About us
Martyn Heighton
After setting up the Museum of Oxford and Cogges Manor, Witney I moved on to Liverpool where I could indulge my passion for ships by leading the Merseyside Maritime Museum project, progressively restoring quaysides and dock buildings, and purchasing and restoring historic vessels including the now Core Collection Edmund Gardner.
1985-1997 I ran Bristol’s Leisure Services:- museums; galleries; arts; youth, sports and parks services; libraries, grant-aid: the historic harbour; Tourism; initiated the replica of John Cabot’s Matthew; hosted the UK’s first International Festival of the Sea.
1997-2000 - happy years as chief executive of the Mary Rose, developing displays, laying the ground for a new museum and championing Designated Museums. Then to the National Trust as Territory Director, Western England & Wales, overseeing all operations, leading the Tyntesfield House campaign and initiating the Trust’s SeaBritain 2005 programme.
Coordinating the South West’s Brunel 200 celebrations followed, then National Historic Ships.
Past external bodies include - Regional Cultural Agencies (South East and South West); founding Chair, South East Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; AIM Council; Theatres Trust; UKMCS.
Now member, HLF Expert Panel; Trustee, ss Great Britain; RYA Day Skipper.