New master of the armouries

The chief executive of Thackray Museum of Medicine, Nat Edwards, has been appointed the new director general and mater of the armouries for The Royal Armouries.

Edwards who joined the Leeds-based museum in 2018 and has overseen its £4m refurbishment, has over 30 years in the heritage, museum and visitor attraction sector with roles with the Science Museum Group, National Trust for Scotland and Glasgow Museums.

The move will see him head up the Royal Armouries which has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and For Nelson in Hampshire, with the Leeds site housing a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displaying over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries.

Edwards said: “One of the wonderful things about working in museums is that, however many years you spend in them, they never fail to amaze and surprise. The Armouries is one of the world’s oldest museums and, over the years has witnessed through its buildings and collections, some of the most incredible stories – touching every aspect of our humanity at its best and at its worst. I can’t wait to discover those shared stories together with all the new audiences whom I will make it my mission to welcome in – not simply as spectators to history but as active participants in its making.”

John Procter, chair of the board of trustees at the Royal Armouries said: “Nat Edwards impressed the recruitment panel with the breadth of his experience ranging from extensive capital funding projects, business initiatives, large scale exhibitions and community and educational projects. His passion for connecting museums with the audiences and communities they serve stood out and we are looking forward to his arrival at the Royal Armouries in the Autumn.”