Susan Hopkinson – New Director At Burton Constable Hall

Susan Hopkinson has just started in post as Director of the Burton Constable Foundation which owns and runs Burton Constable Hall, a spectacular Elizabethan architectural gem, set in glorious parkland, just near Hull.

Susan’s responsibility covers the Hall, its extensive collections of fine and decorative art and furniture, and Capability Brown landscape . Susan comes to Burton Constable Hall from Normanby Hall, North Lincolnshire, where she was Museum Manager, then Director for 9 years.

Susan succeeds Dr David Connell, Director of the Foundation since 1997, on his retirement.

Susan said;

“Dr Connell leaves a lasting legacy at Burton Constable, both in terms of his curatorial knowledge and expertise embodied in the high standards for care of the collections and research, and his passion for stewardship of the grounds and landscapes surrounding the House.”

“Dr Connell also drove and delivered the huge HLF-funded restoration of the Stables, which now provides visitors with excellent facilities, as well as fascinating interpretation of the history and heritage of Burton Constable.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be taking up this exciting and challenging new post: Burton Constable is such a wonderful place, with fantastic collections and stories to tell. I’m really looking forward to working with the Trustees of the Burton Constable Foundation, and the great team of staff here, to continue to raise Burton Constable’s profile and bring the Hall to the attention of local residents, as well as those who travel to visit us.”

“Clearly having the Radio 1 Big Weekend onsite on my first weekend in post was quite a ‘baptism of fire’! But it was entirely fitting too, reflecting Burton Constable’s ability to cater to such a wide range of audiences, for a wide range of activities and events. Although obviously the Big Weekend was very much a ‘one off’, the programme throughout the year really does have something for everyone, from a 10k run, to outdoor theatre, to behind the scenes tours, to a whole range of activities for children.”

“There is of course Burton Constable’s very own ‘Cornucopia’ music and arts festival in September, which although on a much smaller scale than the Big Weekend, features some great bands, world music, and arts and crafts activities and is a real favourite for families.”

Burton Constable Hall and Grounds are now fully back to business as usual, and are looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout this season.

Adding new events all the time, visit www.burtonconstable.com to keep up to date with what’s on.