ABOUT ALAN
With a lifelong love for minerals and the natural world, at 16 years old Alan began his career at the British Museum (Natural History), now the Natural History Museum London as an Assistant Scientific Officer in the Department of Mineralogy. It was his dream job and he was fortunate to learn from and have the most amazing mentors across all fields of natural sciences. Becoming an established curator led Alan to advancing collections and forging many new relationships and initiatives globally. Through public engagement of science, he developed, curated and contributed to several world-class exhibitions that inspired many.
Eventually, he became Principal Curator of Gems and Minerals and Head of Earth Sciences Collections. As Chair of the Museum’s Collection’s Committee, he led transformative initiatives, defining strategic priorities and advancing collection’s development to ensure they effectively supported the Museum's goals and its many diverse initiatives.
After leaving the museum in 2016, Alan became CEO of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), providing overall leadership and strategic direction to the world’s oldest gemmological institute. There, he led many modernisation efforts, utilising his global network to expand Gem-A’s International reach and further cementing its reputation.
Now through his consultancy, he supports and assists established and new museums, institutions, private collectors and dealerships to develop collections, build impactful exhibitions and appropriate content, and leverage his global network to build meaningful connections. He frequently shares expert insights on Earth Sciences, minerals and gems across top media platforms and through his writing and lectures. He is passionate about Earth Sciences and the Earth’s geodiversity, and inspired by how minerals and gems - much like fine art - can bring joy , wonder and awe, while engaging people with the natural world. He uses his experience and wide global network to connect people and projects, driving mutually beneficial collaborations.
Alan remains a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, London, and shares his love of gems and minerals through his celebrated Instagram account - @alandhart. Here he unravels and explores the beauty and stories behind the world’s finest specimens, with a goal to inspire future generations and deepen public understanding and appreciation of our planet’s treasures.