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Maysie Webb (1923–2005), Deputy Director (1971–1983)

© the artist's estate / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: The Trustees of the British Museum

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At a time when women in senior executive positions were rare, Miss Webb, who had left school with few qualifications at the age of 16, was in 1960 appointed Head of the Patent Office Library, having obtained a library qualification and a degree through part-time study. In 1966 she was Head of the new National Research Library of Science & Invention (NRLSI). She was promoted to the new post of Assistant Director of the British Museum in 1968, becoming Deputy Director in 1971. The portrait was commissioned to mark her retirement in 1983. Her particular concern was with the financial management of the Museum, one Chairman remarking that she ‘treats the intricacies of financial devolution like a crossword puzzle for the morning train’.

British Museum

London

Title

Maysie Webb (1923–2005), Deputy Director (1971–1983)

Date

1983

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 76.5 x W 51.7 cm

Accession number

Painting.56

Acquisition method

commissioned by the Board of Trustees, 1983

Work type

Painting

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