The British Museum has welcomed design visionary Sir Jony Ive to its Board of Trustees, marking a pivotal moment as the institution advances its ambitious Masterplan—a transformative reimagining of one of the world’s most significant cultural landmarks.
Renowned for reshaping global design and technology, Ive brings a lifetime of innovation to the role. The London-born creative force spent over three decades at Apple, where his work as Chief Design Officer redefined modern aesthetics—from the iPhone to the Apple Watch—melding form and function with unparalleled precision.
Beyond Apple, Ive’s influence extends through LoveFrom, the design collective he founded in 2019, which crafted the emblem for King Charles III’s coronation. His latest venture, io, merges artificial intelligence with product design, positioning him at the forefront of digital evolution—a critical perspective as museums navigate the intersection of heritage and technology.
“The British Museum has been a source of inspiration since childhood,” said Ive. “It is a profound honour to contribute to its future, particularly at this moment of reinvention. Great design, like great museums, connects us across time—I look forward to supporting this extraordinary institution as it evolves.”
George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum Trustees, hailed the appointment: “Jony Ive’s genius lies in synthesising beauty and innovation. As we reimagine the Museum for new generations, his insight—whether in physical spaces or digital frontiers—will be indispensable. There is simply no one like him.”
Ive’s career spans industrial design, architecture, and interactive media, earning him knighthood in 2012 and accolades such as the Stephen Hawking Fellowship. His academic roles include serving as Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, reinforcing his commitment to nurturing creative thought.
The appointment, made by the Trustees themselves, underscores the Museum’s intent to fuse tradition with cutting-edge vision. As the institution embarks on its most significant renewal in centuries, Ive’s arrival signals a bold step into a future where culture and technology converge, without losing the wonder that has defined the British Museum for 270 years.
Photo: Jony Ive by Craig McDean Courtesy of LoveFrom