Brighton Pavilion and museum’s new leadership aims to protect their future

The body that looks after the city’s historic buildings and collections will have a new board of trustees as the organisation becomes a charitable trust.
Brighton's Royal PavilionBrighton's Royal Pavilion
Brighton's Royal Pavilion

From April 1 a new team of trustees will decide the direction of The Royal Pavilion & Museums service which will become the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust (RPM Trust).

A wide range of expertise is shown by the new, mostly local board, from experience working in museums, to legal and financial knowledge, and education in museums and digital skills.

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A number of city councillors will sit on the board including Green Party convener Phelim Mac Cafferty and ex- MP Lord Steve Bassam will also join the board.

Michael Bedingfield, who is a trustee at Martlets Hospice and Three Score Dance, will be the trust’s new chairman.

“Growing up in Brighton and Hove, I have vivid memories of visiting the Royal Pavilion and the museums with my family,” he said.

“I am proud to be the new chairman of the RPM Trust.

“From my time on the shadow board, I know many of the team and I am delighted to be joining such an inspiring professional group.”

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It is hoped that the new trust will safeguard the future of the museums service by opening up funding that is not available for councils and avoiding the impact of council budget savings.

Although the trust will have a new board, professional teams at the museums will remain the same so they can continue caring for the internationally recognised collections at iconic buildings like the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.

Councillor Alan Robins, lead member for culture and tourism, will also be on the board.

He said: “Our much-loved and internationally famous Royal Pavilion and Museums are moving into an exciting new chapter of their colourful story. Becoming a Trust will protect the service and all the staff who welcome visitors and look after our collections and buildings for the long-term.

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“It will be a busy few months and we’re committed to making sure our staff are fully involved in the transfer and ensuring the future success of all our museums for residents and visitors.”

Brighton and Hove City Council will still own the historic buildings which will be managed by the trust under a new 25-year contract.

The trust will be the successor to the existing RPM Foundation which was established as a charity in 1972. The foundation has acquired many important items for the museum collections including King George IV’s only surviving grand piano and a watercolour by JMW Turner.

More information can be found at the trust’s website.

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