Press Releases

Abigail Lawrence and Richard Thomas have today (23 September 2020) joined Amgueddfa Cymru’s Board of Trustees for an initial four-year term. The new appointments come at an important time for the organisation, as it consults with the people of Wales on its future direction.

Abigail Lawrence, who has worked in the creative arts sector in Wales for 15 years, is Head of Public Engagement at BBC Cymru Wales. She is responsible for ensuring BBC Wales’ new home at Central Square in Cardiff, offers an engaging and immersive experience to all visitors, including school groups. Abigail will bring to her role as Board member the experience of welcoming and growing audiences with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

Prior to BBC Cymru Wales Abigail, who has always felt passionately about all aspects of cultural life, was Operations Director at Chapter Arts Centre.

Richard Thomas spent the early years of his working life as an engineer and manager in the steel and copper industries. Since then he has worked in Welsh and English higher education institutions in roles ranging from lecturer to Assistant Vice Chancellor. As well as teaching he worked on developing the Engineering curriculum and a broad range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related programmes.

Richard has led applied research and knowledge exchange projects with a wide range of industrial partners including TWI, Ford, Tata and Clasonic Kansei. He is interested in international education and has been a Visiting Professor at Wuhan University of Technology.

Roger Lewis, President of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales welcomed both to the Board of Trustees:

“Abigail Lawrence brings to the table her passion for Welsh contemporary art, exploring the natural world and visiting heritage sites with her young family. Richard is passionate about the power of education to transform the lives of individuals and the futures of whole communities.

“Both will bring their experiences and enthusiasm to enrich and hopefully challenge the work of the Board of Trustees.

“We are currently asking the people of Wales for their views on what Amgueddfa Cymru should do over the next 10 years, to help make Wales a better place in which to grow up, to live and to work. I am also looking forward to contributions by Abigail and Richard to our future strategy. Croeso mawr!”

The consultation on Amgueddfa Cymru’s 10-year strategy will be live until 30 September. People can contribute in different ways by visiting museum.wales send comments via email, fill in a survey, get creative through family activities. There is an easy read survey and a version of the consultation through spoken word. There will also be opportunities throughout the consultation period to respond through our Amgueddfa Cymru Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

One of its museums, St Fagans National Museum of History which explores the history and culture of Wales, won the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019.

As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support.

The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.