First woman head for National Galleries of Scotland

Anne Lyden will take over as director-general on 1 January.

The National Galleries of Scotland has appointed a woman as director general for the first time in its history.

Anne Lyden will take up the role on 1 January 2024 when current director general Sir John Leighton steps down after 17 years.

Ms Lyden has worked as a photography curator at the galleries since 2013. She previously worked for 18 years at the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

She said she was looking forward to the "incredible opportunity".

Ms Lyden grew up in Clydebank and studied History of Art at the University of Glasgow and Museum Studies at the University of Leicester.

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At the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) she was international photography curator and then chief curator of photography. In 2022, she became interim co-director of collection and research.

She has written widely on the subject of photography and art and has authored numerous publications.

Ms Lyden said: "It is my great privilege to continue the excellent work led by Sir John and colleagues over the years.

"Having worked with the national collection and a wide range of colleagues over the last 10 years, I am delighted to continue this experience of making art accessible to everyone."

A new gallery of Scottish art recently opened at the National Galleries building on the Mound

NGS comprises the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two galleries in Edinburgh where visitors can see art ranging across the centuries.

The organisation recently opened a new gallery of Scottish art in its building on the Mound in Edinburgh and is currently hosting an exhibition by the artist Grayson Perry.

Benny Higgins, chair of the NGS board of trustees, said he was "thrilled" at the appointment.

"Anne brings a strong understanding of the national collection and our talented people, together with extensive international experience," he said.

Sir John Leighton described Ms Lyden as a "highly talented curator and leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity".

He said: "She has a compelling vision of the benefits that access to great art can achieve in these volatile times and is the right person to drive forward the National Galleries' commitment to bringing world-class art to the widest possible audience."