Sir Mark Ellis Powell Jones, the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, has been chosen as the new Master of St Cross College.
Sir Mark, knighted in 2010 for his services to the arts, is due to take up his post in September 2011, following the retirement of Professor Andrew Goudie. The Worcester College alumnus, who specialises in the study of medals, said that he was looking forward to working with the students and fellows who are doing research “in areas of great interest and importance”.
During Ellis’ 10 years at the V&A, the museum underwent a £120 million refurbishment that saw it open a new wing of Medieval and Renaissance galleries. Its chairman, Paul Ruddock, credited him with helping to make the museum a world leader in art and design.
