Margaret Benton

Director

Margaret Benton is an experienced arts manager. She was previously the Director of the V&A’s Theatre Museum. She has also worked as Deputy Director of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and, for ten years, as a BBC Television producer/director. She also studied fine art at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and Montpellier.

Contact: mbenton@themaking.org.uk

Simon Taylor MA

Education & Community Outreach Manager

Simon Taylor is a professional contemporary ceramicist and has taught in colleges in the South East, working with a wide range of students including children with special needs, prisoners and young offenders. Simon has recently completed his MA in Museums and Galleries in Education at the Institute of Education (University of London).
Contact: staylor@themaking.org.uk

Zara Hamid

Youth Arts Coordinator

Zara is a professional artist and arts educator. She specialises in participatory and sensory art mediums; creating interactive structures and installations from recycled paper. Zara has worked with a broad range of people and organisations including disadvantaged children, visually impaired audiences, and adults with learning difficulties with arts organisation Artscope.

Contact: streetart@themaking.org.uk

Jenny Bethell

Finance & Administration Officer

Jenny is a glass maker who graduated recently in 3D Design at the University College for the Creative Arts, Farnham. She specialises in deep fused polished work and has exhibited work in Henley and Odiham, Hampshire. Jenny is also an accountant and has worked for both accountancy practices and in business. She has lived in Basingstoke since 1988 and is involved in the local community through scouting and rugby.

Contact: admin@themaking.org.uk