Q&A with Anne Lyden

By Susan Mansfield, 11.12.2023

Anne Lyden. Photo by Laura Prieto, National Galleries of Scotland

Born in West Dunbartonshire, Annie joined National Galleries of Scotland (NGS)  in 2013 from the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles as International Photography Curator. She is currently Co-Director of Collection and Research.

Susan Mansfield (SM): How did you become a curator?
Anne Lyden (AL): I studied History of Art at the University of Glasgow, and Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. I was interested in working in the museums and galleries sector, so I sought out opportunities to volunteer in areas that matched up with my interests. When I heard about an internship at the Getty Museum working with their photography collection, it was an opportunity to bring together a personal passion and apply my studies in a practical context. The rest is history!

SM: After 18 years in LA, what brought you back to Scotland?
AL: People always ask me that when it’s dreich outside and the rain is bouncing off the ground! I had an incredible time working with the Getty collection, working my way up from intern to associate curator for photography. But then the opportunity arose to work with the collection here at NGS. I knew I was exchanging one impressive collection for another, but here I was able to lead the department and make decisions about growing the collection and putting together the public programme.

SM: Where does your passion for photography come from?
AL: I became interested in photography in my late teens. I was drawn to people like Oscar Marzaroli, at one end of the spectrum, and the fine art photographs of Thomas Joshua Cooper at the other. I used to go to the bookshop in the Third Eye Centre in Glasgow (now the CCA) and buy photography books. I should add that I’m not a photographer myself; I don’t make photographs, but I have huge respect for those who do.

SM: Since 2022, you’ve been Co-Director of Collection and Research at NGS, what does that involve?
AL: I work with a colleague to oversee a directorate of 58 staff including the curatorial teams, the people looking after the public programme, learning and engagement, and research - all the work we are doing with audiences. My colleague and I represent the directorate at leadership level, working closely with others to ensure we’re delivering our mission to make art available to everyone.

SM: What do you expect from the role of Director-General?
AL: It’s really an extension of what I’ve been doing all along, working with colleagues and with the collection, working with various stakeholders, from Trustees to partners to audiences. Being more strategic, thinking about where we are headed for the future, is been something I’ve really enjoyed. It’s not necessarily a step away from the art, it’s seeing it in a different way, seeing the bigger picture.

SM: How does it feel to be the first woman in that role?
AL: It feels like a real privilege and honour to take up this appointment, but I’m not alone, there are some very strong, capable woman in senior roles in the cultural sector in Scotland - Leonie Bell at the V&A Dundee, Amina Shah at the National Library of Scotland - and other across the UK. It’s a privilege to become part of that cohort and work with them.

SM: What will your priorities be when you take over in January?
AL: One of my first priorities is going to be listening, absorbing and understanding. More specifically, I’ll be focussed on our new collection facilities, The Art Works, which recently got planning permission from Edinburgh City Council. It’s important to fulfil the ambitions for that site, not just practically for the storage of our collection, but for its ability to interact with audiences locally, and also internationally as a hub for research. And then there’s the day to day, working with the collection and sharing it as widely as possible.