Lisa Gee has confirmed her retirement after 26 years as Director of the Harley Foundation, the charity trust responsible for arts venues on the Welbeck Estate.
Lisa will step down at the end of February. The charity has appointed Bryony Bond as the next Director. Bryony will join the Harley Foundation in March, following her success as the Director of Yorkshire Contemporary (formerly The Tetley).
Under Lisa Gee’s Directorship, the Harley Foundation has become an award-winning visitor attraction and a regional hub for the arts, with a diverse community of artists working from its dedicated studio spaces, a free-entry contemporary art gallery, and a museum attracting national and international visitors. During her tenure, the Harley Foundation has developed a rigorous education and outreach programme, offering cultural and creative opportunities to local schools, community groups, and national charities.
Reflecting on her time as Director, Lisa Gee said: “My focus has been to make Welbeck and the Harley’s cultural spaces more accessible to everyone. Art is a uniquely human act, and I firmly believe that access to art makes life better for everyone, helping us to make sense of our world.
“It was important for me to develop a creative hub here in North Nottinghamshire which could stand alongside any national museum or gallery. I love seeing so many visitors onsite, enjoying our exhibitions, the wonderful countryside at Welbeck or participating in a creative workshop.”
Daisy Parente, Chair of the Harley Foundation, said: “Lisa Gee’s contribution to the Harley Foundation, and to cultural life regionally and nationally, can hardly be overstated. Under her Directorship, the foundation has done extraordinary work in bringing internationally known makers, artists, visitors, charities, and schools together at Welbeck. Lisa’s creative and ambitious work has grown our audiences and enabled wonderful exhibitions and new endeavours with great passion and success. Lisa’s is truly a legacy to be proud of, and she will be greatly missed by the Trustees, her team, and the many artists she’s worked with.
“Lisa leaves big shoes to fill, and we are very fortunate indeed to be able to announce the appointment of Bryony Bond of the Yorkshire Contemporary as our new Director. Bryony brings a shared vision for the future of the Harley in which we are committed to new exhibition programming, new forms of interpretation, working with the community and bringing art and making to as wide an audience as possible.
“Under Lisa, the first 20 years of the Harley have been a remarkable and impressive foundation. With Bryony, we hope to build on that with new ambition, new initiatives, and new adventures.”
Bryony Bond, new Director of the Harley Foundation, added: “I am thrilled to be joining the Harley Foundation to build on the rich legacy of Lisa’s Directorship. Lisa has shaped an incredibly special place, and it is an honour to be entrusted with bringing her vision into a new chapter.”