Artist Tracey Emin is to join the British Museum’s Board of Trustees, becoming the first female Royal Academician appointed to the role in the Museum’s history.
Emin, who was made a Royal Academician in 2007, will replace Grayson Perry as the British Museum Trustee nominated by the Royal Academy.
The artist, whose work spans drawing, painting, sculpture, film, and photography, was shortlisted for the Turner Prize and exhibited arguably her most widely recognised piece ‘My Bed’ at the Tate Gallery in 1999.
The new Trustee joins a board which currently comprises 20 members including Mary Beard, Minouche Shafi, and its Chair, George Osborne.
Osbourne called Emin “one of Britain’s greatest artists”. He said: “Having regenerated her hometown through her will power, I know she will bring incredible energy, insight and creativity to the Board. We are delighted to have her join us.”
Emin called the British Museum one of her favourites: “I love everything Egyptian. I’m very proud to be a trustee and I hope my presence will be a positive contribution,” she said.
Earlier this year Emin’s commission for the National Portrait Gallery was revealed as it reopened. Across the three new doors of the gallery, the new public artwork consists of illustrations cast in bronze, on 45 individual door panels.
