Taylor Swift is one of the most successful and influential artists of our time, with millions of fans around the world. But for one super fan, her admiration for the pop star led her to an unexpected career opportunity at one of the most prestigious museums in the world.
Meet Lara Harris, a 24-year-old from London, who is now a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance. Harris is responsible for acquiring and displaying objects related to contemporary music and culture, such as costumes, instruments, and memorabilia.
How Taylor Swift Inspired Her Passion for Music and Museums
Harris’s love for Taylor Swift began when she was 13 years old, and she heard her song “Love Story” on the radio. She was instantly hooked by Swift’s catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and storytelling skills. She became a devoted fan, following Swift’s career, attending her concerts, and collecting her merchandise.
But Harris’s fandom was more than just a hobby. It also inspired her to pursue her academic and professional interests in music and museums. She studied music and history at the University of Oxford, where she wrote her dissertation on the cultural impact of Taylor Swift. She also volunteered at various museums, such as the British Museum and the Museum of London, where she gained valuable experience in curating and researching.
Harris’s dream was to work at the V&A, which she visited frequently as a child and admired for its diverse and inspiring collections. She applied for a job as a curator in 2023, and was thrilled when she got an interview. She prepared diligently, showcasing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the museum and its mission.
How She Impressed the Interviewers with Her Taylor Swift Collection
During the interview, Harris was asked to bring an object that represented her passion for contemporary music and culture. She decided to bring her most prized possession: a signed guitar pick that she caught at a Taylor Swift concert in 2018. She explained to the interviewers how the guitar pick symbolized Swift’s musical evolution, artistic vision, and fan engagement.
She also showed them her extensive collection of Taylor Swift memorabilia, which she had documented and catalogued online. She had over 500 items, including albums, posters, magazines, books, clothing, accessories, and more. She had also created a blog and a podcast, where she shared her insights and opinions on Swift’s music and career.
The interviewers were impressed by Harris’s dedication, expertise, and creativity. They saw how she had applied the skills and methods of a curator to her own personal collection, and how she had communicated her passion and knowledge to a wider audience. They also appreciated how she had connected her fandom to the broader context of music and culture, and how she had demonstrated an awareness of the museum’s role and relevance in society.
Harris was offered the job, and she accepted it with joy and gratitude. She started working at the V&A in January 2024, and she has been enjoying every moment of it. She has been involved in several projects, such as acquiring and displaying a dress worn by Billie Eilish at the Grammys, and organising a exhibition on the history and impact of rap music.
How She Hopes to Inspire Other Fans and Curators
Harris is grateful for the opportunity to work at the V&A, and she hopes to make a positive contribution to the museum and its visitors. She also hopes to inspire other fans and curators, especially young women, to pursue their dreams and passions.
She believes that fandom can be a powerful and positive force, that can motivate, educate, and empower people. She also believes that museums can be dynamic and engaging spaces, that can celebrate, reflect, and challenge the culture and society we live in.
She says that Taylor Swift has been a role model and a mentor for her, and she hopes to meet her someday and thank her personally. She also hopes that Swift will visit the V&A and see her collection, which she considers as a tribute and a gift to her favourite artist.
“I think Taylor Swift would be proud of me, and I hope she would like my collection,” Harris says. “She has inspired me so much, and I want to inspire others too. I want to show them that you can be a fan and a curator, and that you can turn your passion into your profession.”
