The art of enthusiasm

Linda Schädler is not a private art collector, and in fact you will hardly find any works of art at all in her home. But this is in no way down to a lack of enthusiasm for art – quite the contrary: “I am already surrounded by exquisite art every day at work – we have around 160,000 outstanding artworks on paper,” says the Head of the university’s collection of prints and drawings.

In addition to her day-to-day work, Schädler spends a lot of her free time visiting artists' workshops, private gallery viewings and museums. These activities blur the line between her private and professional passion for art. “Talking to people and viewing originals is extremely important if you want to keep your finger on the pulse,” says Schädler. During exhibitions in the Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich, the art historian actively encourages dialogue. “The public can come to us to discover art and, at the same time, speak to our staff, artists and researchers at events.” One thing that Schädler particularly loves about her work is the opportunity to present works of art to a wide audience. How does she do that? “Using my own enthusiasm. That's the easiest way to inspire a love of art in other people,” she says.