Agenda item

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30. Deputy John Tomlinsonn, as the immediate past Chairman, in Common Council and willing to serve, was accordingly declared as the Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

Vote of Thanks to the Past Chairman

Deputy Tom Hoffman paid tribute to Deputy John Tomlinson, the immediate past Chairman.

resolved UNANIMOUSLY: That, at the conclusion of his three year term of office as their Chairman, the Members of the Barbican Centre Board wish to extend to

John Tomlinson, Deputy

their sincere thanks and appreciation for the manner in which he has presided over their deliberations, as well as the committed and active service he has provided to the Barbican Centre during his tenure.

His detailed knowledge of, and involvement in, the work of the Centre - together with his committed enthusiasm for the arts - have been of great value to the Board. During a time of increasing funding pressures for the arts, his keen financial acumen and eye for detail has been invaluable in supporting the transformation of the Barbican into a more commercially-minded organisation, generating significant income to ensure that the Centre can flourish as a world-class multi-arts centre in a new funding environment. As a member of the Barbican Centre Trust he has constantly supported the fund-raising activities of the Centre, and his attendance at many artistic and fund-raising events has been deeply appreciated by all. 

His work with cultural partners, both within and beyond the City Corporation, has helped to enable the establishment of the soon-to-be-launched Cultural Hub, a development that will serve as a vital arts destination for London and the nation. His engagement with others has also been invaluable in the ongoing work around a potential Centre for Music which would transform the Barbican for the future and be a substantial legacy, the plans for which were conceived during his time as Chairman. 

In taking their leave of John as their Chairman, his colleagues on the Board wish to convey their grateful thanks to him for his extremely dedicated service to the Barbican Centre during his tenure, and to his wife Paula for her constant support and attendance at the Centre. We hope his services will long remain available to the Barbican and indeed to the wider City of London Corporation, and also convey to him their very best wishes for his and Paula’s future health and happiness.