Royal Armouries appoints new Director of Collections to care for the national collection of arms and armour

Royal Armouries is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director of Collections, Laura Bell.

Laura will be responsible for the organisation’s outstanding team of experts in conservation, curation, library services, documentation, registration and archives across its sites in Leeds, Hampshire and London.

In her role Laura will ensure the management and conservation of the Royal Armouries national collection of arms and armour, including all intellectual and physical access to it. A primary aim of the role is to increase understanding of this vast collection through research and publication, supporting the Royal Armouries position as a major national museum and an internationally-recognised centre of expertise and excellence in the study and display of arms and armour.

Prior to assuming her new role, Laura has worked at the Royal Armouries in Leeds since 2014, initially joining the organisation as a Registrar and Interim Conservation Manager. Previously she worked for National Museums of Scotland, Malton Museum and the York Archaeological Trust.

Commenting on her new role, Laura says: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be given this position. The Royal Armouries’ collection of arms and armour is second to none in scope and reach, and we have an equally exceptional team of specialists and experts. I am thrilled to be taking on the position at this exciting time in the Royal Armouries’ history, and can’t wait to work with the team in promoting the significance of our collection and work.”

Dr Edward Impey, Director General and Master of the Royal Armouries, adds: “We are delighted to have appointed Laura as Director of Collections. Laura’s dedication to the museum’s work and passion for our collection are an example to us all, and we all look forward to working with her in her new role”

Find out more about the Royal Armouries’ collections online.

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Notes to editors

Further enquiries to: Katie Canning, Communications Officer. Email: katie.canning@armouries.org.uk, telephone: 0113 220 1978