Ian Blatchford started his career working at the Bank of England and the merchant bankers Barclays de Zoete Wedd in the City of London.

He moved to the marketing and design agency Cricket Communications, working in the position of financial controller.

In April 2002, Blatchford joined the Victoria and Albert Museum as director of finance and resources.

[4] Blatchford is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants[3] and the Society of Antiquaries (FSA).

[5][6] He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to Cultural Education.