National Galleries of Scotland appoints Anne Lyden its first female Director General
The National Galleries of Scotland, a custodian of Scotland’s rich artistic heritage, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anne Lyden as its next Director-General. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone as Anne Lyden becomes the first female Director-General in the institution’s history. She brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as the Interim Co-Director of Collection and Research. The current Director-General, Sir John Leighton, will conclude his 17-year tenure on 31 December 2023, passing the torch to Anne Lyden, who will officially assume her role on 1 January 2024.
A Hub of Scottish Art and Culture
The National Galleries of Scotland is the custodian of Scotland’s magnificent art collection, with three galleries situated in Edinburgh. At the National, Modern, and Portrait galleries, visitors can explore a diverse array of artistic treasures, from the works of Botticelli to Titian, outstanding modern art, portraits of iconic figures from pop culture, and the world’s largest collection of Scottish art. Beyond preserving and researching the national collection, the National Galleries of Scotland is committed to engaging the broadest possible audience through a vibrant program, including collaborations throughout Scotland, the UK, and internationally, as well as online initiatives. As Director-General, Anne Lyden will collaborate with the National Galleries of Scotland’s Board of Trustees, Leadership Team, colleagues across the organization, and numerous donors and stakeholders to ensure that art is accessible to all.
A Journey to Director-General
Born in West Dunbartonshire, Anne Lyden grew up in Clydebank and pursued her academic interests in History of Art at the University of Glasgow, followed by Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. She gained extensive curatorial experience during her 18-year tenure (1995-2013) at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, culminating in her role as Associate Curator. Subsequently, Anne Lyden joined the National Galleries of Scotland, serving as the International Photography Curator from 2013 to 2019 and then as Chief Curator of Photography from 2019 to 2022. During her tenure, she curated numerous exhibitions, including “Coming Clean: Graham Macindoe” (2017), “A Perfect Chemistry: Photographs by Hill & Adamson” (2017), and “ARTIST ROOMS—Self Evidence: Photographs by Woodman, Arbus, and Mapplethorpe” (2019). In 2022, she assumed the role of Interim Co-Director of Collection and Research, overseeing the public program across three sites and spearheading research initiatives to enhance accessibility and representation within the collection. Anne Lyden is also the author of several publications on photography and art.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The recruitment process for the new Director-General commenced earlier this year, led by Benny Higgins, the Chair of the National Galleries of Scotland Board of Trustees, and a committee of Trustees. Benny Higgins expressed his excitement about Anne Lyden’s appointment, citing her deep understanding of the national collection, her international experience, and her leadership qualities. He mentioned the rigorous selection process that involved discussions with numerous candidates across the UK and internationally, resulting in the unanimous conclusion that Anne Lyden is the ideal person to guide the National Galleries of Scotland into the future.
Anne Lyden’s Vision
In her own words, Anne Lyden expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the National Galleries of Scotland into the next chapter of its remarkable history. She acknowledged the legacy of her predecessor, Sir John, and his team, especially their recent success with the new Scottish galleries at the National. She looks forward to continuing her collaborative efforts with Trustees, colleagues, community partners, audiences, artists, and supporters to realize future plans, including “The Art Works,” the new collections facility in North Edinburgh. With a decade of experience working with the national collection and a diverse range of colleagues, Anne Lyden is eager to continue her mission of making art accessible to everyone.
Sir John Leighton’s Endorsement
Sir John Leighton, the outgoing Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, described Anne Lyden as a highly talented curator and leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity. He praised her vision for the transformative power of art in these turbulent times and expressed confidence that she is the right person to carry forward the National Galleries’ commitment to making world-class art accessible to the widest possible audience.
In conclusion, Anne Lyden’s appointment as the first female Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland signifies a significant moment in the institution’s history. Her extensive experience and vision for art accessibility make her the perfect leader for the future. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions she will make to the world of art and culture.
