Frances Morris: The new director of the Tate Modern

Ms Morris has been working for Tate since 1987, long before the capital’s Tate modern was founded in 2000

Frances Morris has been credited with transforming the way museums present the story of modern art. (Olivia Hemingway/Tate)

A new art boss in the frame?

Frances Morris has been appointed the new director of the Tate Modern. Ms Morris has been working for Tate, the network consisting of four art galleries in London, Liverpool and Cornwall, since 1987, long before the capital’s Tate modern was founded in 2000.

How has she worked her way up?

Ms Morris, 57, studied History of Art at both Cambridge University and the Courtauld Institute of Art, London. She joined Tate as a curator before becoming head of displays at the Tate Modern, then head of international art collections, and has been credited with helping to transform the way museums present the story of modern art.

Is she up to this latest challenge?

The new director said she was “thrilled and excited” with her appointment. “Tate Modern is a truly unique institution and I have been privileged to have been part of the team from the very beginning,” Ms Morris said. She will take up the role later this year.

What’s happened to her predecessor?

Chris Dercon, who is Belgian, is leaving the Tate Modern after five years to take charge of Berlin’s experimental Volksbühne theatre.

Will the gallery be in safe hands with Ms Morris?

Nicholas Serota, director of Tate, is confident in her abilities. “Frances Morris is an innovative thinker who has shaped and developed Tate’s international collection, firmly establishing Tate Modern as one of the foremost contemporary and modern art galleries in the world,” Mr Serota said. “She is widely respected internationally for her flair, expertise and clarity of vision. She will lead the new Tate Modern into the next era.”