Victoria Irvine
Victoria Irvine
From the outset, Victoria brought a rare combination of clarity, local knowledge and strategic thinking. Living and working on Exmoor, with deep experience of riding and hunting across the landscape, she understood not only the terrain but the feel of the place — which is essential when creating rides that are both adventurous and seamless.Our Exmoor rides are designed to offer complete luxury immersion in the landscape — vast moorland, wooded valleys and coastal views — alongside thoughtful planning and a sense of ease for our guests. Victoria’s role within this has been to quietly hold the bigger picture while ensuring nothing is overlooked.She works in true partnership — listening carefully, asking the right questions and bringing a steady, grounded perspective that allows ideas to take shape without being forced. The result is an experience that feels both natural and highly considered.We would not hesitate to recommend Victoria to anyone developing a project, experience or business that needs clarity, structure and experienced strategic input. Her ability to shape ideas into something real, while maintaining their integrity, is exceptional.
Victoria was an essential part to our photo shoot for Harper’s Bazaar. We wanted to create a magical feeling of a character riding in the wilds of Exmoor. Victoria researched and arranged all our locations, she provided the support to arrange for our team and kit to access the best spots with ease and pleasure. Fashion shoots with valuable clothes and equipment when shooting off the beaten track can be tricky and complicated, especially when on a tight schedule, but with Victoria’s help it felt simple and fun. The amazing results of the images are a direct result of Victoria’s dedication, hard work and local knowledge.
We approached Victoria and asked her to help us to increase our revenue from the Thresher’s Barn. She had innovative ideas that she based around her expertise in adventure, creativity, community and food. Victoria’s attention to detail, organisational skills and imagination makes every experience relaxed, professional and unique. Victoria is fun to work with and we value our relationship with her. She is always careful with costings and understands that we need to keep within the budget of a farming community. This is an ongoing project and we look forward to whatever the next experience is!
Victoria’s insight and strategic approach have been invaluable to the evolution of George Irvine Fine Art. Her ability to blend creative vision with pragmatic business strategy has had a profound impact on how we approach exhibitions, pricing, and the growth of our limited edition print series. Her expertise in exhibition organisation is evident — from seamless logistics to curating the right atmosphere, she ensures every event runs smoothly and is reflective of the work’s ethos. Victoria is equally adept at managing the finer details of gallery administration, from liaising with artists to handling complex contracts and schedules. Perhaps most notably, her guidance in launching and promoting our limited edition prints has been a game-changer. She helped us refine our pricing strategy, broaden our audience, and maintain the integrity of our art while making it more accessible. Victoria has provided the clarity and structure necessary for the gallery’s ongoing success. Above all, what I value most about working with Victoria is her ability to think creatively, solve problems with grace, and offer thoughtful solutions that align with our values. Her work is not just about strategy; it’s about nurturing the vision and ensuring that every step we take is purposeful and aligned with what we stand for.
Over the past year it has been my great fortune to have Victoria as my right hand lady.Blessed with a huge capacity for work, and open to new experiences and ideas, Victoria is an all-rounder. She can put order into the administrative side of the business as well as help me with the big picture. Week-in , week-out, her positive energy and rigor have been critical, giving me the means and confidence to build the business’ foundations.Last but not least, Victoria’s sunny and easygoing nature means I always look forward to the days we collaborate.
My newsletter is a space for conscious creatives, trailblazers, and the quietly curious. It’s where I will share fresh ideas, thoughtful strategies, and glimpses behind the scenes of shaping bold visions into grounded realities. Expect a mix of inspiration and clarity - notes on creativity, nature, adventure and food.
I’ve been working with George Irvine Fine Art for many years. Over time, we shaped the business side of the practice with the same care as he puts into his paintings — exhibitions have been planned with clarity, pricing has been grounded in strategy, and a limited-edition print series was launched that expanded reach without diluting integrity.
Today the practice feels both refined and resilient: creative at its core, supported by clear systems and direction.
This is the kind of work I do best — long-term strategic partnership for people whose ideas are already alive, but need structure to grow.
If you’re building something thoughtful and want experienced perspective alongside you, my portfolio shows how this work unfolds in practice.
Most people who feel stuck....aren`t. They`re holding too many ideas. Their workload has grown. Direction has become blurred. They need more perspective, not more effort.
Clarity sharpens focus.
To book a clarity session send me a DM!
If your work isn’t bringing in the opportunities it should, this is for you.
✨ Strategic thinking for people with integrity
✨ Space to think clearly — without noise or fluff
✨ Direction that turns instinct into decisions
✨ A considered next step, not a 12-month overhaul
✨ Partnership, not pushy advice
👉 If you’re ready to stop wondering and start doing, DM me “WORK” and let’s map your next move.
On the rare occasions it stops raining, there’s a reminder in the air that spring is waiting. This transition to spring is often the moment when ideas stop hibernating and start asking for decisions.
