About the Museum • Our People

Simon Costin (director)

Simon Costin is a 6th Generation Londoner and studied Theatre Design and History of Art at Wimbledon School of Art. Since leaving college in the mid 80's, Simon has grown to become an internationally respected art director and set and exhibition designer. He is renowned for the conceptually ambitious nature of his designs and his event conceptualising. Costin's artwork has been displayed in many exhibitions, at venues as diverse as a forest in Argyll, the ICA in London and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His life long passion for Folklore has resulted in the launch of the Museum of British Folklore project. A long-term idea which aims to establish the UK's first ever centre devoted to celebrating and researching the UK's rich folkloric cultural heritage. Along with the other members of the team, he is currently engaged on a two year exhibition schedule for the museum and is also writing a book on the customs and traditions of Britain.

Mellany Robinson (projects manager)

After graduating from the Royal College of Art with an MA in History of Design, Mellany has worked in the creative, commercial and museum worlds: in fashion, documentary and advertising photography (as an agent, commissioner and editor) and at The National Gallery, the V&A and The Gilbert Collection in an administrative and collections management capacity. Mellany has a long affiliation with folk - as a child in the Seventies, her father's deep love of folklore and music made a vivid impression on her young mind. Her personal and work experience brings a unique perspective to the Museum of British Folklore and she is working with MoBF in the role of Project Manager, developing the temporary exhibition programme and the overall plans for a permanent Museum.

Jenna Rossi-Camus (research and development)

Jenna Rossi-Camus, previously associated with the Museum as the designer of Simon Costin’s folk wardrobe, will take on the role of research and development officer for its upcoming exhibitions. Jenna holds an MA in Fashion Curation from the London College of Fashion and is dedicated to the preservation of folk, museum and material cultures through the presentation of unique and engaging exhibitions. She is also an independent fashion curator currently consultant to the Royal Academy of Arts’ events programmes and serves as the European correspondent to the online journal Worn Through. Jenna’s range of prior experience in the creative arts, as a theatrical, graphic and fashion designer inspired her to turn her focus to museum work and creative research. With a deep interest in all things unusual and magnificent, Jenna promises to ensure that all of the Museum of British Folklore’s exhibitions are just that!

Russell Harris (social media)

Russell Harris is a creative 'odd-job man'. From a misspent theatrical childhood Russell trained and graduated in Dance Theatre specializing in technical design from London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance, he went on to assist the Head of Media and Marketing for LIFT 2010 Festival where he maintained the organizations online presence for the festivals demanding schedule. A rural lad at heart, Russell often finds inspiration from the more traditional methods and craft of the United Kingdom. Russell will be organizing the social media and online presence for the Museum of British Folklore.