Statement from the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â - 22 May 2021
Lord Hall of Birkenhead CBE said:
“I have today resigned as Chair of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â. I have always had a strong sense of public service and it is clear my continuing in the role would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about. As I said two days ago, I am very sorry for the events of 25 years ago and I believe leadership means taking responsibility.â€
Sir John Kingman, Deputy Chair of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â Board of Trustees, said:
“Tony Hall has been doing a superb job as Chair of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â, where he is much respected and liked. The Gallery is extremely sorry to lose him, but of course we entirely understand and respect his decision.â€
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â, said:
“I would like to express my gratitude to Tony Hall for his excellent work as Chair of Trustees of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â. He has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Gallery and it has been a great pleasure to work closely with him as we have faced the challenges of Covid and as we prepare to mark the Gallery’s Bicentenary in 2024.â€
Notes to editors
Lord Hall had been a Trustee of the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â since November 2019, and became Chair in July 2020. Deputy Chair, Sir John Kingman, will assume the responsibilities of Chair for the time being. For further information about the ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â Board of Trustees please see our website here.