Cumbria's largest museum, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust in Carlisle, has appointed six new trustees to its board, expanding the total to 15 members. The new trustees include Lord Richard Inglewood, a former government minister; Lisa Middleton, head of marketing at National Museums Liverpool; Joanne Orr, former director of Tullie and ex-chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland; Malcolm Rogers, a banking and finance specialist; Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross; and John Stevenson, a former MP for Carlisle. The appointments were announced by Tullie chair Andrew Smith and director Andrew Mackay.
The appointments matter because they bring a diverse range of expertise—from heritage leadership and marketing to finance and governance—that will help Tullie House Museum strengthen its regional and national presence and prepare for future transformation. As the largest museum in Cumbria, the new board members are expected to add dynamism and ensure the institution remains "future-fit" amid ongoing changes in the museum sector. This move reflects a broader trend of museums seeking experienced trustees to navigate financial and operational challenges.