Clare Barlow has been announced as the new director for People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester.
She joins PHM from the Foundling Museum in London, where she was director of programmes and audiences. She brings a wealth of experience and vision to the national museum of democracy, having worked at leading cultural institutions and museums including Science Museum, Wellcome Trust, Tate and the National Portrait Gallery.
In 2017, Clare curated the highly acclaimed exhibition Queer British Art, 1861-1967 at Tate Britain and in 2019 opened Being Human, a new permanent gallery at Wellcome Collection that was shortlisted for the Arts + Heritage award for Permanent Exhibition of the Year.
Bernard Donoghue, chair of People’s History Museum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to People’s History Museum. She has incredible experience of programming ground-breaking
“In all of her work Clare’s values of inclusivity, social justice and providing platforms for unheard voices shine through, and fit seamlessly with PHM’s mission and vision. We are excited that Clare is joining us in our quest to champion and explore the compelling stories of those seeking a fairer world for all and in the creation of the empowering experiences that PHM is renowned for.”
Clare said: “I fell in love with People’s History Museum on my first visit, seven years ago, and I’ve been back many times since to see their superb exhibitions and spectacular collections. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve found something new with an incredible story, from Thomas Paine’s writing desk to the extraordinary collection of banners.
“I’ve been inspired by their work with community experts on LGBTQIA+ rights, disabled people’s rights and stories of migration, projects that have been beacons to the sector. It’s an exciting time to be at the home of ideas worth fighting for and I’m delighted to be joining their amazing team and exploring with our audiences how we all can shape a fairer future together.”
It’s an important time for People’s History Museum, which has just completed a year long project to make the museum more accessible to visitors (Welcome Project at PHM) and is about to launch a new programme for schools.
Clare follows in the footsteps of Katy Ashton, who was director for 14 years during a period that saw the museum expand to its current location in Manchester’s Spinningfields, where it occupies a purpose built space combined with a Grade II listed Edwardian building.
People’s History Museum is open from 10am – 5pm, every day except Tuesdays. Entry is free, but visitors can make a donation.
