The Strawberry Hill Trust has announced the appointment of Dr David Gaimster as the new Director of Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham.

Dr Gaimster brings a wealth of experience from across the museum and heritage sector, both in the UK and internationally.

He was most recently Chief Executive Officer of the South Australia Museum in Adelaide, and previously held leadership roles as CEO of the Auckland War Memorial Museum in New Zealand and as Director of the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow.

Earlier in his career, as General Secretary and CEO of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Dr Gaimster led the renovation of the Society's Piccadilly premises in 2007.

He also co-curated the Society's 300th anniversary exhibition, Making History: Antiquaries in Britain 1707–2007, which went on to tour nationally and internationally with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Gaimster said: "I am delighted and excited to be appointed to the Director role at Strawberry Hill.

"Horace Walpole's fantasy Gothic castle, together with its collections and gardens, is one of the most inspiring sites of interest in the UK — if not in the global cultural heritage landscape.

"With my knowledge and experience in the heritage economy, built nationally and internationally, I believe I can enable the Strawberry Hill Trust to achieve step change in financial sustainability, civic engagement and social impact over the next few years."

Chair of Trustees at the Strawberry Hill Trust, Anthony Nash, welcomed the appointment: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr Gaimster to our team. David brings a wealth of experience, both nationally and internationally.

"He will help us shape our strategy in these challenging times for historic houses. Both long-term financial sustainability and strategic development are our key objectives.

"We shall continue working with our many supporters and stakeholders to ensure that Strawberry Hill House can be enjoyed by present and future generations."

Strawberry Hill House is one of Twickenham's most treasured landmarks.

Designed by Horace Walpole in the 18th century, the house is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic revival architecture in the country.

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