Holly Smith

Assistant Gallery Manager at the Philip Mould Gallery

Class of 2017

Holly grew up in Derbyshire and Northumberland in a creative household, spending much of her childhood visiting country houses and art galleries with her mum.

At 15, she began working part-time in hospitality and later took on nearly full-time hours during her A-levels. Although she didn’t initially achieve the results she wanted, repeating her final A – Level year became a turning point, and allowed Holly to refine her academic and career goals while also embarking on a solo journey around the world.

During her master’s degree, Holly moved to London to start an internship at the Philip Mould Gallery, where she still works today.

She balanced full-time work whilst completing her dissertation and was offered the role of Gallery Assistant. Holly has since progressed to Assistant Gallery Manager, and in this role she oversees the daily operations of the gallery and runs all gallery events, from book launches to private dinners. This multifaceted role has enabled her to connect with exceptionally talented individuals and gain access to extraordinary artworks often hidden from public view.

We spoke to Holly to find out more about her experiences since leaving SHS and her fascinating career:

What was your most memorable moment as a pupil at Sheffield Girls’? One of my most memorable moments as a pupil at Sheffield Girls’ was the trip we took to India during February half-term. It was an incredible experience that sparked my love for travel. A year later, inspired by that trip, I returned to India on a solo journey, where I met amazing people and had unforgettable adventures.

Can you share with us a bit about your career journey after leaving Sheffield Girls’? After leaving Sheffield Girls’, my career journey began with work experience during my master’s degree at Tennants Auctioneers, where I assisted in the picture and 20th-century design departments, helping with cataloguing and displays. I then started an internship at Philip Mould & Company whilst I was writing my final dissertation and have since worked my way up to Assistant Gallery Manager. Throughout university, I’ve also worked in restaurants and bars, which has been invaluable in understanding and connecting with people.

What influenced you to take the career path you did? Please can you tell us about what you’re doing now? My love for history, art and a fascination with people’s stories naturally led me to the field of art history. While I wasn’t entirely sure what career path to take at first, I explored various areas that intrigued me and eventually found my passion in the dynamic environment of a gallery. I knew I wanted a hands-on role, as I’m a practical person and realised that research or library-focused work wouldn’t be the right fit for me. Now, as Assistant Gallery Manager at Philip Mould & Company, I manage a variety of responsibilities, but what I find most rewarding is overseeing and watching a painting change. It’s incredible to follow a painting’s journey—from its initial purchase through cleaning, restoration, and framing—culminating in its final display. Watching a painting come back to life and uncovering its history is an aspect of my work that I deeply enjoy.

What have been the biggest challenges in your career? And the most rewarding parts of your job? One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been navigating the complexities of the art world—it’s a unique and intricate environment that takes time to fully understand, but I’ve grown into it over the years. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my career have come from organising memorable events, such as private viewings at Gainsborough House and Benton End. These events celebrated the life and work of Cedric Morris and brought together clients from both the art and gardening communities for a truly special occasion. Another deeply fulfilling aspect of my role is witnessing the journey of a painting—from its acquisition through restoration, framing, and research. This process allows me to uncover and connect with the history of each artwork, which is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Did your education at the High School influence your career? Reflecting on my time at Sheffield Girls’, the education I received allowed me the freedom to explore subjects I genuinely enjoyed, which shaped my career interests even though I wasn’t yet sure where they would lead. While History of Art wasn’t offered, I found ways to read around related subjects, particularly art and social history. The school instilled in me the confidence to ask for what I wanted and seek advice when needed—a skill that’s served me well throughout my career.

What advice would you give your younger self (when you were at school)?

To my younger self, I’d simply say trust your gut.

What advice would you give sixth form pupils at Sheffield Girls’ today?

For current sixth-form pupils, my advice is to pursue something you genuinely enjoy rather than feeling pressured to choose a path because you think you have to.

If you had to sum up in a couple of sentences, how would you define what Sheffield Girls’ did for you?

Sheffield Girls’ gave me the confidence to follow my passions and aim for excellence, even when others were discouraging, and for that, I am truly grateful.