The National Gallery in London has announced that Hannah Rothschild, the first woman to serve as chair of its board of trustees, will step down after a nearly four-year tenure. Rothschild, a writer, filmmaker, and philanthropist, joined the gallery’s board in 2009 and was appointed to her current role in August 2015. “I have decided with sadness to step down in order to devote more time to my writing and to my family’s wide-ranging activities and philanthropic concerns,” Rothschild said in a statement.

“During my tenure, I am proud to have led the search for the new director, Dr. Gabriele Finaldi; to have played a part in appointing a diverse, gender-balanced board; to have helped increase the gallery’s reserves; and to have contributed to the acquisitions of great works by Titian, Bellotto, Corot, Bellows, Cranach, Bridget Riley, Artemisia Gentileschi, and others,” she added. “Thanks to the director, a talented dedicated staff, an impressive board of trustees, and most generous supporters, the National Gallery has evolved into a robust, ambitious, and modern institution.”

Commenting on her term, Finaldi said: “Hannah Rothschild combines a profound knowledge of the National Gallery with a passion for reaching out to the modern public. She has supported digital innovation, greater engagement with contemporary artists, a strong learning program, and a broad national and international presence for the gallery. I am enormously grateful for her commitment and generosity.” The deputy chair of the National Gallery’s board of trustees, John Kingman, will step into the role of interim chair until the position is filled.

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