Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery has announced the appointment of its new Director, Rebecca Lyons, who will take up the post on 1 September 2025.
Rebecca will lead Pitzhanger into an exciting new phase, building on the success of recent programming and reaffirming Pitzhanger’s commitment to bold contemporary exhibitions and exciting public programming within the historic setting of Sir John Soane’s Grade I listed country home in Ealing.
The appointment marks a new chapter for the institution as it continues to grow its cultural footprint across London and engage diverse communities within Ealing and beyond. The new Director will oversee a vibrant programme, which this year includes exhibitions Permindar Kaur: Mirror, Mirror and Prem Sahib: Doubles (opening 26 June 2025), followed by Howard Hodgkin: In a Public Garden (opening in October).
The announcement comes at a moment of momentum for Pitzhanger, which has seen record-breaking visitor numbers and critical acclaim for recent exhibitions. The new Director brings her own vision, institutional leadership experience, and a passion for connecting art, heritage, and community.
Howell James CBE, Chair of the Board, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Lyons as the new Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Rebecca’s passion for the arts, vision for cultural engagement, deep involvement in arts, heritage and senior leadership experience make her ideally placed to guide Pitzhanger into its next chapter. The Board and the entire Pitzhanger team look forward to working with Rebecca as we continue to build on our successes and reach new heights in delivering bold exhibitions, deepening community connections, and celebrating the unique and lasting legacy of Sir John Soane.”
Rebecca Lyons said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to take up the position of director at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery with its extraordinary blend of historic and architectural interest, high-quality contemporary exhibitions and committed learning and community programming, all in a beautiful setting. I look forward to working with the excellent staff, Trustees, patrons, Ealing Council, and community stakeholders to continue the legacy of Sir John Soane and indeed all those who have worked thus far to make this such a successful and special place to visit.”
About Rebecca Lyons
Rebecca Lyons has been the Director of the Royal Academy of Arts’ Collections, Library, Archive, Learning and Public Programmes since 2019, curating and overseeing a programme of high-profile loans and collection displays and an expansive and sector-leading education programme. Prior to this, Rebecca worked for the National Trust, The National Gallery, Christie’s and, between 2017 and 2021, was the Director of the Attingham Trust’s prestigious Royal Collection Studies. She is a member of the Council for the Attingham Trust and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Educated at the universities of Oxford, the Courtauld Institute and Cambridge, she publishes on collecting and collections in the C18th and early C19th and on museum interpretation and education.