National Museums Liverpool names Laura Pye as its new director

Laura Pye, the head of culture for Bristol City Council, has been appointed the Director of National Museums Liverpool (NML).

She will take up the role in August, replacing David Fleming who retired as the head of the service in March and has taken up a role at Liverpool Hope University.

Pye, who was born in Liverpool, has been at Bristol City Council since 2015 and has responsibility for five museums – Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, M Shed, Blaise Castle House, Red Lodge and the Georgian House. She previously worked at Warwickshire County Council as interim heritage and culture manager and learning and community engagement manager.

“Liverpool is home to a world-class museum service that offers an incredible range of experiences for millions of visitors each year and I am very much looking forward to joining a team with a reputation for excellence,” Pye said.

“My aims are to support the growth of National Museum Liverpool’s already world-class reputation and ensure we continue to deliver an inclusive, inspiring and valuable service for all.”

NML has eight venues – the World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, the International Slavery Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sudley House, Seized: Border Force National Museum and Piermaster’s House.

The chair of NML, David Henshaw, said: “We want to continue to be the leading example of an inclusive museum service, and Laura will be an inspiring director for our passionate and committed team here at NML.”

Pye chaired the Museums Taskforce, which the Museums Association convened in summer 2016 to investigate opportunities and challenges for UK museums.