Swindon museum and art gallery director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker in shock resignation

The future of Swindon’s proposed £22m art gallery and museum has been thrown into doubt with the shock resignation of the project’s Director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker.

In a statement put out late last night, The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust confirmed that the trust’s director, Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker, has tendered his resignation for “personal reasons.”

Hadrian will continue to work closely with the trust to facilitate transfer of work, and the trust is continuing to move the project forward.

Chair of trustees Robert Hiscox said: “We are very sad that Hadrian will be leaving, but we understand his decision in the circumstances. He has been very active on behalf of the trust and already achieved a lot since he has been with us, and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. We appreciate his loyal support in making the transfer as seamless as possible.”

Mr Ellory-van Dekker, a former head of collections and chief curator at the Science Museum was appointed last March to oversee the project. The appointment of such a strong candidate was broadly welcomed and his loss is seen as a severe blow to the future success of the scheme.

It is understood that chairman of the trustees Robert Hiscox - who was also considering his position - has agreed to remain in position to help drive the project forward.

The SMAG Trust plans to submit a £10m bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in November.

A free public information evening, Raising the Bar: A New Museum and Art Gallery in Swindon will still take place at New College on Wednesday 19 April.

Doors open at 6.45pm for the 7pm start. There will be a 15 minute interval and the event will finish at 8.30pm.

Chair of Trustees Robert Hiscox and his colleagues will discuss the economic and cultural rationale for siting the new museum near the Wyvern Theatre, and how the statement building will generate strong economic growth while becoming the beating heart of the community. They will also outline how the building is to be funded.