Jo Quinton-Tulloch

Jo Quinton-Tulloch is a British museum director known for her leadership in the cultural sector, particularly within the Science Museum Group. She has served as the Director of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford since 2013, overseeing significant redevelopment and public engagement initiatives. Her career is distinguished by a focus on audience development, major capital projects, and the interpretation of science and technology for broad public audiences.

Early life and education

Quinton-Tulloch studied at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology. She later completed a master's degree in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester, which provided a foundation for her professional trajectory in the museum sector. Her academic background combined social science perspectives with practical museology, shaping her approach to collections and public interpretation.

Career

Her early career included roles at several prominent institutions, beginning at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. She subsequently held positions at the Science Museum in London, working on major exhibitions and gallery developments. Prior to her current directorship, she served as Head of Collections and Acting Director at the National Railway Museum in York, part of the wider Science Museum Group. These roles involved managing significant historical collections and complex public projects.

Leadership at the National Science and Media Museum

Appointed Director in 2013, she has led the museum through a period of substantial transformation. A key achievement was the visionary £6 million "Sound and Vision" gallery redevelopment, which opened in 2017 and later won a Museums + Heritage Award for Permanent Exhibition. She spearheaded the major "Hello Universe" capital project, a comprehensive renewal of the museum's galleries and public spaces focused on astronomy, photography, and broadcasting. Under her direction, the institution has strengthened its partnerships with organizations like the BBC, British Film Institute, and Yorkshire Film Archive. She has also overseen important acquisitions for the national collection, including objects related to George Stephenson and early television technology.

Other roles and recognition

Beyond her directorial duties, Quinton-Tulloch serves as a Trustee of the Royal Photographic Society, contributing to the advancement of photographic culture. She is a member of the Bradford Cultural District Partnership, playing a key role in the city's UK City of Culture 2025 bid and broader cultural strategy. Her expertise is recognized through invitations to speak at forums such as the Museums Association conference and contributions to sector publications. She has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with academic institutions including the University of Bradford and Bradford College.

Personal life

She is married to Jonathan Tulloch, a noted novelist and writer. The couple resides in Yorkshire, actively engaging with the region's cultural and community life. Her personal interests are reported to align with her professional focus, encompassing visual arts, literature, and the history of technology.

Category:British museum directors Category:Alumni of the University of Cambridge Category:Alumni of the University of Manchester Category:People associated with Bradford Category:Science Museum Group