An experienced arts professional who has worked at the Tate group of art galleries is to join Bath Preservation Trust as its new director of museums.
Patrizia Ribul, pictured, was acquisitions programme manager at the Tate for 11 years and also has a wider background working in a range of public and private/commercial organisations nationally and internationally.
Most recently she has worked as executive director at the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery Museum in Devon alongside a project management role at Bristol’s Spike Island Art Space.
She has also held developmental and advocacy roles at the Arts Council of England.
Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) promotes the celebration of the city’s history and heritage through its advocacy and campaigning work and through its four museums – No.1 Royal Crescent, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Beckford’s Tower (which is to reopen next April) and the Museum of Bath Architecture (currently closed).
Beckford’s Tower, pictured, is undergoing a capital works project to completely refurbish and refi it with new interpretation telling the complex story of William Beckford’s wealth from the transatlantic slave trade and the privilege and power it gave him.
In her role at BPT, Patrizia will create and drive forward a strategy for the museums’ exhibitions, tours and the learning and engagement programme, as well as exploring commercial opportunities.
Bath Preservation Trust CEO Alex Sherman said Patrizia, who joins BTP next month, would bring a wealth of arts and heritage expertise to the role an exciting time for our museums and be pivotal to lead the successful relaunch of Beckford’s Tower.
“Other priorities will include the coordination of our temporary exhibitions and public programme, and the redesign and repurposing of the Museum of Bath Architecture,” he added.
“Patrizia is a highly skilled arts professional, and I am confident that her passions and unique industry insights will provide both support and stimulus to BPT’s onward success.”
Patrizia said she was thrilled to lead on the BTP’s projects with such timely, pressing scopes of preserving history.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the team showcasing Bath’s rich heritage and culture, supporting education and engagement for both the people of Bath and its millions of visitors each year.
“I look forward to adding to BPT’s vision to make culture and history accessible to all.”
