PUSHKIN HOUSE: ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

pushkinhouse.org; via GA on Facebook

Clem Cecil | Photograph:  Country Life; from entry

Clementine Cecil has been appointed the new executive director of Pushkin House.

She succeeds Ursula Woolley, who has led the growth of the House for more than three years, expanding the programme of events, building partnerships with leading cultural institutions, enhancing its reputation and increasing audiences.

Pushkin House is a UK charity which showcases the best in contemporary and classical Russian culture, arts and society through events including exhibitions, performances, the visual arts, cinema, talks, children’s events and its celebrated annual Book Prize.  It is run by a board of Russian and British trustees, independent of any government.

Clem is a Russian-speaking specialist in language, literature and architectural preservation, with many years’ experience working in, and with, Russia, initially as correspondent for The Times, then as co-founder of the Moscow Architecture Preservation Society.  She has co-edited four books on Moscow, St Petersburg and Samara. For the past four years she has been director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage and SAVE Europe’s Heritage.

Clem said: “I am delighted to be moving to Pushkin House to continue my work with Russian culture. I am passionate about Pushkin House’s mission to effectively convey the best of Russian culture to a UK audience, and to provide a lively, informal meeting-place for those interested in Russia. I have always admired Pushkin House and feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to continue to develop its outstanding programme.”

Ursula is moving on to pursue research interests, in a related field.  She said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead Pushkin House over the last few years.  Its long history and networks in the UK and in Russia have great cultural and social value and I believe there is no better person than Clem to develop the role of Pushkin House over the coming years.”

Sergei Ostrovsky and Craig Kennedy, co-chairs of the Board of Trustees of Pushkin House, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Clem as executive director. She brings to Pushkin House a formidable combination of skills, experience and commitment.  We know she will provide inspired leadership as Pushkin House pursues its mission to host the best in Russian culture, art and ideas. We also want to thank Ursula for her tremendous contribution over the last few years. She leaves behind a rich legacy for Clem to build on.  We wish her the best in her new ventures.” 

 The press release issued announcing Clem's appointment is available here.