Artist Tracey Emin is to join the British Museum’s board of trustees. She will be the first female Royal Academician appointed to the role in the institution’s history.
In a statement, Emin said London‘s British Museum is “one of my favourite museums in the entire world”. She added: “I love everything Egyptian. I’m very proud to be a trustee and I hope my presence will be a positive contribution.”
George Osborne, the British Museum’s chair, said: “Tracey is one of Britain’s greatest artists, and after 270 years she will be the first female Royal Academician to become a trustee of the British Museum.
“Having regenerated her hometown through her willpower, I know she will bring incredible energy, insight and creativity to the board. We are delighted to have her join us.”
Born in London in 1963, Emin studied at Maidstone College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. She was elected a Royal Academician in 2007.
In 2011, Emin became the professor of drawing at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. In 2020, she opened a major exhibition there entitled Emin/Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul.
Emin, who has recently contributed to the regeneration of her hometown Margate, will replace Grayson Perry as a British Museum trustee nominated by the Royal Academy.
First female Royal Academician trustee
Last month, the British Museum revealed plans to digitise its entire collection in a bid to increase public access and security after the alleged theft of around 2,000 artefacts.
In response to the crisis, the museum also sacked a member of staff and launched an independent review of security.
Later, the British Museum asked the public to help it identify and recover its stolen items via a new webpage with pictures and more information on the types of objects that are missing.
Images: Creative Commons / British Museum
