“Objects of Greatest Desire” takes readers on a fascinating journey through the art world, from Lomax’s early days as a student to his influential roles at prestigious institutions. The memoir is filled with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and vivid descriptions of the works of art which have defined his career.

Why do young people defy their family so often and run away to follow their own destiny?

This is a tale of a young man who risks everything to share his new-found enthusiasm for art with the whole world. He abandons his comfortable lair in London to train as an intern at Temple Newsam, an eccentric and well-known art museum near Leeds. He learns the hard way, but Fortune is on his side.

But does he peak too early?

Returning to Leeds after a few years, he relishes every opportunity to develop the collections, publish books, curate exhibitions, and acquire spectacular works of art for the museum. And his private life improves greatly.

A dream job?

Yes, but there are always complications. Nothing good ever comes without a little pain.

James Lomax takes us on his 40-year adventure, navigating his way through the world of art, museums and heritage. Selectively and subjectively, he shows us his encounters with super-size egos, duchesses and cleaning ladies, unconventional characters of every type while always searching for objects of greatest desire…   

James Lomax is a respected curator with decades of experience in the art world. Anthony Eyre is a celebrated publisher known for his contributions to art and cultural literature.