The American Museum & Gardens has announced the appointment of Lucy Littlewood as its new Director, following a transatlantic search.
Lucy will take up the role on 1 March 2026, as the United States enters the 250th anniversary year of its independence - a milestone that will place renewed global focus on American history, creativity and identity. Her appointment signals an ambitious new chapter for the Museum, the only institution outside the United States dedicated exclusively to American art and heritage.
Based in Bath and set within a Grade I listed estate overlooking the Limpley Stoke Valley, the American Museum & Gardens holds one of the most important collections of American decorative arts in Europe, telling the story of America through its people, homes, craft and creativity.
Lucy Littlewood was appointed following a rigorous transatlantic recruitment process supported by specialist partner GatenbySanderson, with candidates considered from both the UK and the United States. The Board of Trustees identified Lucy as the outstanding candidate to lead the Museum at a time when its mission and relevance have never been more resonant.
Lucy succeeds Gareth Thomas, who has led the organisation through a period of stability and growth, having previously served as Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Trustees. Gareth will step down from the role at the end of February 2026, ensuring a smooth handover.
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Lucy Littlewood said:
“To be appointed Director of the American Museum & Gardens in the year of America’s 250th anniversary feels hugely meaningful. This is a museum with an extraordinary story to tell — not only about American history, but about creativity, identity and the shared cultural connections between the UK and the United States. I’m excited to build on its unique strengths, broaden its reach and transform the Museum into a truly international destination for American art and ideas.”
Thomas Sheppard DL, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“Following a transatlantic search, it was clear that Lucy brings the vision, leadership and ambition required to lead the American Museum & Gardens into a new era. Her experience of transforming a much-loved national museum, combined with her deep understanding of audiences and storytelling, makes her the ideal Director at this pivotal moment.”
Lucy brings extensive leadership experience across the cultural, charitable and creative sectors. She was a key member of the leadership team that transformed the much-loved Geffrye Museum in East London into the groundbreaking, award-winning Museum of the Home - a major redevelopment that redefined how historic interiors and lived experience are presented to contemporary audiences. The Museum of the Home’s celebrated period rooms share much in common with the American Museum’s historic rooms.
Her previous senior roles include Director of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Trust, International Director of Arts Development at the British Council, and leadership positions at the Serpentine Galleries, National Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support having started her career as an award-winning television presenter and producer.
Alongside her executive career, Lucy holds a number of non-executive and advisory roles. She is Chair of Turner’s House in Richmond, Jerusalem Productions and Four8 Media (part of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts), a member of the Art Voyage Advisory Panel, and volunteers supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
An avid collector of antique textiles, Lucy is particularly looking forward to overseeing her first exhibition at the Museum: Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend, a powerful exhibition celebrating the extraordinary quilts created by African American women in rural Alabama.
Lucy said:
“The quilts of Gee’s Bend are among the most important works of American art of the last century - deeply personal, radical and rooted in community. I can’t imagine a more inspiring way to begin my time at the Museum.”
Alongside her professional plans, Lucy is looking forward to relocating to Bath with her family, embarking on a home renovation project and immersing herself in the city’s renowned antiques and interiors scene. She is keen to become part of Bath’s cultural, sporting and charitable life, bringing her own passion for heritage, craft and community into the city.
The American Museum & Gardens will reopen for the 2026 season on Saturday 14 February and Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend runs from 14 February until 21 June.
2026 at the American Museum & Gardens
In 2026, the American Museum & Gardens will be celebrating American artistry and culture for America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with exciting exhibitions and events. Highlights of the year include special exhibitions showcasing American quilts and folk art, and a historical trail in the Museum featuring fascinating American stories and cultural objects, including a very special item of national importance on display. Top events are the keynote lecture by Professor David Olusoga OBE on America 250, and a celebration of jazz with Clare Teal on American Independence Day.
About the American Museum & Gardens
The American Museum & Gardens was created by an Anglo-American couple, Dallas Pratt and John Judkyn, and opened to the public in 1961 with the ambition to showcase American decorative arts and dispel stereotypes of American culture.
The Exhibition Gallery offers two or more special exhibitions a year, covering a diverse range of subjects including fashion, photography, art, American culture and family friendly shows. Throughout the year there’s a programme of exciting events across music, outdoor theatre, family fun, talks, and wellbeing activities.
The Museum is situated within a Grade I listed Georgian estate of 125 acres of historic parkland, ancient woodland and formal gardens, with a gallery shop, deli and children’s play area. Located in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Area of Special Scientific Interest, the countryside views across the Limpley Stoke Valley from the gardens and deli terrace are unrivalled.
In recent years the gardens surrounding the manor house have been developed as The New American Garden, the first European commission for renowned US landscape architects Oehme, van Sweden. The design is characterized by large swathes of grasses and perennials, a planting style made famous by the OvS founders. The grounds also include a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon and an Arboretum.
The American Museum & Gardens is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees. The organisation receives funding from foundations membership, patrons, sponsors and individual donors, and generates additional income through paid admissions, a cafe, shop and events.
The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
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