After a period of nearly 140 years, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery has recently appointed its first paid professionally qualified curator.

Chairman of trustees Michael Williams said: “After the announced retirement of honorary curator Neil Westerman, the museum trustees set-up a small sub-committee to determine the way forward. It was unanimously decided by the sub-committee that the current collections manager Mark Lewis should be promoted to curator. Mark has a long and successful record at the museum and the trustees wish him every success and we are sure that he will bring significant progress to the museum. This appointment takes effect immediately.”

Neil Westerman, who was honorary curator for three years, stated: “It is more and more difficult to find a suitable person to serve as curator in a voluntary capacity because of the time commitment. This way, the museum will not only have a full-time curator, but one with the huge knowledge and creativity Mark has shown in his time here. I am delighted to be handing over to him.”

Mark, who was born in 1971, became a volunteer at the museum in 1994 after gaining a degree in English Literature. He worked his way up through the profession, taking an NVQ in warding and visitor services for which he was awarded a City and Guilds bronze medal of excellence, to become museum officer, then assistant curator and, after obtaining an Associateship of the Museums Association (the professional museum qualification), was appointed collections manager in 2005.

As well as his regular work at the museum, he writes creatively; he scripted The Face Behind the Glass, a dramatic monologue on artist Gwen John, For as long as forever is: the life and work of Dylan Thomas, a narrative of the poet’s career illustrated with extracts from his work and other material, which was performed at the museum twice in 2016 and is scheduled to be performed in the 2017 Tenby Arts Festival, as well as other items such as the scripts for The Portrait Speaks series of ‘talking pictures’, also performed at the museum. He also offers mentoring advice to various museums in Pembrokeshire.

Of his appointment as curator, Mark said: “I am delighted to be taking over this role. The museum faces big challenges in the present financial climate, but I intend to be creative and imaginative in order to keep the museum relevant to both visitors and to the local community. Fortunately, I have the support of the trustees and a wonderful band of staff and volunteers.”