National Coal Mining Museum for England appoint John Tanner as Head Of Masterplan
An experienced heritage project manager and historian, he will take the brand-new role of Head of Masterplan and Capital Projects.
John, who moves from Barnsley Museums, led the creation of the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre, shortlisted for the world’s biggest museum prize, Museum of the Year, in 2021.
It follows the recent NCMME’s appointment of new CEO Lynn Dunning, who headed Barnsley Museums and was praised for helping to turn the neighbouring authority’s attractions into a “cultural powerhouse”.
The NCMME says it is delighted to appoint John with his passion for coal mining history and vast experience developing heritage and museum sites, adding his wealth of knowledge will be invaluable as the masterplan gets underway.
John said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining National Coal Mining Museum. The Museum is loved by so many people, has immense potential for the future, and a vital and relevant history to share. It really is a very exciting time to join what is an amazing team.”
It comes at an exciting period of change for the Museum as they look towards opportunities to develop the site using innovative, sustainable, relevant, accessible and exciting ways to share the stories of coal mining and its legacy.
John has a long track record of successfully delivering major projects and award-winning museum developments.
His work on the ongoing development of the village of Elsecar has been significant.
Over the past 10 years, this has involved a major increase in visitor numbers to over 600,000 people per year, award-winning projects, recognition of the village’s international significance, multi-million-pound investment and the creation of a new £25m masterplan to establish a 21st century heritage railway on Elsecar’s historic ironworks.
He also led the restoration of the 1795 New Colliery at Elsecar Heritage Centre including its steam engine, the oldest in the world still in situ.
Other major museum projects across the North of England that he has contributed to include the Hull Maritime Museum, Craven Museum at Skipton, the transformation of Rochdale Town Hall and working in close partnership with National Coal Mining Museum, including on the establishment of the European Route of Industrial Heritage in Yorkshire.
Coal mining heritage is a personal as well as professional passion for John, whose family worked underground for more than 140 years, up until the 1980s.
His own academic research and community activity have been closely linked to coal, driven by a recognition of how vital it is for communities across England to recognise and celebrate their coal mining heritage.
National Coal Mining Museum’s attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (summer hours, April yo October) and 10am-4pm (winter hours, November to March).
The Museum is free but, as an independent charity, donations are always much appreciated.
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