During their conversation, co-founder Matt Gibberd tracks Christopher’s career, including his attendance at the Slade, where the passing of his father led to an added level of responsibility and independence – “I think that must have contributed to the particular drive I had.” He later harnessed even greater responsibility as the president of one of the world’s most renowned art institutions.

From London house shares to moving in with his wife and fellow artist, Charlotte Verity, their Victorian villa in Camberwell – “the perfect emblematic house” – was the backdrop for both their continually exceptional careers and where Charlotte gave birth to two of their three children.

Now settled in Somerset, they’re set to embark on another renovation journey, taking the same bold and open approach as Christopher does with his art – “The idea that from the first stroke to the last stroke, it’s an endless sequence of perfect moves is to misdescribe the process. It’s actually an endless sequence of errors and shortcomings and mistakes.”

“Christopher was President of the Royal Academy for eight years and given a knighthood in 2021,” says Matt Gibberd. “I first met him a few years ago, when The Modern House was selling his beautiful home in Camberwell. Shortly after that, he had a joint exhibition in Los Angeles with my wife, Faye Toogood, so I got to know him better during the week we were out there together.

“This podcast gave me the chance to go a bit deeper, and I really enjoyed finding out more about his life. Despite always finding himself in positions of authority, Christopher portrays a naturally shy and introspective character.

“He and his wife, Charlotte, moved to Somerset a couple of years ago, and we snooped around their studios before recording this podcast in their lovely Georgian farmhouse.

“Christopher gives me a fascinating insight into what it's like to be a professional painter – from the importance of the space he's working in to the rituals he goes through and what he's thinking about.

“He tells me about what it's like to live with another artist – how they need to give each other space and how they critique each other's work. And we discuss the important houses in his life, notably the Victorian villa that he extended with the help of the architect Jamie Fobert.

“I've got a huge amount of respect for Christopher, and I found this conversation so fascinating. I hope you enjoy it, too.”

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