News
Dorset Museum appoints new Executive Director
April 13, 2023
Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society are delighted to announce it has appointed Claire Dixon as its new Executive Director.
Claire is currently Director of Museums and Deputy Chief Executive at Bath Preservation Trust and will take up her new post in July.
Claire brings with her a wealth of experience having spent over fifteen years in the cultural sector. At Bath Preservation Trust, as Director of Museums she oversees four museum sites including the internationally renowned No.1 Royal Crescent, the Museum of Bath Architecture, Herschel’s Museum of Astronomy and Beckford’s Tower and Museum.
She also brings a strong background in visitor experience, coupled with extremely useful regional knowledge having worked for the National Trust at both Kingston Lacy and Brownsea Island and also a stint at the Tank Museum in Bovington.
Jean Lang DL, Chair of Dorset Museum Board of Trustees said: ‘We are looking forward to welcoming Claire Dixon to our team in July. She impressed us with her knowledge and background in the cultural sector and brings the skills and experience we need to drive forward Dorset Museum and Society in these challenging times.
‘The combination of her museum credentials and visitor experience roles position her well to make the most of Dorset Museum’s £16.4 million redevelopment which saw us open a fantastic new resource for residents and visitors across the South West in May 2021, telling Dorset’s stories in bigger and bolder ways.’
Claire Dixon said: ‘I am delighted to take on this role at Dorset Museum. I know the area well and I am excited about the opportunities the redevelopment provides to grow our presence as a significant regional museum. I am looking forward to working with the museum team to deliver a programme of contemporary and relevant exhibitions and events that will broaden our audiences by connecting them with the engaging, diverse and important narratives that this County has to offer.’
Jean Lang DL continues: ‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Elizabeth Selby who has been Interim Executive Director at the museum since last January. Not only did she play a really significant part in the redevelopment in her role as Director of Collections and Public Engagement, but she has also skilfully steered us through the last year with her passion and commitment to the work of the museum and society. On behalf of all the Trustees I thank her for her work and we are all truly grateful for her continuing contribution.’
Important Announcement
On Friday 2nd June 2023 the cafe TASTE at Dorset Museum cafe will be closed from 2pm
for a private function.
What's on
18 February - 22 June 2023
The Art of Seeing: An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club
The Club is delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit some of their members’ prints in the Dorset Museum together with an audio-visual presentation.
Find out more22 March - 25 June 2023
ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois
Explore the work of Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010), one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. This spring Dorset Museum will show a major presentation of her work in this ARTIST ROOMS touring exhibition featuring works jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Find out more29 March - 9 July 2023
PJ Harvey – Orlam
Dorset Museum is now displaying an archive of material relating to PJ Harvey’s verse novel Orlam.
Find out more4 June 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts
Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.
Find out more4 June 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dorchester Through the Lens of Thomas Hardy | Mark Chutter
Join Mark Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, to explore how Hardy presents the town of Dorchester in his writing.
Find out more10 June 2023, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more17 June 2023, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more21 June 2023, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Collections Discovery Centre Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more22 June 2023, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
FREE | Museum After Hours
Join us for an opportunity to explore the Museum at this FREE late opening.
Find out more