start to finish. She made the process of working with a commercial client really easy for me and was always available to answer any questions promptly. Christina has great attention to detail and was very well organised. She ensured I had all of the information I needed so that my work arrived safely and on time. She was kind and courteous with all of her communication. I would love the opportunity to work with Christina again."
Verity Howard
Artist
"Working with Christina on the ATLAS project at Rockliffe Hall was a real pleasure from start to finish. She holds the bigger curatorial narrative in her head and the brief was clear. We supplied two pieces for the space, and every stage, from the first conversation through to delivery, was calm, considered and well organised. Christina understands makers because she is one, and it shows in how she works with them. We'd work with her again without hesitation."
Carl Koch
Founder & Artist, Paynes Grey
"Christina has been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the outset her intellect and extensive knowledge, and support of the arts and the region meant we hit the ground running. In just a few conversations she helped develop an initial idea into a narrative that was cohesive, interesting, relevant, creative and a true celebration of our North East region. Christina finds a perfect balance of managing and directing while nurturing and allowing artists full creative freedom ; a valuable and rare skill. Christina is one of those people you want to work hard for, because she’s dedicated, encouraging and clear about objectives and deadlines. I hope to get another opportunity to work together in the future."
Sally Ann Norman
Photographer
"It was such a pleasure working with Christina on this commission. From our first conversation, she created a genuinely collaborative way of working. We were able to explore ideas and concepts openly, and her passion for the project and my work was evident throughout. She provided clear direction when needed, while trusting my creative process from the outset, which allowed me to focus on making the sculpture and delivering it to a tight deadline. It was a fantastic project to be part of, and delivering the sculpture in person and seeing it in its final setting was a real highlight. I'd love the opportunity to collaborate with Christina again."
Anja Hessler
Artist and designer
"I have really enjoyed working with Christina Hesford this year, who commissioned me to create a series of drawings and paintings for Rockliffe, a high-end hotel refurbishment. From the outset, Christina provided a clear and considered brief, while also giving me the creative freedom to develop the work in a way that felt authentic and exciting. Christina’s own background as an artist clearly informs her approach, giving her a genuine understanding of how creatives work, and how to communicate what she, or her clients, are looking for - which can be a rare skill! She has a fantastic eye, and a real ability to see how individual pieces will sit within an environment and enhance the overall feel of a room. In working together I always felt that my work was in safe hands and that my ideas and creative approach were valued. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Christina, and I would absolutely recommend working with her. She brings a thoughtful, discerning and highly personal approach to every project, and I hope to work with her again in the future."
Anna Chapman Parker
Artist
"Christina was a joy to work with from start to the finish of the commission. She was always helpful, well organised and thoughtful. She delivered everything that she promised and in a timely manner. Her guidance was exemplary and helped me to get the most out of the commission. It is, in my experience, quite rare to fine sympathetic commissioning agents who get the best out of you and are so supportive."
Mike Collier
Artist and academic
"I was approached by Christina to develop a series of new works for a hospitality venue in North-East England. The collaboration was a wonderful experience, with great communication, trust and a real sense of freedom throughout the process. I was thoughtfully guided while having space to explore, which made the commission particularly enjoyable and opened up new directions in my practice."
Marilou Chagnaud
Artist
"Working with Christina was an absolute pleasure. She was thoughtful, enthusiastic and incredibly supportive throughout the whole process, from selecting the works through to their installation at Rockliffe. I’m so pleased with how the pieces have come together in the space and would be delighted to work with Christina again."
Natascha Maksimovic
Artist
"Working with Christina on my commission for Rockliffe Hall was a genuinely wonderful experience. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and the belief she showed in my work gave me a huge amount of confidence as I developed the commission. She managed the whole process with great care and professionalism, while giving me the freedom to develop the work in my own way. Her feedback was thoughtful and constructive, and I always felt that she was genuinely invested in the project. Even when my first vase dramatically collapsed in the kiln, Christina was incredibly understanding and reassuring! Her support throughout the process gave me the confidence to push the work further, and I’m enormously proud of the resulting commission. I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity and for making the whole experience such a positive one."
Katja Seaton
Ceramic Artist
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Interested in working together or curious about the process?
Book an initial consultation, and let's explore your vision.