Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll obituary

Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll served as the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum from 1987 to 1994, during which she implemented significant changes that sparked controversy. Her management style included making nine senior curators redundant in 1989, which drew criticism, particularly from those who had long-standing ties to the museum. Esteve-Coll's approach aimed to professionalize the museum's operations, separating scholarship from housekeeping to enhance publicity, education, and fundraising efforts. In 1988, she launched an advertising campaign that portrayed the V&A as a casual venue, which further fueled public backlash. Critics argued that the campaign alienated traditional museum-goers while attempting to attract a younger audience. Despite the criticism, Esteve-Coll remained steadfast in her belief that her decisions were justified and necessary for the museum's evolution. Under her leadership, visitor numbers increased significantly, from 900,000 to 1.35 million, and she opened eight new galleries, showcasing her commitment to making the museum more accessible and appealing. After resigning from the V&A in 1994, she took on the role of vice-chancellor at the University of East Anglia, where she continued to influence the cultural landscape. Esteve-Coll's tenure at the V&A was marked by both achievements and challenges, reflecting the broader cultural tensions of the time, particularly in relation to Margaret Thatcher's policies. Her legacy is one of striving for inclusivity in the arts, despite facing considerable opposition during her career.