Tenby Museum and Art Gallery has welcomed its new manager.

Katie Murphy has started her new role at the venue on Castle Hill, stating that she was “very honoured and excited” to take on the position.

The Museum and Art Gallery has been looking to appoint a new manager for the venue, following the departure of Curator Mark Lewis earlier this year, with acting curator Eloise Chapman also announcing that she was leaving to work for Carmarthenshire Museums.

Katie who grew up on a dairy farm and has worked for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for just under 10 years, mainly within the role of admin and events coordinator at Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre and Gallery in St Davids, where she had the responsibility of exhibitions, events and retail management.

“I had the enormous pleasure of working with Amgueddfa Cymru/National Museum Wales, Tate Britain (namely on the Constable Aspire project and William Scott exhibitions), Sidney Nolan Trust, Peter Blake; as well as acquiring an extensive knowledge and connection with local county artists, makers and more!” she said.

“I also have experience of natural history displays, school engagement projects and through my previous role and connection with PCNPA I understand the importance of connecting displays and exhibitions to the stunning landscape around us.

“I’ve had a love of history and art from a very young age and working in such a field brings me great joy,” continued Katie, who plans to help Tenby Museum and Art Gallery develop its displays, events offerings and business potential to help generate much needed revenue for the important historic venue.

“I extend a warm welcome to all to approach with any proposals for projects, events or general enquiries.”

Chair of the Trustees of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, and county councillor for the town’s North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams said: “Katie has brought with her a store of new ideas and initiatives with considerable commercial expertise; and we look forward to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery becoming an exemplar of sustainability.

“For Tenby Museum this is both a sad and happy time. Our current acting curator Ellie Chapman is departing to pastures new, having during her time brought to the facility a wealth of knowledge and professionalism, together with a wonderful sense of humour.

“We will miss her and thank her for the good work she has undertaken during the difficult times both during and post the pandemic,” he added.

Leaving last week, Eloise remarked: “It’s been a pleasure to work at the Museum for the past 4 years and help preserve and share Tenby’s fascinating history and the work of so many wonderful local artists.

“I am truly sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful staff, volunteers and community that help make the Museum such a treasure but excited to move on to a new challenge as Learning and Exhibitions Manager with CofGar (Carmarthenshire Museums).”

Following the recent appointment of the new Manager, the Trustees are now looking to complete the team with the appointment of a Museum and Art Gallery curator.

The Board of Trustees is developing a new 5-year strategy for the organisation, which will look to achieve greater financial sustainability, increased partnership working with the philanthropic community and real growth in the services the Museum can provide.

In its unique cliff top location, within the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery (“the Museum”) is one of the oldest independent Museums in Wales.

Established in 1878, the Museum (registered charity no. 1169435) is home to an extensive collection including local archaeological and maritime artefacts, and an important international art collection with works by local artists including Augustus and Gwen John.

In addition to being the principal custodian of the history of this unique community, the Museum also manages an innovative education and outreach programme, curates a series of changing exhibitions for local and regional artists and plays a major part in positioning Tenby as a premier Welsh destination. Part of the Tenby Museum building is a Grade II listed building.

The venue is always on the look out for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join its team to help visitors enjoy their experience.

Duties of reception volunteers include - greeting customers; taking payment for admission; and selling items from the gift shop and second hand book collection.

To apply please contact the Museum on 01834 842809, or email: [email protected]

Alternatively, drop in and ask for an application form.

Manager Katie can be contacted at: [email protected]