CURATOR Kathrin Pieren is leaving Petersfield Museum at the end of August after four years at the helm.
She is taking up a post at the Jewish Museum in Camden, London, as head of collections and curator of social and military history.
Kathrin (47), who is from Switzerland, has loved her time in the town, but the lure of London, as a self-confessed “city girl”, was too strong, as was the role at one of the capital’s little gems.
“I’ve really enjoyed Petersfield, it’s a lovely place and this is a beautiful part of the world. I?have learned a lot too and working with the staff, trustees and team of volunteers has been a great experience,” she said.
Successes had been “upping the profile” of the museum in the town and surrounding area, introducing temporary exhibitions and more talks, special events and outreach work.
A link up with the Edward Thomas Fellowship would lead to a study centre dedicated to the poet, who lived at Steep, at the museum.
“The museum now has a stronger presence in the town and is much more visible,” said Kathrin.
Exhibitions on the Olympics in 2012 and on religious and spiritual beliefs in 2013 among others had received very positive public feedback. And international interest had come from the People of the Heath digs.
Visitor numbers had been buoyant, although they were knocked by the introduction of an admission charge at the museum in 2015, necessary to keep it financially viable.
Her time in Petersfield has been tinged with sadness with the death from cancer of her partner, John Hudson, two years ago. But she is very excited about her new post.
Kathrin is not Jewish but she has a Phd in British Jewish History. She originally came to the UK from Bern 13 years ago to study for a masters degree.
“As much as I have loved it here, I am probably more a city girl,” she said.