After nearly two decades of guiding Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery from its beginnings to its current status as a thriving cultural centre, Vaughan Clarke will be stepping down as Chair in October 2024. Vaughan has been instrumental in the Museum’s journey, overseeing its growth from its origins with the Petersfield Area Historical Society into an internationally recognised institution.
During his tenure, Vaughan has seen the Museum transition from its original home in the magistrates’ courthouse to the expanded Museum and Art Gallery that exists today. Although Vaughan will be stepping down as Chair, he will continue his support of the Museum and Art Gallery as a trustee.
“Serving as Chair of Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery has been a great privilege,” Vaughan states. “I have seen this Museum evolve in ways only imaginable when we started. I have every confidence that Jeremy will bring his own unique strengths to the role.”
Vaughan has known and worked with Jeremy Mitchell for over 30 years, particularly through the Museum’s redevelopment phase. Jeremy, who joined the team as Treasurer in 2010, has been a key figure in fundraising and shaping the Museum’s future.
After almost two decades, it’s the right time to allow someone else who is as deeply committed to our mission to take on the role as Chair. I know Jeremy will continue to champion the Museum and Art Gallery.
Vaughan Clarke
Jeremy Mitchell, who will assume the role of Chair in October 2024, brings with him 15 years of experience as a trustee and as the keeper of the Edward Thomas Study Centre. His involvement in securing funding for the Peggy Guggenheim: Petersfield to Palazzo exhibition from Arts Council England, the Art Fund through the Weston Loan Programme, and the Henry Moore Foundation has been instrumental to the success of both the record-breaking exhibition and the Museum and Art Gallery.
“I am thrilled and honoured to have been elected as the next Chair of Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery,” says Jeremy. “Vaughan’s leadership has set a strong foundation, and I look forward to continuing the remarkable achievements he has led over the past 19 years.”