National Portrait Gallery to have its first female director

The National Portrait Gallery has appointed its first ever female director, who has said she is “honoured” to have the opportunity to help write the next chapter in its history.

- EMMA GUINNESS

The appointment of Victoria Siddall, who has over two decades of experience leading in the art world, was announced yesterday after being approved by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Her experience includes co-founding the charities Gallery Climate Coalition and Murmur, which encourage increased environmental responsibility in the worlds of music and art, and serving as director of the global art fair Frieze Masters.

Ms Siddall’s appointment also comes in the wake of the gallery’s three-year £41.3m refurbishment – the biggest in the building’s history – under the acclaimed Nicholas Cullinan, who left to lead the British Museum. The refurbishment included the creation of a new, more accessible entrance and a new Learning Centre equipped with resources for learners of all ages.