Sir John Soane’s Museum has announced the appointment of a new Director. Will Gompertz will take up the role on 1 January 2024.
Gompertz is currently Artistic Director at the Barbican, a role he began in June 2021. He was formerly the BBC’s Arts Editor, and previously served as Director of the Tate Galleries for seven years. Gompertz has written for The Guardian and The Times and has authored books on the arts.
The news follows the announcement that Gompertz’ predecessor Dr Bruce Boucher would retire at the end of the year.
Gompertz said: “I look forward to championing the Museum and Soane’s vision, bringing audiences to our newly-restored home and taking Soane’s vision out into the world.”
Lord Sassoon, Chair of the Trustees of Sir John Soane’s Museum, said Gompertz “is one of today’s leading thinkers and communicators across the arts.”
“Under Will’s leadership, the Museum will become an even finer source of learning and inspiration for today’s world. We are indebted to Bruce Boucher for his leadership of the Soane to great success through the most challenging years and know that Will Gompertz will be a worthy successor.”
Claire Spencer, CEO of the Barbican, said: “We’re very sad to say goodbye to him but excited to see what he will achieve in his new role, and we wish him all the best. He leaves behind him a strong legacy of projects delivered and still in development and his positive impact on the Barbican will be felt for a long time to come.”
