Mervyn Metcalf is set to become the new Chair of the Museum Board at Bath’s Holburne Museum, it has been announced.
Mervyn Metcalf will succeed Edward Bayntun-Coward in July 2026 | Photo © Holburne Museum
Mervyn has served as a member of the Trustee Board since 2024 and brings a wealth of experience in finance and charities to the role.
He said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the new Chair of the Holburne.
“The Holburne is one of the UK’s most exciting museums, with extraordinary collections and immense potential for the future, located in a city that is close to my heart.
“I am particularly excited about the new Schroder Gallery, which showcases the finest private collection of Renaissance silver in the UK.
“This, together with one of the most dynamic exhibition calendars of any museum in the country, makes the Holburne a truly unique institution.
“I hope to build on Edward Bayntun-Coward’s outstanding legacy, and look forward to supporting the Director Chris Stephens, my fellow Board members, and the entire Holburne team, in particular the wonderful volunteers, as we build on the Museum’s success and ensure it continues to flourish as one of the UK’s most treasured cultural institutions.”
Mervyn was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK in 1979. As an alumnus of London School of Economics, Mervyn has both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Economics.
He forged his financial career in the City of London with positions at BZW, Merrill Lynch and Global Leisure Partners, before co-founding Dean Street Advisers in 2012, providing financial advice for his client base of corporates and private equity.
Mervyn is a trustee of the board of The Discerning Eye, an educational charity which encourages a wider appreciation of the visual arts; and is also a trustee of BBC Media Action, providing independent media to over 100 million people across 24 countries annually.
Mervyn is also an avid collector of contemporary art, with a particular focus on portraiture.
Mervyn will succeed Edward Bayntun-Coward in July 2026, who has served as Chair of the Board of the Holburne since 2017.
Edward added: “I am delighted to endorse the appointment of Mervyn, who has brought a remarkable range of attributes, including financial acumen, artistic insight and interpersonal skills to the Board. The Museum will be in very good hands.”
