Introducing The New Chair of Trustees and New Treasurer for Friends of the Harris

To continue the significant work of the Friends of the Harris in supporting the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library, a new Chair of Trustees and a new Treasurer have been appointed. Prof. Peter Lloyd ARE and Simon Nixon have taken on their respective roles at a pivotal time for the Friends, the charity which supports the Harris’ exhibitions, conservation and community-focused work.

New Chair of Trustees – Prof. Peter Lloyd ARE

Prof. Peter Lloyd ARE is the new Chair of Trustees for Friends of the Harris. With over 25 years’ experience in higher education and a substantial track record in strategic educational leadership, Peter is well placed to lead the Friends of the Harris and work in partnership with the team at the Harris as we look towards re-opening in 2025.

As the new Chair of Trustees, Peter will be the public face of Friends of the Harris and will work closely with Trustees and with Harris staff to develop fundraising strategies, campaigns and applications as well as supporting the Harris in their endeavours to deliver an ambitious programme of exhibitions and events.

Peter is the Dean of Arts and Media at the University of Central Lancashire and holds an MA in Fine Art Printmaking from the Royal College of Art. As a practising artist and an Elected Board Member of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers, Peter is enthusiastic about and committed to the arts.

His new role as Chair of Trustees brings an incredible opportunity to help support and propel the Harris, and Friends of the Harris forward in its ambitions.

New Treasurer – Simon Nixon

Simon Nixon is the newly appointed Treasurer of Friends of the Harris. Having worked in public service sectors for 35 years and Further Education for over 20 years, Simon will use his experience, including finance, estates, IT and HR to look after the finances of the Friends of the Harris charity.

Simon is Principal and Chief Executive of Preston College, and has a keen interest in, and passion for, history and culture including the Harris’ programmes and collections.

With previous roles in accountancy and finance management at Newcastle City Council, County Durham Health Authority and Newcastle University, he is the ideal person to undertake the role of Treasurer, looking after the finances of the charity as it continues to support the work of the Harris for generations to come.

Thank You to Greta Krypczyk-Oddy and Mike Turner

The Friends of the Harris Trustees, and all the staff at the Harris would like to say a huge Thank You to our outgoing Chair Greta Krypczyk-Oddy and outgoing Treasurer Mike Turner for their guidance, commitment, and leadership over the years. Their knowledge and passion for the Harris and for the Friends has been invaluable, and their work has been essential in supporting the current Harris Your Place project.

Both Greta and Mike will be greatly missed in these key roles, and we remain grateful for their time and dedication to the charity.