Philip Walker

Philip Walker has been Head of Culture and Creative Industries for Bristol City Council since March 2024. The role covers responsibility for the city’s culture and heritage including Bristol Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, M Shed and several historic heritage houses including Kings Weston Roman Villa, Blaise Castle House Museum, Georgian House and Red Lodge. Bristol hosts museum development for the south-west region, and the Bristol and Regional Environmental Records Centre. Philip also provides support to the creative industries including UNESCO City of Film, the Bristol Film Office and the largest film and TV studios in the south-west – the Bottle Yard Studios.

Originally working as an artist, Philip found his way into museums through education and exhibitions management. He curated the Banksy vs Bristol Museum exhibition and was part of the project team that delivered M Shed, Bristol’s city history museum. Prior to working in Bristol he was Head of Culture, Leisure and Tourism for Gloucester City Council with responsibility for developing and delivering the city’s cultural strategy.

Philip has been a member of the National Trust Collections and Interpretation Advisory Board since 2019.