A COUNTY DURHAM museum has appointed a new director to lead it through its next chapter.

The Bowes Museum has announced that Hannah Fox has been appointed to take up the role of director in May this year.

The trustees say she brings a wealth of experience to the museum combining cross-sector knowledge, together with a passion for enabling access to museums for all people.

Hannah’s expertise is exemplified by her leadership of the successful £18m transformation of The Silk Mill, Derby – the world’s first factory and a UNESCO

World Heritage site – into the UK’s first Museum of Making.

She is active in the cultural world as a practitioner and mentor for international arts and culture social impact programmes with US-based National Arts Strategies and the Center for Social Impact Strategies, University of Pennsylvania.

Hannah has been an Advisory Board member for museums, including Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, The Horniman and the Museum of Homelessness. She is a Board member of The Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds.

Hannah Fox said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen to become the Director of The Bowes Museum and to lead the museum through its next chapter.

"I’m confident that its exceptional staff, trustees and supporters are well placed to face the opportunities ahead and I relish the chance to help make The Bowes Museum dynamic and resilient. I’m committed to developing this incredible museum to be widely recognised as a cultural leader that meaningfully serves its community.”

Peter Mothersill, chairman of The Bowes Museum Trustees said: “The trustees are thrilled to announce Hannah’s appointment as our new director. She has shown through her extraordinary work that she is more than capable of building on the extraordinary legacy of our founders, Josephine and John Bowes, to transform this unique museum for the benefit of our community.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnership, said: “There are so many inspirational tales of women whose spirit and determination shine through in the North-East. Josephine Bowes, who conceived of and built The Bowes Museum, is one such example.

"The museum shelters, preserves and shares Josephine’s collection and it’s exciting that it will now be led by a woman. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we welcome Hannah Fox to County Durham and look forward to working with her on the county’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025."