Victoria Siddall Appointed as Director of the National Portrait Gallery, London

A Welcome with High Expectations

David Ross, Chairman of the Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery, expressed his enthusiasm for Siddall’s appointment, highlighting her vast experience and leadership qualities. Ross stated, “I am delighted to welcome Victoria Siddall as the new Director of the National Portrait Gallery. Her strengths as a cultural leader, deep understanding of the art world, and her vision for the Gallery’s future are exceptional. I am confident she will continue to build on our recent successes and lead the Gallery into its next chapter.”

A Proven Leader in the Art World

Victoria Siddall brings over two decades of leadership experience in the art sector, both in public and private domains. She is a co-founder of Gallery Climate Coalition and Murmur, two charities focused on environmental responsibility in the art and music industries. Additionally, she has served as a strategic advisor to Tate and held the position of Global Director at Frieze, where she launched and managed major art fairs in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul.

Siddall’s voluntary roles are equally impressive. As a trustee of Gallery Climate Coalition and the Ampersand Foundation, she has made significant contributions to environmental causes and the arts. She previously served as a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery, where she played a key role in its recent reopening.

A Historic Appointment

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, celebrated the historic nature of Siddall’s appointment, stating, “Victoria Siddall will bring a wealth of experience to this role, and I am delighted that the National Portrait Gallery is making history by appointing its first female Director. Her leadership will further strengthen the Gallery’s position following its successful reopening last year.”

Siddall’s Vision for the National Portrait Gallery

Victoria Siddall expressed her excitement and honor at being appointed Director of the National Portrait Gallery. She emphasized the Gallery’s unique position in the art world, saying, “The National Portrait Gallery holds the world’s greatest collection of portraits, telling stories of human achievement and societal unity. This is an incredibly exciting time for the Gallery, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues, the trustees, supporters, and artists as we embark on a new chapter.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Victoria Siddall follows in the footsteps of previous Directors who have shaped the National Portrait Gallery since its founding in 1857. Her predecessors include notable figures such as Sir George Scharf, Sir Roy Strong, and, most recently, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE, who left the Gallery to become Director of the British Museum in June 2024.

About Victoria Siddall

Victoria Siddall began her career at Christie’s in 2000 after graduating from Bristol University with a degree in English Literature and Philosophy. She joined Frieze in 2004, where she launched Frieze Masters in 2012, offering a fresh perspective on historical art. Siddall’s leadership expanded Frieze’s global presence, culminating in the launch of Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze Seoul.

Her commitment to environmental causes is evident in her co-founding of Gallery Climate Coalition and her work with the environmental charity ClientEarth, which raised over $6.5 million through auction donations. Siddall also founded Murmur, an initiative that channels funds from the art and music industries into impactful environmental projects.

In addition to her role at the National Portrait Gallery, Siddall continues to serve as a Non-executive Director of Frieze, an honorary trustee of Studio Voltaire, and a strategic advisor to various art organizations.

Looking Ahead

As Victoria Siddall prepares to take up her new role, the art world and the public alike look forward to the direction she will steer the National Portrait Gallery. Her appointment promises a future filled with innovative leadership, a continued focus on environmental responsibility, and a deep commitment to the arts and society.