Latest news and events from Sussex Heritage Trust
Festive Evening with Drinks and Canapes at Graylingwell Chapel
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We are greatly indebted to Chichester Community Development Trust, who have generously invited us to The Chapel on Thursday 14th November from 6pm to 9pm, sponsored by RW Armstrong.
The festive evening will begin with drinks, canapés and live jazz in Graylingwell Chapel sponsored by Flintlock Ltd. and Toovey’s Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, The reception will be followed by a talk from Rupert Toovey: Treasures from your Home. Guests are invited to bring an object from their home for valuation and comment. The event will feature a Charity Auction in support of the charitable work of Sussex Heritage Trust and Chichester Community Development Trust. There will also be an opportunity to speak to the heritage team at The Chapel to hear more about its unique history. A cash bar will be available.
Graylingwell Chapel is a Grade II listed community heritage facility in the heart of Graylingwell Park, Chichester. The restoration and conversion went on to win a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in 2023 and was described by our judges as “a model example of conversion for community purposes”.
We hope you will be able to join us for this festive celebration, which has kindly been supported by RW Armstrong. Please do RSVP by using the link below or email the Sussex Heritage Trust office on office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
All monies raised will go towards the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust and Chichester Community Development Trust.
Training bursary for Joseph from Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust have revealed the recipient of a new bursary to give an early-career practitioner in Sussex the best chance of success in their chosen craft, while preserving and championing traditional craft skills.
The bursary, funded by the Sussex Heritage Trust, was one of 29 awarded nationally by Heritage Crafts in this round of bursaries. Following shortlisting and interviews, lime plasterer Joseph Lancaster from East Sussex was selected as the candidate showing huge potential but requiring additional financial support in order to progress his career.
Joseph had previously struggled to fund development courses in lime plastering whilst working on an apprentice-level wage. He will train in lime plastering at Ty-Mawr Lime and Carrington Lime. Joseph’s wish is to change the direction of his business to one that specialises in conservation and heritage techniques with lime.
Joseph will benefit from up to £4,000 in funding, as well as one-to-one support from Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust.
Joseph Lancaster, bursary recipient, said:
“As a plasterer, carpenter, decorator working on mainly old buildings. I realised the need to specialise and strengthen the craft skills within my business. 6 months ago I was introduced to working with Lime. I quickly established this was the direction I wanted to apply myself. Since being made aware of the heritage trust bursary and becoming a successful recipient of the bursary; the professional advice, finance and support will allow me to actualise my dream.”
Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, said:
“Heritage Crafts is committed to increasing access to heritage craft skills for those least able to afford the cost of training, including those who have experienced multiple barriers. These bursaries will not only set 29 individuals on the path to sustainable and fulfilling careers, but will also help improve the overall viability and public appreciation of these skills for many years to come.”
The successful project follows 11 previous grants to Sussex recipients funded by the Sussex Heritage Trusts and distributed by Heritage Crafts as part of its Endangered Crafts Fund, set up to provide grants to help practitioners listed on the Red List of Endangered crafts overcome the obstacles they are facing in running otherwise viable businesses.
Can you support our event at Graylingwell Chapel?
On 14th November, the Trust will co-host a pre-Christmas party with Chichester Community Development Trust at Graylingwell Chapel.
The event is an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for both charities.
If you are able to support this event either through sponsorship or an auction or raffle prize then please get in touch.
Celebrating 150 years of Devonshire Park
Thursday 26th September 2024
To celebrate 150 years of Devonshire Park, The Eastbourne Society are hosting a number of events including an afternoon tea and concert.
To book tickets please visit the booking website.
Lunch and Lecture at Bentley Farm, Ringmer
Friday 11th October 2024 at 12noon
This is a unique opportunity to hear the story of Raymond Erith, one of the leading classical architects of the 20th Century, in one of the buildings he designed.
By special permission of Ingrid Christopherson, we will hear about Raymond’s life and designs from his daughter and biographer, Lucy Archer.
Among many commissions, Raymond was appointed to redesign Downing Street in the 1950s but he only undertook three commissions in Sussex, two of which were for the Askew family. The extension to Bentley Farm was undertaken for Gerald and Mary Askew in the early 1960s.
Our guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine in the drawing room, followed by a three course lunch with wine, followed by the talk by Lucy Archer.
We hope you will be able to join us for this exclusive lunch, which has kindly been supported by Cowan Architects. Tickets are £95 for Friends of the Sussex Heritage Trust and £115 for non-members of the Sussex Heritage Trust.
To book please click here or on the link below. All monies raised will go towards the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust.
Private Tour of Gardens at Parsonage Farm
We are greatly indebted to Mr and Mrs David Thomas, who have generously invited us to Parsonage Farm on Friday 20th September from 1.45pm for a private tour of their garden.
