Sir John Leighton, Director-General, National Galleries of Scotland. He is a bald, white man wearing black glasses and a suit. He is standing in front of a model deer inside a museum, with a blurred background.

Photo: Bryan Robertson

Changing Faces

Director-General to depart National Galleries of Scotland

Arts Professional
2 min read

National Galleries of Scotland has said that Sir JOHN LEIGHTON will step down as Director-General next year. 

Joining the organisation in 2006, Leighton's tenure has seen him lead public fundraising campaigns and oversee a programme of investment in buildings and infrastructure, including the redevelopment of the Portrait Gallery. 

Leighton was formerly curator of 19th-century paintings at the National Gallery in London and Director of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

He was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, Edinburgh in 2008 and, in October 2009, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh for his “outstanding contribution” to art and culture.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with the amazing colleagues, trustees, patrons, friends and all the supporters of the Galleries and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements across so many activities and projects,” Leighton said. 

“I know that the National Galleries of Scotland will continue to play a key role in society in Scotland, offering inspiration and joy to a very wide public.” 

Chair of National Galleries of Scotland BENNY HIGGINS said Leighton has served the galleries with “distinction and unswerving commitment”. 

“His strong, thoughtful leadership has enabled the Galleries to progress in the best and most challenging of times. He will leave an enduring legacy.”

The recruitment process for Leighton’s successor will begin immediately.