L. PODMORE CONSULTANCYL. PODMORE CONSULTANCY
Lynn Podmore

ABOUT ME

A diverse portfolio in museums and historic sites

I have a diverse portfolio, with a career spanning almost three decades in the museums and heritage sector, both in England and Wales. My journey began with a focus on learning, interpretation, and access, eventually expanding to encompass collections and museum development.

Throughout my career, I have held positions at the National Trust, various local authority museums, small independent museums, and charities. My direct experience includes working at living history museums, historic houses, heritage gardens, industrial and archaeological sites, as well as traditional museums and art galleries. On the back of my experiences I launched my own business in April 2021 as a Museum and Heritage Consultant.

My passion for working with historic sites, archival sources, and collections is evident by my commitment to researching and uncovering historical stories, presenting them from different perspectives or as a catalyst for creative outputs. I view heritage as a vital means of engaging audiences in a meaningful and interactive manner. This approach involves a process of reviewing, consulting, and creatively planning to achieve tangible goals. I find it particularly rewarding to witness people's engagement and enjoyment of heritage. I also believe that investing in the museum worksforce and utilising achievable plans is essential to success.

Dedicated to supporting cultural professionals in their careers, I volunteer as a mentor for the Group for Education in Museums (GEM) as part of their 1-2-1 Mentoring programme. Furthermore, I contribute my skills as a trustee and treasurer to an arts charity that provides small grants to foster the appreciation of fine and decorative art. I have also volunteered as a trustee for the Federation of Museum and Art Galleries of Wales, further solidifying my commitment to the cultural sector.

Qualifications wise, I have a Master of Arts Degree in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester and a Post Graduate Certificate in Heritage Management from the University of Birmingham.

Originally from Lancashire, I now live in my adopted hometown of Chester in Cheshire which packs a punch with its range of heritage assets. As a host family provider with English-in-Chester’s language school, naturally it is a joy to share this beautiful city’s culture.

Career Highlights

  • Devising an Interpretation Strategy for Llangollen’s Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens.

  • Creating the Audience Development Plan for Cardiff’s Nantgarw China Works.

  • Acting as a Museum Grant Assessor for a Cultural Transformation Capital Programme for the Welsh Government.

  • Working as a Social Researcher focusing on Museums and wellbeing within Wales for the Welsh Government. Culminating into bilingual digital publications.

  • Achieving the Sandford Award for excellence in heritage learning, (along with my learning team) and working across departments to launch 60 new public learning activities at Cheshire’s Tatton Park.

  • Decanting Conwy Council’s Museum collection to a new Culture Centre, supported by the volunteers and some of the culture team.

  • Creating Llandudno Museum and Art Gallery’s National Lottery Hertiage Fund Activity Plan and Consultation Report for their capital redevelopment.

  • Leading on some of the museum accreditation policies and plans for Conwy’s independent museums to enable them to receive a full award from the Arts Council.

  • Expanding on Digital interpretation for Denbighshire Heritage Service by researching historical content for an external audio trail around a historic Gaol; Liaising with a script writer and Guide-ID.

  • Developing learning programmes connected to industrial heritage sites at Bersham Ironworks and Minera Lead Mines, collaborating with new partners.

  • Contributor to the concept ideas for the Wrexham Museum’s first National Lottery Hertiage Fund application for gallery redevelopment, alongside colleagues.

  • Managing a learning team at Quarry Bank Mill’s Apprentice House team in Cheshire, utilising various interpretive techniques such as theatre-in-education living history sessions, literary workshops, costumed first interpretation, oral storytelling, tours and hands on history activities using collections.

  • Mentoring museum professionals with their career.