Historic Royal Palaces appoints director of palaces and collections

Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) has announced the appointment of Melissa Hamnett as its new director of palaces and collections.

She succeeds Adrian Phillips, who was in the same post from 2017 to 2025. An executive role, Hamnett will oversee the care and long-term stewardship of HRP’s palaces and collections. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in the cultural heritage sector, having worked in collections, conservation and public engagement.

Hamnett will lead HRP’s collections strategy, including conservation and curatorial, direct major projects and strengthen partnerships with heritage sector partners.

HRP is an independent charity that cares for six historic sites.

Hamnett joins her previous role as director of heritage collections at UK Parliament. She has previously worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum delivering major capital projects, exhibitions and public programmes.

As well as publishing widely on sculpture, architectural history and curatorial practice, Hamnett has led contemporary art commissions and public sculpture initiatives. She holds an MA in design and the decorative arts from the Royal College of Art, a BA in art history from the University of Sussex, and professional qualifications in project and programme management.

John Barnes, the chief executive of HRP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Melissa to this leadership role. Her passion for heritage and proven record in collections, conservation, and audience engagement make her the perfect leader to ensure HRP Palaces remains a welcoming, inspiring charity for everyone – where people from all over the world can connect with history, enjoy our palaces, and be inspired by our collections.”

Hamnett said: “HPR plays a vital role in caring for some of the most significant historic sites in the world. I am delighted to take on this role championing the charity’s mission to integrate rigorous conservation with ambitious research to safeguard the palaces and ensure their stories remain relevant, accessible and meaningful for the widest possible audiences.”