Beth McKillop: Pioneer of Korean Art in the UK

Beth McKillop, a distinguished curator and scholar, has passed away at the age of 72. Throughout her career, she was instrumental in elevating Korean artistic traditions, advocating for their recognition independently of Chinese or Japanese art.

McKillop's impactful tenure at the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Library redefined the perception of Korean art. She introduced diverse audiences to the richness of Korean ceramics, books, and design, helping to establish a vital field in East Asian art studies in Britain.

A pivotal achievement was her role as Samsung curator of Korean art at the V&A between 1990 and 1993. During this period, she founded the UK's inaugural permanent museum gallery dedicated to Korean art, significantly augmenting the V&A's holdings with over 120 historical and contemporary pieces.

Her interest in Korean art began while working at the British Library in the early 1980s. Recognizing the lacuna in specialist expertise for Korean collections, she pursued Korean language studies, transforming a curatorial need into her life's work.

McKillop's influence extended to international collaborations, including visits to North Korea, which led to co-authored publications. Her later career saw her return to the V&A as keeper of Asia, overseeing major exhibitions and gallery developments before retiring in 2016.

Even after retirement, she remained an active scholar, contributing to significant publications like "Precious Beyond Measure: A History of Korean Ceramics" (2024). McKillop was also a respected leader and mentor, admired for her role in fostering the careers of younger curators and researchers. Her presidency of the Oriental Ceramic Society and trustee positions further underscored her commitment to the arts.