Jeremy Theophilus, who had a long and distinguished career in the arts as an artist, writer and cultural director, has died at the age of 66.
After graduating with a Fine Art degree and postgraduate certificate in Stage Design from the University of Portsmouth, Theophilus started work as a freelance stage designer and theatre consultant in the UK and abroad.
He then moved back into the visual arts, running a number of galleries including Wyeside Arts Centre in Powys, the Minories Art Gallery, Colchester and Oriel Mostyn in Llandudno.
Theophilus spent ten years as a senior visual arts officer at Arts Council England. It was during this period that he formed a close relationship with a-n, supporting sectoral intelligence gathering and consultations. This resulted in key resources for the arts sector including a-n’s Code of Practice for the Visual Arts and other good practice guides for artists.
In 2008 he was appointed co-artistic director of the British Ceramics Biennial along with Barney Hare Duke. They delivered three festivals together between 2009 and 2013.
Duke said: “Jeremy was an extraordinary man to work with. A rare combination of intellect, purpose and humility, he touched many, generously supporting and sharpening peoples’ creative ambitions. He will be greatly missed.”
Susan Jones, former director of a-n, commented: “The lives and interests of a-n as a company and Jeremy intermingled throughout our respective careers and stages of development in the arts. A generous and far-sighted man who demonstrated a catholic interest in the wide spectrum of visual arts and crafts, a-n respected his insight and knowledge. We were pleased to collaborate through editorial promotion on the first British Ceramics Biennial that he created with Barney Hare Duke.”
Theophilus is survived by his wife Linda and two children Kate and Joseph.
