Vanessa is the Collections Officer at Elmbridge Museum, where she manages the museum collections to ensure that local history is cared and saved for the local community and for future generations.

Vanessa has 20 years of museum experience, having trained at Birmingham Museums Trust and working as Collections Assistant at Wolverhampton Arts & Culture. Having gained experience in collections research, interpretation and digitisation, Vanessa went on to be the Curator of Art at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery and Towneley Hall, Burnley. There she curated diverse collections including artworks, ethnography, costume and medieval manuscripts. Her work has included curating exhibitions, updating permanent galleries, managing loans and enquiries and improving collections documentation.

She holds an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester and a degree in History of Art and Archaeology. She continues to develop her professional practice with specialist training in areas such as collections review, documentation, emergency planning and Arts Council Accreditation.

As a trustee, Vanessa will advocate for the museum collection to explore the rich history of hockey. Drawing on her experience, she’ll champion artefacts to tell stories of hockey’s heritage and legacy.