Statement from the National Gallery - 22 May 2021

Lord Hall of Birkenhead CBE said:

“I have today resigned as Chair of the National Gallery. I have always had a strong sense of public service and it is clear my continuing in the role would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about. As I said two days ago, I am very sorry for the events of 25 years ago and I believe leadership means taking responsibility.”

Sir John Kingman, Deputy Chair of the National Gallery Board of Trustees, said:

“Tony Hall has been doing a superb job as Chair of the National Gallery, where he is much respected and liked. The Gallery is extremely sorry to lose him, but of course we entirely understand and respect his decision.”

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said:

“I would like to express my gratitude to Tony Hall for his excellent work as Chair of Trustees of the National Gallery. He has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Gallery and it has been a great pleasure to work closely with him as we have faced the challenges of Covid and as we prepare to mark the Gallery’s Bicentenary in 2024.”

Notes to editors

Lord Hall had been a Trustee of the National Gallery since November 2019, and became Chair in July 2020. Deputy Chair, Sir John Kingman, will assume the responsibilities of Chair for the time being. For further information about the National Gallery Board of Trustees please see our website here.