Alistair Hardaker | Images: Guy Baxter (The Museum of English Rural Life/ University of Reading)
Guy Baxter returns to the University of Reading after 17 years, having previously led archive services across its museums and collections.
Guy Baxter has been appointed as the new Director of the University of Reading’s Museums and Collections.
Baxter originally joined The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) in 1997 to work on photographic collections before working as an archivist at the V&A from 1999 to 2008. He subsequently returned to the University of Reading in 2008 as Head of Archive Services across the University’s Museums and Collections.
He succeeds Kate Arnold-Forster, who has led The MERL since 2003 and the wider museums and collections service since 2008.
Arnold-Forster, who received an MBE in 2015 for her contributions to university museums, is retiring this autumn alongside Isabel Hughes, associate director of The MERL since 2011.
Baxter said: “I’m extremely excited to step into this role, to lead such a talented team, and build on the immense legacy left by Kate,” Guy said.
“In the past 25 years we have transformed our museums and collections through our interdisciplinary collaborations across museums, libraries, archives, and University of Reading scholarship.
“As we look to the future, we will continue to explore how we can use the University’s museums and collections to meet the challenges of the world today. We will deepen our commitments to open and inclusive practice, evolve our support of the University and our partners across the community, and continue to open new doorways for discovery, relaxation, and creativity for our many audiences.”
Dr Karen Henderson, the University of Reading’s director of research and innovation, added: “As a senior leader for many years, Guy’s appointment brings continuity to the achievements of the University’s museums and collections. But it is also an exciting moment for growth and innovation. I look forward to sharing in Guy’s successes in the years to come.”
