THE Black Country Living Museum has today announced the appointment of its new Director.

Andrew Lovett is currently Director of Corporate Resources and Deputy Director at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and will take up the post, which has been held by Ian Walden O.B.E. for the past 33 years, on August 3rd 2009.

Mr Lovett was previously General Manager of Steam, the Great Western Railway Museum in Swindon, and Head of Visitor Services for York Museum and has worked for the Lake District National Park.

John Hughes, Museum Chairman said: "The Museum is part way through an exciting expansion programme and the Museum Director is the Key Role. I am confident that Andrew will do an excellent job in securing the future development of the Black Country Living Museum as a centre of curatorial excellence and a leading visitor attraction."

Ian Walden, the retiring Museum Director and Chief Executive said: "I am delighted Andrew Lovett is able to take up the post after I leave at the end of July which will ensure continuity at this exciting and challenging time for the development of the Black Country Living Museum."