New Director at London Museum of Water and Steam

Taking the Museum into the future

In a letter to members of London Museum of Water and Steam, Oliver Pearcey, Chairman of the museum formally known as the Kew Bridges Engines Trust, announced the appointment of a new director.

"Joseph (Joe) Watson will be joining us as Director of the London Museum of Water & Steam. Joe is currently working for the National Trust, leading on four historic properties (Carlyle’s House, Fenton House, the Red House and 2 Willow Road), and on the London Project, a three year audience engagement strategy now in its final year. He has previously worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Courtauld Institute.

"Joe has extensive experience in the areas which will be of particular importance to us as we drive the Museum forward following its reopening, including improving the visitor experience, community outreach, organising and delivering events and exhibitions, developing membership schemes and offers, fundraising, growing income from multiple sources, and marketing. He is also a member of the Advisory Group for the Kirkaldy Testing Museum. The trustees (and Penny, our previous Director) are confident that he will be able to take the Museum into the future following the huge improvements we have delivered through Project Aquarius.

"Joe is currently negotiating a release date with the National Trust (who naturally do not want to lose him) but he is already talking to the staff and receiving emails and will be attending the next trustees’ meeting."

July 28, 2014