Tickets are £15 for Friends and £30 for non-members and include the private tour and tea and cake. All monies raised will go towards the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust.
Click here to book your tickets.
July Edition of Sussex Heritage Trust Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is now available to read. Please click here to find out all our latest news and events.
Photographs from 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards
To view all the pictures from the 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Lunch and Ceremony at Lancing College Chapel please click here.
Do get in touch with the Sussex Heritage Trust office if you would like to be emailed any copies.
West End Story
The Friends of Lancing College Chapel have just published a new booklet about the construction and completion of the Chapel.
Written by Jeremy Tomlinson, Steward of Lancing Chapel and Friends’ secretary, the book contains over 80 images drawn from the College Archives detailing the construction of the Chapel from 1868 to 2022.
Every guest attending the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards on 10th July will receive a copy fo this beautiful booklet. To order your copy please click here.
June Newsletter
The Sussex Heritage Trust update is now available with all our latest news and events. To read click here.
Trustee, Victoria Williams interviewed on BBC Radio Sussex
Did you know the Sussex Heritage Trust owns one building – the Ashcombe Toll House in Lewes, East Sussex.
The Toll House is the sole survivor of a pair that marked the beginning of the Brighton turnpike.
Click here to listen to BBC Sussex’s Simon Furber interview our Trustee, Victoria Williams, all about the history of the Ashcombe Toll House. The interview forms part of Simon Furber’s BBC series – Secret Sussex.
Cow Dung and Hurdles – Young People Learn New Craft Skills at Sussex Heritage Trust Taster Day
Young people from across Sussex took part in a Taster Day at Weald & Downland Living Museum on 4th June 2024.
Funded by the South Downs National Park Authority, the Sustainable Communities Fund – South Downs Trust and The Foyle Foundation, the day was designed to encourage the next generation of builders into exciting new careers in building conservation.
Twenty seven students from Chichester College and Crawley College, and young people at the start of their careers with local construction businesses, got the opportunity to ‘taste’ four different building crafts: Practical Timber Repairs taught by timber expert Joe Thompson, Brickmaking taught by Weald & Downland Living Museum Interpreter Steve Scott and Tutor, William Cove, Hurdle Making taught by the Museum Curator, Julian Bell and Wattle & Daub taught by Learning Officer, Mark Harvey and Curatorial Assistant, Piotr Dlugaszek.
Most of the students came from carpentry and bricklaying courses or backgrounds, enjoyed learning the traditional heritage crafts.
Connor said: “Wattle and Daub was good fun – it was weird to use cow dung as a wall!”
Sam said: “Making bricks from scratch has taught me a new skill and given me lots of confidence to learn new things.”
Chichester College student, Ollie, who is also an apprentice at Milland Joinery said the day had given him ambition to progress further in the firm he is working with using the new skills he has learnt.
To learn more about the Taster Day programme or to apply for any of the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursaries, please click here.
Friends visit to the Private Walled Gardens at Petworth House
On 30th May, Sussex Heritage Trust Friends visited the private garden at Petworth House.
With thanks to Lady Egremont and her head gardener, Paul Salder.
Up to £4,000 in training available from Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust
Many people are dissuaded from training in heritage crafts because of the cost. A new bursary has been set up to help cover or subsidise the cost of training for someone who otherwise would be prevented from pursuing this career path as a result of the cost.
For the last four years, the Sussex Heritage Trust has been working closely with Heritage Crafts to support craftspeople working in Endangered Crafts in East and West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove. To date eleven craftspeople have been supported including flint workers, a wallpaper maker and a brick maker.
Now, both charities are delighted to announce a new bursary in Sussex intended for talented new entrants and early-career practitioners, who might otherwise be lost to the heritage crafts sector as a result of not being able to afford hands-on craft training at a key moment in their early career.
You could be just starting out on your journey in craft or at some point where you want to turn a hobby into a career, or you could already be a maker who is looking to further develop your heritage craft skills. Applicants can apply for a grant for any amount up to £4,000 (please see website for conditions) and are invited to apply via the Heritage Crafts Website www.heritagecrafts.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 5th July 2024.
Since 2013, the Sussex Heritage Trust has been supporting people based in Sussex who are or hope to be in the construction and/or building construction industry, supported by The Ian Foulerton Charitable Trust, The Ian Askew Charitable Trust, Beard Charitable Foundation, Clarke Roofing Southern Limited and SJP Charitable Foundation. For details of all the bursaries available please click here.
Advertise in the 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Programme
There is just over a week to book your slot in this year’s Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Programme – which details all the Award entries for the year.
