(Credits: djLicious)
Following the departure of Nicholas Cullinan, who was in charge of the gallery since 2015, the National Portrait Gallery has announced the appointment of new director Victoria Siddall. Siddall, who has amassed over 20 years worth of experience in the world of art, is set to become the 13th gallery director since its opening in 1856, and her appointment marks the first time a woman has taken on the role.
The appointment was announced by the National Portrait Gallery on August 28th, after Siddall was approved by Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Prior to her appointment as gallery director, she co-founded the art-based charities Gallery Climate Coalition and Murmur. In addition, Siddall has also worked as the director of the global art fair Frieze Masters.
Prior to the appointment of Siddall, the National Portrait Gallery underwent an extensive refurbishment, taking three years to complete and costing a total of £41.3 million. As part of this refurbishment, the gallery has been equipped with a learning centre as well as a more accessible entrance, and various other improvements to the building and gallery, which has been open since the mid-19th century.
Speaking about her appointment as director of the gallery, Siddall shared, “I’m truly honoured to have the opportunity to lead the National Portrait Gallery, a museum that holds the world’s greatest collection of portraits and is unique in being about people and for people.
“The art within its walls tells stories of human achievement and what unites us as a society, inspiring and shaping our view of the world and our place in it,” the new director said. “This is perhaps the most exciting time in the NPG’s history, following the recent reopening and Inspiring People project that the team delivered so flawlessly under Nicholas Cullinan’s leadership.” Cullinan left the role of director, which he had held since 2015, to lead operations at the British Museum.
Concluding her statement, Siddall said, “The perfect stage has been built and I am thrilled to work with my new colleagues, the museum’s trustees and supporters, and of course the artists, as we look to the future and embark on a new chapter.”
The appointment of Siddall represents a bold new era for the National Portrait Gallery, as it strives to adapt to modern times while retaining the rich history and artistic lineage attached to its collection and building, located on St. Martin’s Place in the heart of London.
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