If you’ve been sitting with a project, a shift, or a new direction without moving it forward, it’s often because you need clarity and a clear next step.
At The Curious Curator, I work with founders and creatives who are ready to turn thinking into action. Clear direction, structured next steps, and a trusted strategic partner alongside you.
Spring is when momentum returns. It’s the season for shaping, planning, and making things real.
I’m opening a small number of collaboration spaces for spring. If you’re ready to move an idea forward with clarity and intent, let’s talk.
DM me or book a conversation via the link in bio.
I’ve spent the last 25 years bringing various creative projects into reality – art exhibitions, rural enterprise projects, hospitality events and even riding adventures.
What I offer is
· Partnership
· strategic clarity
· creative direction
· grounded production
If you have an idea or a project that matters to you and you want experienced support shaping the path forward do please take a look at my website. I’m offering a free clarity guide to help you pin point how to move forward on your idea – just DM me CLARITY and I will ping it over.
Most ambitious ideas don’t fail because they lack vision. They stall because clarity, structure and direction are missing.
I partner with founders and creative leaders to provide exactly that, from early concept through to delivery.
If you are building something and need a strategic partner, you are in the right place.
Start a conversation via the 🔗 in my bio.
#thecuriouscurator
#creativepartnership
#strategicpartner
#creativedirection
#creativeproducer
I build clarity around ambitious ideas and walk alongside people bringing them into being.
Strategy. Creative Direction. Production. Partnership.
Welcome to the Curious Curator.
My new website is live. Start a conversation via the 🔗 in my bio.
#thecuriouscurator
#creativepartnership
#strategicpartner
#creativedirection
#creativeproducer
After years of developing projects behind the scenes – from art exhibitions to book launches, rural events to riding adventures – I have created a dedicated home for my practice.
The Curious Curator is a strategic partnership for founders and creative leaders who have fabulous ideas but need clarity, structure and grounded direction to bring them to reality.
My new website is live. Start a conversation via the 🔗 in my bio.
#thecuriouscurator
#creativepartnership
#strategicpartner
#creativedirection
#creativeproducer
#ideasintoreality
#founderjourney
#creativepractice
#creativeleadership
#brandstrategy
#strategicclarity
#experiencecreator
#culturalprojects
#independentconsultant
#creativebusiness
#visiontoexecution
🔥 ‘Emmett’s Summer Lunch’ 🔥
Sunday Lunch from the Fire @george_irvine_
Sunday 15 June 2025: Doors open at 1pm
@emmettsexmoorbarn Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath, TA24 7LD
🔥 MENU 🔥
• Welcome Drink of Bloody Mary Or Summer Spritz
• Asparagus with House Mayonnaise
• Rib of Beef, Roasted Root Veg Salad, Roast Potatoes, Jus
• Homemade Rhubarb & Sweet Ginger Sorbet with a Quinnel of Vanilla Cream
• Local Cheese Board
Go to the 🔗 in @the_curious_curator bio to book or DM for more info!
🛶 An Evening of Adventure with Olly Hicks. @ollyhicksadventures 🚣🏼
DM for 🔗 to buy tickets.
Friday 4 April 2025: 6.30 – 8.30pm
The Thresher’s Barn, Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath, TA24 7LD @emmettsexmoorbarn
Talk, Drinks & Canapés
VIP Supper afterwards
Olly Hicks grew up on the coast messing about in boats. 🚣🏼 No one could have guessed that this youthful hobby would lead him to become one of Britain’s foremost adventurers. Olly has rowed alone from America 🇺🇸 to England 🏴 and from Tasmania to New Zealand 🇳🇿 earning him several unique world records 🌏 on the way. He is now the co-founder of the offshore aquaculture company ‘Algapelago’ @algapelago which develops marine farms offshore to grow shellfish 🦐and mussels 🦪 whilst restoring the marine environment in parallel.
Olly is down to earth and engaging. His message is one of individual empowerment; we are all ordinary until we do something extraordinary. His talk will be provoking and humorous.
“Olly’s ability to present and share his amazing stories and adventures with such humor and self-deprecating style endears him to his audience whilst motivating them to believe the impossible. He provides great context and knowledge of those who have travelled before and inspired him to take the risks he does, as he takes their achievements to new levels.” Virgin Care @virgin
I’d like to tell you about the Curious Curator Conversation Series. They happen about once a month. They are a conversation or talk based on Adventure, Curiosity and Creativity. There is a loose suggestion towards food and books.
Last night we had Catrina Davies @catrinadavieswriter come and have a conversation with the Curious Curator about her book ‘Once upon a Raven’s Nest’ – a life on Exmoor in an epoch of change. We had the most fantastic evening. The stars were shining above beautiful Exmoor @exmoornp and Emmetts Grange @emmettsexmoorbarn . Exmoor is the very first international Dark Sky Reserve in Europe. We talked about the book, the characters, Exmoor, why Catrina wanted to write the book and much more. Lots of new peole came which is always great news. George Irvine @george_irvine_fine_art cooked delicious venison stew which we felt was very authentic for the evening and about twenty of us sat and chatted over a casual supper.
