Victoria Siddall Named Director of National Portrait Gallery

Victoria Siddall has been appointed as the new director of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London, making her the first woman to hold this position in the gallery's 168-year history. Siddall, who has over 20 years of experience in the art world and previously served as global director of Frieze, succeeds Nicholas Cullinan, who left for the British Museum. Her appointment comes during a significant time for the NPG, following a major £41.3m refurbishment and reopening in 2023. Known for her advocacy for environmental responsibility, Siddall co-founded the Gallery Climate Coalition and has campaigned against fossil fuel sponsorship in the arts, suggesting a potential shift in the gallery's funding policies. Siddall expressed enthusiasm about leading the NPG and building on its recent successes, stating it is an exciting time in the gallery's history. The move signals a broader commitment to sustainability in the art sector, reflecting changing attitudes towards sponsorship and patronage.