Remembering Rosalind Savill, the porcelain expert who transformed the Wallace Collection

Rosalind Savill, who directed the Wallace Collection in London from 1992 to 2011, transformed it into a vibrant tribute to 18th-century French culture. She focused on safeguarding the collection and increasing public engagement through a £12m Centenary Project that enhanced exhibition space, added conservation facilities, and improved visitor amenities. This revitalization led to a surge in attendance, from 160,000 to nearly 400,000 annually, through diverse exhibitions and collaborations, thus redefining the museum's role in the cultural landscape and its accessibility to a broader audience.

Savill believed her role was to safeguard the collection and ensure its dissemination to as wide an audience as possible, reflecting her commitment to its cultural significance.

The refurbishment and Centenary Project transformed the museum, increasing public space by 30%, making it more accessible and inviting for visitors, ultimately tripling annual attendance.

Under Savill’s leadership, the Wallace Collection became a vibrant tribute to 18th-century French culture, demonstrating how innovative curatorship can breathe new life into a national treasure.

Savill’s vision included enriching educational offerings and creative partnerships, such as collaborations with contemporary artists and designers, which attracted a broader audience and enhanced the museum's reputation.

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