The Trustees

LILY BLACKSELL – SRFA

Lily Blacksell is a writer who works in the arts. She is currently based at Southbank Centre where she began working in fundraising and is now part of the artistic programming team. She has previously held roles in publishing and bookselling. Whilst living in New York, Lily worked in the membership team for the Whitney Museum of American Art. 

Lily has taught creative writing to all ages and abilities, for organisations such as the Poetry School and Columbia University. Her first book of poems was published in 2018. She has been visiting Quay Arts since she was little and has many fond memories from the galleries, the theatre, and the cafe! Lily is based in London and her family lives in Shalfleet.

ANDREW DUTTON – QATC / SRFA

Andy Dutton has been a Trustee at Quay Arts since September 2020. He is a qualified accountant and provides financial support to the Board. He has worked in finance for GKN, where he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Engine Products Division, and  for Procter and Gamble in the UK and in the Czech republic. He studied archaeology at Durham University and after graduation worked at the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem. Andy says ‘I feel privileged to have been able to live and bring up a family on the Island. I have always appreciated Quay arts for the fantastic artistic and cultural contribution it has brought to our community and am glad to be able to give something back to the foundation.’

JEANETTE HOWELLS – SRFA

Successfully running her own business for over 25 years, Jeanette is a high growth business coach with substantial experience in organisational strategy, culture and people development. She has several years’ experience as a trustee and school governor, and believes when people and business come together, they can excel as one team.

Jeanette is a creative with interests in photography, enameling, and music. Being both industrious and forward thinking she is delighted and committed to supporting the work of The Quay Arts Centre and Steve Ross Foundation.

LEE PECKHAM – SRFA

Lee is a born and bred Islander and a solicitor at Roach Pittis in Newport. He has been a trustee since 2020 and primarily brings legal knowledge to the Board. Lee was delighted to join the Board of trustees, recognising the invaluable cultural contribution that the Quay Arts provides to the Island community. In his spare time Lee is a trustee at another Island charity and enjoys playing and watching sport.

KIM PURTON – SRFA

With a background in management, art & design, Kim is passionate about all things creative. Having lived on the Island for over 30 years and a keen visitor to the Quay since a child, Kim is committed to supporting the centre in any way she can, especially in helping to provide a platform for the amazing creativity that flourishes here on our special Island.

Currently Kim runs a design manufacturing company Cut Laser Cut with studios in London and the Isle of Wight, where she works with Artists and Designers to help realise their ideas.

VICKY SPENCER – QATC / SRFA

Vicky has been a trustee since 2015. She became involved with Quay Arts following volunteering at Kashmir Café at Isle of Wight Festival, since then she has become the event manager and along with many other volunteers has raised over £150,000 for the Quay.
Vicky also sits on the board for The Mike Howely Trust, a trust fund that has helped numerous individuals aged between 18-30 in the arts and musical sector.
Vicky works full time as a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Officer  for the Environment Agency, and can often be found in the rivers across the island. Before this she was involved in the family business for over 15 years.
Vicky has served as a Parish Councillor and a governor for over 9 years.

ROB THOMPSON – SRFA

Rob Thompson is Director and co-owner of island based record label, Slingshot Records Ltd.  Born in Watford and then moving north to Lancaster for most of his childhood,  Rob graduated from Reading with a degree in Film and Drama. He then qualified as a drama teacher leading to a successful teaching career working in secondary schools in Milton Keynes,  Portsmouth, the  Isle of Wight and Hampshire. In education he held a variety of roles including  head of arts faculties and then senior roles, leading on SEND/Inclusion and Teaching/Learning.  He is committed to supporting the work of The Steve Ross Foundation and The Quay Arts Centre.