Going forward we have ‘an evening of adventure with Olly Hicks’ on 4 April. @ollyhicksadventures He is an adventurer, explorer and world record holder. He has set up a marine farm off the shore of North Devon which helps restore the marine environment. DM me for more info.
We have lots more interesting people lined up. If you know anyone who might like to come and join in please do DM me.
🛶 An Evening of Adventure with Olly Hicks. @ollyhicksadventures 🚣🏼
DM for 🔗 to buy tickets.
Friday 4 April 2025: 6.30 – 8.30pm
The Thresher’s Barn, Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath, TA24 7LD @emmettsexmoorbarn
Talk, Drinks & Canapés
VIP Supper afterwards
Olly Hicks grew up on the coast messing about in boats. 🚣🏼 No one could have guessed that this youthful hobby would lead him to become one of Britain’s foremost adventurers. Olly has rowed alone from America 🇺🇸 to England 🏴 and from Tasmania to New Zealand 🇳🇿 earning him several unique world records 🌏 on the way. He is now the co-founder of the offshore aquaculture company ‘Algapelago’ @algapelago which develops marine farms offshore to grow shellfish 🦐and mussels 🦪 whilst restoring the marine environment in parallel.
Olly is down to earth and engaging. His message is one of individual empowerment; we are all ordinary until we do something extraordinary. His talk will be provoking and humorous.
“Olly’s ability to present and share his amazing stories and adventures with such humor and self-deprecating style endears him to his audience whilst motivating them to believe the impossible. He provides great context and knowledge of those who have travelled before and inspired him to take the risks he does, as he takes their achievements to new levels.” Virgin Care @virgin
DM for ticket information please.
🐏 ‘Tom Burge’s Mutton’ 🐏
4-course Dinner cooked by George Irvine
Talk by Tom Burge
❤️ Friday 14 February 2025 ❤️
Doors open at 7.30pm
The Thresher’s Barn, Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath, TA24 7LD
*MENU*
*Spiced Mutton Sausage, served with hot Pitta bread and ‘bits & bobs’*
*Pulled Mutton Croquette, Mexican style Roast Mutton with Romesco Sauce, house chips, garlic green beans*
*Home-made Exmoor Heather Honey Ice Cream*
*Local Cheese Board*
‘ Tom Burge farm’s in the stunning hills of Exmoor’s Doone Valley, surrounded by nature’s beauty. His farming practices work in harmony with the environment, focusing on regenerating soil and supporting wildlife. Unlike traditional farmed lamb, Tom lets his wethers mature naturally on the heather and wild flora of the valley. This slow, sustainable approach produces exquisite Exmoor Mutton, rich in flavor and deeply rooted in the landscape’.
We will try our utmost to cater for food allergies. Please do let us know as far in advance as possible.
@farmerburge @emmettsonexmoor @emmettsexmoorbarn @george_irvine_fine_art @the_curious_curator
Once Upon a Raven’s Nest: The Nine Lives of an Exmoor Woodsman
An Evening in Conversation with Catrina Davies. 🎟️ DM for ticket link 🎟️
Friday 28 February 2025: Doors open 6.30pm
The Thresher’s Barn, Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath, TA24 7LD
Talk, Drinks & Canapés
VIP Supper afterwards
Catrina Davies met Ralph Collard in the winter of 2014, a chance meeting that kindled an unexpected friendship. In the months and years that followed, he told her stories of growing up on Exmoor in the 1950s, and the subsequent loves, losses, and many near-misses of his ordinary / extraordinary life. When she decided to try to turn these adventures into a book, she faced the biggest challenge of her writing career – how to be the author of a story that was not her own.
Once Upon a Raven’s Nest was published in 2023 by Riverrun (Quercus). Catrina’s previous book Homesick; Why I Live in a Shed was published in 2019 and was longlisted for the Baillie Gifford prize. Her first book The Ribbons are for Fearlessness, an account of busking from Norway to Portugal with a cello, was first published in 2014 and reprinted as Fearless in 2022.
📚Would you like to join a book club with like-minded people who want to read books connected to Art, Adventure, Nature and Food?
📚 Do you try to live an adventurous, thoughtful and creative life?
We meet once a month on zoom from all over the UK (but we would welcome anyone from further afield). Don’t worry, we aren’t bookish or intellectual and some of us aren’t really very good readers. We all love a good story or learning something new. We listen on audiobooks as we go about our busy lives or hide away on kindles and then a few of us read the real thing. The monthly deadline helps to get books finished and the relaxed discussion (we meet at 6pm with refreshments) is very informal but always structured so that everyone gets a chance to join in.
If you follow my posts and stories going forward you will see the books we read each month.
If you look at my stories today you will see the poll for which book to read this month.
Please DM me if you’d like to join!
© The Curious Curator
