Rawsthorn was forced to resign by the museum's trustees. The move followed a disagreement with founder, Sir Terence Conran, over the future of the institution. Sir Terence supported plans to overhaul the museum and link it to a new government-funded Centre of Excellence for Creativity and Innovation. Rawsthorn did not, fearing that the museum's unique and special character as well as its independence, would be lost.

The idea for the new centre, which originated from the chairman of the Design Council, Sir George Cox, who is also the leader of the Cox Review, is fully supported by Sir Terence Conran. Ms Rawsthorn is said to be completely opposed to the new initiative and tensions are reported to have been running high between she and Sir Terence for some time.

Ms Rawsthorn was also at the centre of controversy in 2004 after the former chairman of the museum, James Dyson, accused her of championing visual style over industrial design. The clash sparked a flurry of debate over concepts of design as well as interest in political pressures imposed on the museum with respect to funding and accessibility under New Labour.
Mention has also been made of the fact that many holding more 'traditional' views of design disliked what appeared to be an apparent 'feminisation' of the museum.

The Cox Review has Sir Norman Foster, architect, and Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of the Tate Britain, on its panel. Sir Terence Conran is said to be very enthusiastic about the new plans for the museum, believing the £50 million relocation and expansion plans are fully justified.

Sceptics about the plans for the museum include Marcus Fairs, editor of monthly design magazine Icon. Like Ms Rawsthorn, he feels strongly that the Design Museum should not be "sacrificed to create a new institution with a broader and more government driven remit."

Ms Rawsthorn, who came to the Design Museum with an impressive background as an award-winning journalist and author, has, in her five years at the museum, been credited with raising visitor numbers by 40% as well as doubling educational visits.

Source: The Independent and The Guardian Unlimited