Jonathan is the man to lead Dreamland
Jonathan Bryant, who has run several museums, was named by the Dreamland Trust as their chosen man yesterday (Thursday, December 10).
He said: “I am so excited to be involved with this project because I was amazed at the hard work and enthusiasm that the volunteers of the trust, headed by Nick Laister and Sarah Vickery, have put in over the last few years.
“Britain’s seaside heritage is an aspect of our history that has been neglected and I think Dreamland will correct that.”
Mr Bryant, 57, who managed the award-winning Henley River and Rowing Museum and directed the Thinktank Science Centre in Birmingham.
He said: “I have worked on a number of heritage projects in the past but too many museums take themselves too seriously. I like this project because it is rooted in fun.
“I also believe a heritage project like this needs to be run as a business that stands on its own two feet, and that means making a place that people want to go to and will be willing to part with money to visit.”
He is not the only one who is excited about his new job – his six-year-old daughter Ella is looking forward to coming to Margate too.
Mr Bryant said: “When we came down to see the site for the first time, Ella learnt to roller-skate along the seafront. Since then she’s been saying Margate’s a great place and can’t wait to come back.”
Mr Laister, chairman of the trust, said: “Jonathan has a reputation for action and for successfully bringing forward first-class heritage attractions delivered with commercial and creative flair.
“With Jonathan’s excellent track record, I am sure that we will be able to deliver a Dreamland that Margate can be proud of.”
The trust has also appointed Jan Leandro as audience development officer and Graham Ward as project archivist, both of whom start in January 2010.
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