Yana Peel has stepped down from her role as CEO of Serpentine Galleries, citing “toxic personal attacks”.
Ms Peel said the work of the Serpentine, which has sites in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, “cannot be allowed to be undermined by misguided personal attacks on me and my family”.
Ms Peel has been CEO of the Serpentine for three years and held numerous positions there for over 15 years, including as a council member, fundraiser and board member.
She said “these attacks are based upon inaccurate media reports now subject to legal complaints”.
She went on: “The world of art is about free expression. But it is not about bullying and intimidation. I welcome debate and discussion about the realities of life in the digital age. There is a place for these debates, but they should be constructive, fair and factual – not based upon toxic personal attacks.
“If campaigns of this type continue, the treasures of the art community – which are so fundamental to our society – risk an erosion of private support. That will be a great loss for everyone.”
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