About the Board of Trustees

Our Trustees reflect the expertise and professional commitment we have in support of achieving our funding goals for M Shed and in planning ahead to raise new income as Bristol's highly regarded museums service embarks on an exciting new era in its history. Thereafter, their support will reflect the wider Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives service.

Adrian Tinniswood (Chair)

Adrian is a writer, historian and lecturer and was previously Chair of HLF's Committee for the South West. Adrian has acted as a consultant to the National Trust and has been a lecturer at several universities in both the United Kingdom and United States, including the University of Oxford and the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of more than twelve books on architectural and social history.

Simon Cook

Simon was elected to Bristol City Council, representing the Clifton East Ward in 1999 for the Liberal Democrats. In May 2004/5 he held the post of Lord Mayor and is currently Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Capital Projects. He previously enjoyed a professional career as an  actor and was involved in Corporate Training. He is a member of a number of bodies such as @ Bristol, Bristol Cultural Development Partnership, Bristol Old Vic, Broadmead Forum and South West Local Council.

Nigel Hardy

Nigel is a partner at Baker Tilly Chartered Accountants based in their Bristol Office. He is a specialist Audit & Assurance partner with over 20 years experience of working in the Charity Sector. In addition to compliance services Nigel advises Trustees Boards on issues such as Governance, Charitable Trading, Risk Management and Strategic Planning. Nigel's charities clients include museums, schools and trade associations. He is married with three sons and has a wide range of interests from travel to construction projects, and skiing to cooking.

Tim Illston

Tim is a partner at Burges Salmon and heads the firm's pensions practice.
He worked in industry for a time after graduating with a first class degree from Manchester University. He went on to pass the Common Professional Examination with Distinction, and to train in Lincolns Inn and the City of London. He joined Burges Salmon in 1988, became an associate in 1989 and a partner a year later.


Terence Mordaunt

Terence is co-owner of Bristol Port Company which he took control of in 1991 with his business partner David Ord. Terence is a member of the Society of Merchant Venturers. Other roles include Chairman of Pendennis (Super Yachts). He is a Master Mariner with a keen interest in sailing. 

Anna Southall

Anna is Vice Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, a member of the Executive Board of the Association of Charitable Foundations and a trustee of the Barrow Cadbury Trust. She was Director of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales (1998-2002), Chief Executive of the Museums Libraries and Archives Council until 2003, and from 2003-2006 the Vice Chair and then Chair of Icon, the Institute for Conservation. She is currently on the Select Committee for Museums and Archives and was involved in the Select Committee Report this year.

Stephen Wray

Stephen leads for the City Council on a number of major projects and events (Bristol - BBC Anchor Project, including a new headquarters building for the BBC and 2012 Olympic Legacy) and works with a range of private and voluntary sector partners in the creative, cultural and sports sectors. He was previously the Director of Culture and Leisure with the City Council having held senior management positions with Edinburgh and the London Boroughs of Southwark and Hammersmith and Fulham. He is married with three children and lives in North Somerset.