Those of us who lead museums dream of a gifted, sensible and reliable deputy, who can resolve the cascading day-to-day issues, providing a type of symmetry to our leadership.
I appointed Darryl McIntyre as my dream deputy at the Museum of London in 2003, as I was fascinated with what Dawn Casey had created at the National Museum of Australia as a template for diversity and equitable partnerships.
Appointing her deputy as mine seemed to me a shortcut to delivering a more inclusive Museum of London. Darryl rightly believed that if we place learning at the centre of the visitor experience, we transform the notion of accessibility. This approach strengthened the vision for refreshing the Museum of London’s brand and the arguments for a London Museums Hub.
Prior to moving to London, Darryl completed a PhD at the University of Queensland on the impact of American military forces on Australian society during the second world war. He joined the Australian Public Service in 1971 as assistant director of the Australian Department of the Arts’ cultural heritage branch, with responsibility for museum policy work.
In 1991, he was appointed assistant secretary, and two years later, was seconded to the National Museum of Australia (NMA) to chair a committee that would oversee its funding review. His approach to this day is still considered a benchmark on how you conduct a review of a national museum.
Darryl joined the staff of the NMA in 1994 and, on returning from the Getty museum’s management institute summer course in 1999, became a member of the NMA’s top team with a portfolio of operations, education and national outreach. At the NMA, he was particularly proud of initiating the Talkback Classroom, at which secondary-school students interview senior politicians such as the prime minister on matters of their concern. In this way, Darryl built his reputation for youth digital outreach.
He was a founder member of the International Committee for the Collections and Activities of Museums of Cities, and his experience at the Museum of London was invaluable in setting a path for the committee and shaping its future.
Darryl understood the importance of documentation and was probably an archivist at heart. He never threw out anything and his office had a terrifying abundance of paper, which he annotated personally – fortunately, with a legible hand. He sought out groups that were documenting LGBT2Q and their stories, and worked with the Museums Association on various collecting initiatives.
I will remember him for his steadfast principles, his soft tones and deep sensitivity. His mind was constantly attuned to challenge, to seeking alternatives and an unwillingness to take things as they are.
He completed his career as chief executive of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, in Canberra. He leaves behind his life partner, Gordon Dutton.
Jack Lohman is the chief executive of the Royal British Columbia Museum, in Canada
