English Heritage Appoints Dr. Nick Merriman as Its New Chief Executive
In a recent announcement, English Heritage has welcomed Dr. Nick Merriman as its new Chief Executive. Dr. Merriman, currently the Chief Executive and Director of Content at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, will take the helm as English Heritage’s Chief Executive.
A Visionary Leader for England’s Historic Treasures
Dr. Nick Merriman’s role as Chief Executive of English Heritage will involve overseeing the National Heritage Collection, which comprises more than 400 historic buildings, monuments, and sites spread across England, from the iconic Stonehenge to the intriguing York Cold War Bunker. Additionally, he will be responsible for the organization’s valuable collections and the prestigious London blue plaques scheme.
Praise from English Heritage’s Chair
Gerard Lemos CMG, Chair of English Heritage, expressed his delight at the appointment of Dr. Merriman. Lemos stated, “We are delighted that Nick will lead English Heritage. Since English Heritage became a charity in 2015, we have attracted more visitors and members than ever before, opened up more of our sites in bold and imaginative ways, and invested more money in their care and conservation. We want to build on those successes, and one of English Heritage’s main ambitions is to place the landmarks in our care at the heart of their local communities and to engage far more people in our sites’ past and, above all, in their future. Given his expertise in public engagement and his brilliant track record at the Horniman, in Manchester, and at the Museum of London, Nick is perfectly placed to ensure we realize those aims. I’m sure he’ll usher in an exciting new chapter in the story of the great collection of historic sites in our care.”
Dr. Nick Merriman’s Perspective
Dr. Nick Merriman expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “The collection of sites in English Heritage’s care is unique, and I am extremely excited to be joining the charity. From the stunning footbridge at Tintagel Castle to its work in broadening the London blue plaques scheme, I’ve been impressed by what English Heritage has achieved since it became a charity eight years ago. Like many others, my childhood was spent clambering around English Heritage castles, and I firmly believe that heritage is as much about people as it is about places, whether those who lived and worked there in the past or who, like me, enjoy them today. I’m looking forward to introducing more people to these inspiring landmarks.”
A Record of Success
Dr. Merriman’s tenure at the Horniman, where he has served as Chief Executive since 2018, has been marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, the south London museum, known for its displays of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments, was awarded the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2022. Dame Diane Lees, one of the award’s judges and the then Director-General at the Imperial War Museums, praised the Horniman for “setting the agenda for how a traditional museum can reinvent itself through powerful ideas.”
Michael Salter-Church MBE, Chair of the Trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, commended Dr. Merriman’s contributions, saying, “The Horniman has benefitted so much from Nick Merriman’s leadership and vision during his five and a half years as Chief Executive, most notably winning Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022 and helping steer our ambitious Nature + Love project. We wish him well in his new role with English Heritage, which will undoubtedly flourish under his guidance, just as the Horniman has done.”
A Distinguished Career
Before his time at the Horniman, Dr. Merriman served as the Director of the Manchester Museum, overseeing a major program of public engagement and the refurbishment of most of the museum’s permanent galleries. His previous roles include Director of Museums and Collections at University College London, and during his tenure at the Museum of London, he held the positions of Curator of Prehistory and subsequently Head of the Department of Early London History and Collections.
A Passion for Heritage
Dr. Merriman’s passion for heritage was kindled during his childhood in Sutton Coldfield. He was inspired by collecting old bottles from Birmingham’s junk stores and childhood visits to nearby Kenilworth Castle. At the age of 16, he began participating in excavations at the Roman site of Wall in Staffordshire, both Kenilworth Castle and Wall being in the care of English Heritage.
He pursued his academic journey by studying archaeology at Cambridge University, and his PhD, focusing on widening participation in museums, was published in 1991 as “Beyond The Glass Case.” Dr. Merriman’s dedication to the field is evident in his past roles, having served as Chair of the International Council of Museums (UK) from 2001 to 2004 and as President of the Council for British Archaeology from 2005 to 2008. Currently, he chairs Research England’s review of funding for museums and galleries in the higher education sector.
Looking to the Future
Dr. Nick Merriman will officially assume his role as English Heritage’s Chief Executive early in the New Year. He takes the reins from Kate Mavor CBE, who left the charity in June 2023 after eight years of service as its leader. In the interim, English Heritage’s Chief Financial Officer, Mark Stuart-Smith, has been fulfilling the role of Interim Chief Executive.
With Dr. Merriman’s wealth of experience and a proven track record in the field of heritage and museums, English Heritage’s future looks promising, as it continues to protect and promote England’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
