In Memory of Derek Purnell
A life devoted to the arts and cultural heritage
It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Derek Purnell on Saturday, 2nd August 2025. Derek leaves us having dedicated his life to the performing arts and British cultural heritage, leaving an indelible legacy in every institution he had the honour to lead.
Derek’s career began in 1973 as a dancer with Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, demonstrating from the very start his passion for the performing arts. This experience on stage provided him with a unique and profound understanding of the world of dance, which would become the foundation for all his future work in cultural administration.
From 1989 to 2005, Derek led Birmingham Royal Ballet as Chief Executive for sixteen crucial years, overseeing the company’s relocation from Sadler’s Wells to Birmingham in 1990 and its separation from the Royal Opera House in 1997, transforming it into a successful independent entity. His visionary leadership during this period of transition was fundamental in establishing Birmingham Royal Ballet as one of the United Kingdom’s leading ballet companies.
After leaving Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2005, Derek continued his mission in the cultural sector as a freelance consultant before joining the prestigious Wallace Collection in 2014, where he served as Chief Operating Officer from 2017.
His Legacy at Strawberry Hill
In July 2020, Derek accepted the challenge of directing Strawberry Hill House & Garden, Horace Walpole’s historic 18th-century Gothic villa in Twickenham. As Paul Kafka, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, noted:
“Derek had an outstanding record of leadership in the heritage sector. We believed he had the management skills and creative flair necessary to broaden the appeal of Strawberry Hill House & Garden.”
Derek inherited a complex situation but, with his far-sighted vision and exceptional abilities, succeeded in putting Strawberry Hill back on the national and international cultural map. During his tenure, he made possible significant acquisitions such as the return of Walpole’s famous “goldfish bowl” in 2022 through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, an iconic object form the celebrated Walpole collection.
Under his guidance, Strawberry Hill not only consolidated its reputation as a museum and cultural destination but also succeeded in securing public grants and attracting philanthropists willing to support his vision. Derek understood the importance of making this jewel of Gothic architecture accessible to an ever-widening public whilst respecting its extraordinary historical heritage.
In June 2024, Derek was appointed to what would have been his final professional role with the Frederick Ashton Foundation at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, though sadly his health prevented him from taking up this prestigious position. This appointment would have brought his distinguished career full circle, as the foundation is dedicated to preserving and enriching the legacy of Frederick Ashton, founding choreographer of The Royal Ballet.
Sadly, shortly after his appointment, Derek discovered he was unwell—a cruel irony of fate for a man who had just begun a new chapter in his already extraordinary career.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Derek remember a man of exceptional human qualities. He was generous in sharing his experience and knowledge, humble despite his considerable achievements, and extraordinarily cultured. His loyalty and honesty were legendary—qualities that made him not only a respected leader but also a beloved colleague to all who worked with him.
At Strawberry Hill, in particular, Derek was revered not only for his professional competence but for his humanity. His collaborative approach and ability to inspire others were evident in every project he undertook. He was the sort of leader who could see potential in difficult situations and had the courage and vision to transform challenges into opportunities.
Derek Purnell leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the tangible achievements of the institutions he led. He demonstrated that leadership in the cultural sector requires not only administrative skills and strategic vision, but also a profound understanding and respect for the arts and cultural heritage.
His ability to navigate moments of transition and uncertainty—from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s relocation to the financial challenges at Strawberry Hill—showed how a visionary leader can transform difficulties into triumphs. He made possible access to public and private funding not through mere technical competence, but through his ability to articulate a compelling vision of the cultural and social value of artistic heritage.
Derek devoted his life to ensuring that future generations could continue to enjoy and learn from the performing arts and British cultural heritage. In every role he held, he laid the foundations for long-term sustainability, demonstrating that heritage conservation requires both passion and pragmatism.
Derek Purnell has left us far too soon, but his influence will continue to live through the institutions he served and the countless people he inspired. He was a true gentleman of the arts, a visionary leader and, above all, an extraordinary human being.
To Derek’s family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, we extend our deepest condolences. His memory will live on through the lasting contribution he made to British cultural heritage and through the hearts of all those he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and passion for the arts.
“The restoration of Strawberry Hill House & Garden over the past decade is a story of outstanding vision and success, backed by an indefatigable army of supporters.” – Derek Purnell, July 2020
These words, spoken at the beginning of his tenure at Strawberry Hill, perfectly reflect his approach to life and work: acknowledging past successes whilst looking ahead with optimism and determination. This is how we shall remember him.
Silvia Davoli
