[1] Wilson graduated in 1990 with BA from University of Cambridge and received her MA degree from University College London in 1991.
She started her career in book and magazine publishing as publishing director of Weidenfeld & Nicolson publishing house and then deputy editor of Modern Painters and editor of ArtReview.
[2][3][4] She joined Saatchi Gallery in 2006 as director and in 2013 became chief curator and directory of art advisory of Saatchi Art.
[5][6] In 2007 Wilson created "New Sensations" prize – an award for art students for support emerging artists in the United Kingdom.
[7] Wilson is married to English writer Geoff Dyer.