Displaying items by tag: sir nicholas serota

A curator who 14 years ago was a front-of-house assistant directing visitors to the highlights and toilets of the National Portrait Gallery in London is to return as the organization’s new director.

Nicholas Cullinan, who co-curated Tate Modern’s blockbuster Matisse cutouts exhibition last year with Sir Nicholas Serota, has been chosen to replace Sandy Nairne and become only the 12th director in the NPG’s 158-year history.

An exhibition of Henri Matisse's cut-out art has become the most successful exhibition held to date at the Tate with more than 560,000 visitors.

The Tate Modern show was the first in its history to attract more than half a million people.

"Matisse: The Cut-Outs" drew attention to the final part of the French artist's career from 1937-54.

Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate, said he was "delighted" at the show's success.