Will Gompertz, the renowned artistic director of the Barbican and former BBC arts editor, is set to take on the role of director at the prestigious Sir John Soane’s Museum in central London in the coming year.
At 57 years old, Gompertz has been leading the Barbican since 2021, following a successful career in art reporting and commentary. Notably, he has contributed to esteemed publications such as the Guardian and the Times, while also authoring three books on art.
In a recent interview with Prospect magazine, Gompertz highlighted cancel culture as the most pressing challenge in the arts. He emphasized that the purpose of art lies in questioning, challenging, reflecting, and enlightening. Great art uncovers truth, and debate and disagreement surrounding the essence of that truth are fundamental to the artistic process.
However, Gompertz expressed concern about how the power of social media is stifling necessary debates through self-censorship and fear of opposing the prevailing orthodoxy. He stressed that previous generations fought hard for free speech, and it is our responsibility to continue this fight.
The Sir John Soane’s Museum, located in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, antiquities, and models amassed by the esteemed Regency architect. The museum stands as a testament to Soane’s architectural ideas, with rooms designed as “studies for my mind”. It is a pioneering example of a house created by a professional architect for personal use in England.
Undergoing a recent restoration, the museum has experienced record-breaking visitor numbers in the 2022-23 period.
Regarding his new appointment, Gompertz expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to be joining Sir John Soane’s Museum during this exciting time, following decades of restoration work carried out by the museum’s exceptional conservators, curators, and previous directors.”
He added, “I am eager to champion the museum and Soane’s vision, attracting audiences to our newly restored home and spreading Soane’s vision worldwide.”
Lord Sassoon, chair of the museum’s trustees, praised Gompertz as “one of today’s top thinkers and communicators in the arts” and expressed confidence that he is the ideal person to carry on Soane’s legacy.
The Barbican acknowledged Gompertz’s significant contributions and the lasting impact he made, stating that his imprint on the Barbican will be felt for years to come.
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