Nikky will be working closely with the Board to deliver a strategic vision to consolidate the Collection’s reputation as a leading voice in post war design and applied arts. The charity holds Ken Stradling‘s private collection of more than 2,000 pieces of ceramics, glass, furniture and decorative arts. Ken established the charitable trust in 2006 and was closely involved until his death in 2022 aged 100.
Nikky is a qualified museum, heritage and arts management specialist with a long-standing background in the wider cultural sector. She created and managed the national Campaign for Learning through Museums and Galleries and has led on strategy and advocacy programmes for local and national governments, the National Trust, English Heritage, Exeter University and scores of museums and galleries over her 30-year career. She is most recently the Director of The Charles Causley Trust and has worked across all areas of fundraising and governance – being an advisor and trainer for the Clore Foundation, Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy, the Association of Independent Museums and Cause4.
She is currently a member of the Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy’s NPO Oversight Board, a mentor to multiple university students and early-mid career professionals and is a former trustee of South-West Heritage Trust and the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. Nikky is currently studying for an MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths University.
Karen White, Chair of Trustees, said:
“Ken Stradling bequeathed us a truly unique and astonishing Collection which he carefully accumulated over his lifetime, both as the buyer for the former Guild of Applied Arts in Bristol but also as a private enthusiast.
“As well as being a prolific collector, Ken was a passionate advocate for local artists and a leading promoter of new and groundbreaking design in the 20th century, both at home and abroad. He was also an active figure during the Bauhaus era with fine examples of Marcel Breuer’s work forming an important part of the Collection.
“We are delighted to have Nikky on board to help take us into the next era for the Collection, deliver an ambitious three-year business plan to both consolidate our design reputation and enable us to extend our engagement and educational outreach programmes”.
Nikky says:
“It’s really exciting to be taking up this position at such a pivotal time for the Collection. I have been supporting the organisation through a significant transition period over the last year and a half, especially helping it find its place in the rich context of this cultural city. With a long career focusing on social impact, I am looking forward to working with the Board as we reach out to new and diverse audiences – ultimately continuing Ken’s legacy of encouraging a passion for design and making it more accessible.”
