After studying experimental psychology and philosophy at Oxford University, David Barrie joined the British Diplomatic Service and later served in the Cabinet Office. After leaving the government service, he worked in the arts - first as co-director of the UK-wide Japan Festival 1991, and then as director of the leading visual arts charity, the Art Fund.

David is a trustee of the Pilgrim Trust, an elected Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and was awarded a CBE for services to the visual arts in 2010. He was chair of Make Justice Work, a campaigning organisation in the world of criminal justice reform. He has made many long voyages under sail and is an experienced navigator.

David’s first book, Sextant, was published by William Collins in 2014. It was shortlisted for the Mountbatten Literary Award and won the Royal Institute of Navigation’s Certificate of Achievement.

His second book, Incredible Journeys (Supernavigators in North America) was published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2019. It was chosen as The Sunday Times Nature Book of the Year.

David acted a consultant for the National Geographic channel series, Incredible Animal Journeys (2023).

He is now at work on his first novel.

The great-great-nephew of the playwright, J. M. Barrie, David is married with two daughters and lives in London.

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