Features

Flying under the radar

The Courtauld's director might not have a background in espionage, but Deborah Swallow has still spied opportunities to take the institute forward, writes Simon Stephens

Family values

Simon Stephens hears why Rhian Harris wants to make the Museum of Childhood a place for adults as well as kids.

Evolutionary fervour

It will be difficult to escape Darwin this year as museums, galleries and others celebrate a double anniversary, says Simon Stephens

The Museum of…Our pick of the UK’s specialist collections: December 2008

Nene Valley Railway prides itself on a vast collection of engines as well as its very own Thomas, writes Louise Gray

Well chuffed

It was Steve Davies's passion for railways that eventually led the former soldier to the helm of the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, writes Simon Stephens.

World view

Timothy Potts has been a museum director in Australia, the US and now at the Fitzwilliam in the UK. Simon Stephens hears about his plans

Labour of love

Simon Stephens meets a very busy Nicholas Penny, who hasn't stopped since returning to the National Gallery as its director earlier this year

Starting over

After years spent in the doldrums, Liverpool is on the rise. As the European Capital of Culture 2008, it has become a must-see city and Liverpool Biennial director, Lewis Biggs, is made up to be part of this renaissance, writes Simon Stephens.

New perspectives

As a number of museums prepare to open Egyptology galleries, Simon Stephens hears why it's not all about mummies, myths and magic

Concrete plans

The Hayward Gallery is 40 years old this month, but its director, Ralph Rugoff, wants to make sure it does not slip into middle-aged complacency. By Simon Stephens.

On the waterfront

For Bill Ferris, the challenge of working at Chatham Historic Dockyard is not managing the collection, but overseeing the business itself. Simon Stephens meets him.

United we stand

Rickie Burman's career has developed alongside the fortunes of two Jewish museums in London that are about to come together on one site. Simon Stephens meets her.