Alistair Hardaker
Image: Clare de Bathe (Weald & Downland Living Museum)
Appointment comes as former director Tilly Bylth joins the Imperial War Museums
The Weald & Downland Living Museum in Chichester has appointed a new interim director, following the departure of Tilly Blythe, who has taken up a new role at the Imperial War Museum.
Clare de Bathe brings to the interim role 25 years of experience in the voluntary, community, and education sectors. She has been chief executive of the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) for the last 12 years.
The appointment grew up in Hampshire and knew the Museum’s founder, Roy Armstrong, the museum said.
De Bathe said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Weald & Downland Living Museum at such an exciting time. It’s a privilege to contribute to a place that so passionately preserves and shares the rich heritage of rural life, and to be part of a team that values tradition, craftsmanship, and community learning.”
Jo Pasricha, chair of the Board of Trustees, said de Bathe has “roots in the local community, extensive leadership experience, and lifelong connection with the Museum”.
“On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank Tilly for her energy and commitment in leading the Museum and wish her every success in her new role. We are confident staff, volunteers, and supporters will warmly welcome Clare as she takes the Museum forward.”
The Board of Trustees has already begun the process of recruiting a new permanent director.
Outgoing director Bylth, appointed in October 2024, joins the Imperial War Museums as executive director, collections and curatorial, leading the Narrative & Content, Exhibitions, Collections Management, Collections Operations, and Research teams across IWM’s five sites.
