About the Museum • Our People

Simon Costin (director)

Simon Costin studied Theatre Design and History of Art at Wimbledon School of Art. Since leaving college in the mid 80's, Simon has worked as an internationally respected art director and recently curator. He is renowned for the conceptually ambitious nature of his designs and his event and exhibition 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.