RCA poised to appoint rector from shortlist

The Royal College of Art is about to appoint a successor to Professor Anthony Jones to fill the post of rector.

The RCA has been attempting to decide on a new rector since Jones announced in January that he is returning to the US this summer (DW 19 January).

This week The Daily Telegraph suggested the RCA was selecting from a three-strong shortlist of pro-rector Professor Christopher Frayling – who also made the shortlist in 1992 when Jones was appointed – former ITN chief executive David Gordon and former Westminster councillor Olga Polizzi.

A spokeswoman for the RCA declines to comment on the candidates who are shortlisted, but says the selection committee is ready to make a recommendation to the college’s senate, probably this week. The senate must then make its recommendation to the RCA’s council, which has the power of appointment.

It is thought an extraordinary meeting of the council is unlikely to be held until next week, after which an announcement will be made.

Jones is cutting short his original five-year contract to care for his sick son.