Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust appoints new Archivist

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new Bridge Archivist, Verity Jones, to a pivotal role in preserving the rich heritage of one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks.

Verity’s appointment comes at a significant time for the Trust, following the Museum’s achievement of full accreditation. This recognition underscores the Trust’s commitment to professional standards in collections care, public engagement, and historical preservation. The role of Bridge Archivist is integral to the preservation of the museum artefacts ensuring the legacy of Bristol’s historic bridge is accessible for all for years to come.

Verity brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked in a range of archival roles across prestigious institutions including the UK Parliament, Imperial College London, and the University of the Arts London. Originally from the South West, Verity returns to the region with a passion for making history accessible and engaging for all.

As Bridge Archivist, Verity will oversee the bridge’s significant archive collection, cataloguing historical records that tell the story of the bridge’s construction, the role played by the charitable trust in its care and upkeep and its enduring role in Bristol’s cultural landscape. She is particularly excited about expanding public access to the archive, with plans to refresh the museum’s mezzanine displays every six months and explore future digitisation through free platforms like Bloomberg Connect.

Commenting on her new role Verity Jones said “The archive is a powerful tool for storytelling. It reveals not just the engineering marvel of Brunel’s design, but the community and charitable efforts that have sustained the bridge for generations. I’m thrilled to help bring these stories to life for researchers, tourists, and local residents alike.”

With the support of Verity, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust aims to further deepen engagement with schools and colleges, building on existing collaborations to inspire young people through historical documents and photographs. Verity’s fresh perspective and broad archival experience will support the Trust’s vision of making the bridge’s history more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to future generations.

Tristan Ralph, Bridgemaster at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust commented: “Verity’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum. Her work will ensure that Brunel’s legacy continues to resonate not only with

historians and engineers, but with the wider Bristol community and visitors from around the world.”

For more information about the Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum and its archive, visit www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/history.

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