Sir John Soane’s Museum

Sir John Soane’s Museum is the finest monument in the world to the life, work and collections of a single creative genius. It was the home of one of England’s greatest architects, Sir John Soane (1753–1837), and has been a public museum since the early 19th century. Over his lifetime, Soane built up a remarkable collection of artworks and artefacts, many of which are amongst the most outstanding in the world. The significance of the Museum lies not only in its priceless objects, but equally in how they were arranged by Soane; the house has been restored, as stipulated by Soane, to how it was at the time of his death. The Museum receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is the smallest of the UK’s national museums. All three of its buildings are Grade I listed, and its whole collection is ‘designated’ as of pre-eminent national importance. The Museum has an award-winning education programme as well as fantastic temporary exhibitions, a new artist residency, Lates events, and industry events and awards such as the Soane Medal and the Architecture Drawing Prize.

The Board of Trustees is now seeking exceptional candidates for the role of Director to lead the Museum through the next exciting period. The Director will work with the Board to ensure Sir John Soane’s extraordinary home and collection remain accessible to the nation and continue to engage new audiences and stimulate debate through research, the maintenance of an inspiring visitor experience, and through a thought-provoking exhibition programme. The post-holder will be an inspiring leader with an excellent reputation across the arts and heritage sector, with an appropriate academic background or qualifying experience in a relevant area. Candidates will bring strong management experience, excellent communication skills and a willingness to play a significant role in fundraising to ensure the future sustainability of the Museum. They will have a collegiate and inclusive approach to leadership and a demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Sir John Soane’s Museum on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EAJNB. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by midnight (BST) on Thursday 15^th June 2023.