To see last year’s programme click here.
Prices are:
Full Page £600
Half Page: £360
Quarter Page: £200
Email the Sussex Heritage Trust office on office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
May Newsletter Available
To catch up on all the latest news from the Sussex Heritage Trust click here.
*SOLD OUT” 2024 Awards Lunch and Ceremony on Wednesday 10th July at Lancing College Chapel
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards lunch and ceremony is now sold out. To put your name on the waiting list please click here.
Awards 2024 – Next Steps!
The judging for the 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards has now taken place – thank you to everyone who took part. To find out what the next steps are for the Awards please click here.
Innovative New Scheme Forges Path for Next Generation of Builders
The Sussex Heritage Trust announced today significant support for young people looking to build a career in the construction industry.
Funded by the South Downs National Park Authority and the Sustainable Communities Fund – South Downs Trust, this innovative new scheme will encourage the next generation of builders into exciting new careers in building conservation.
Working in partnership with Weald and Downland Living Museum and Chichester College Group, the Sussex Heritage Trust will offer 40 young people from colleges across West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, a ‘Taster Day’ opportunity to try out four building conservation crafts at the Museum on 4th June 2024.
The timing couldn’t be more important: in 2023 Heritage Crafts published the fourth edition of its ground-breaking Red List of Endangered Crafts, the first research of its kind to rank the UK’s traditional crafts by the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation. The report assessed over 250 crafts to identify which were at greatest risk of disappearing. Shockingly over 40 building conservation crafts appear on this list, with skills such as brickmaking and traditional stained-glass window-making marked as endangered or critically endangered.
The day at the Weald and Downland Museum will offer a ‘taste’ of four different heritage crafts: Practical Timber Repairs, Brickmaking, Hurdle Making and Wattle & Daub. These four skills alone are fundamental for the future protection of Sussex’s historic buildings and landscape.
Helen Reeve, CEO of the Trust says ‘Sussex Heritage Trust wants to show young builders that there are careers and opportunities in the building conservation sectors. A critical part of this project is working with the industry to develop a professional pathway through apprenticeships and work placements, as well as our own bursary scheme, to support these young people into work.’
Tim Slaney, Chief Executive (Interim) of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “’It is wonderful to be able, in partnership, to provide opportunities for young people to gain skills relating to the historic environment of the National Park
“Our approach to the built environment in the National Park is landscape-led and a key aspect of this is incorporating traditional materials and construction methods that respond to a location, its history and landscape features.
“The heritage within the National Park’s towns and villages is extraordinary – with over 160 conservation areas, more than any other National Park in the UK, and more than 5,800 listed buildings.
“It’s wonderful to be helping the next generation of building conservation craftsmen and women who will be vital to keeping this region so special.”
To find out more about the Sussex Heritage Trust and the ‘Taster Day’, as well as our educational bursaries offering short courses in building conservation crafts go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Glorious visit to Gravetye Manor, 9th May
Sussex Heritage Trust friends and supporters enjoyed a visit to the beautiful gardens at Gravetye Manor on Thursday 9th May. On one of the first hot days of the year, head gardener Tom Coward shared his amazing experitise across the 30-acre site. Guests were treated to a look at the formal, flower and walled gardens as well as the meadow, orchard and 60-foot restored Peach Houses.
Thank you to Tom and the team at Gravetye for hosting us.
Networking Breakfast for Construction Industry at Chichester College, 8th May
We recently enjoyed a breakfast at Chichester College, who are working in partnership with us and the Weald and Downland Living Museum to encourage more young people into building conservation and the construction industry.
To find out more about our pilot initiative please click here.
Sussex Heritage Trust Newsletter
The April edition of the Trust’s newsletter is now available with an update on all our events and activities. Click here to read.
Welcome to Leanne O’Boyle, a new consultant for the Sussex Heritage Trust
We welcome Leanne O’Boyle to the Sussex Heritage Trust, to support a brand new training programme to encourage more young people into building conservation and the construction industry.
Leanne is a director-level consultant with 17 years experience in the heritage sector, working across local government and charitable organisations. Until January 2024, Leanne was the Executive Director of the Sussex Archaeological Society, caring for an extraordinary portfolio of ten historic properties and landscapes, including Fishbourne Roman Palace and Lewes Castle, and an extensive archive, library and collection.
She will bring her considerable experience to the Trust to develop and implement the Taster Day pilot due to be delivered in June 2024.
Petworth House – Tour of Private Gardens – Sold Out
Thursday 30th May 2024 from 2.30pm
Unfortunately the tour is now sold out. If you would like to be included on the waiting list please Click here to send us an email.
We are greatly indebted to Lord Egremont, our President, and to Lady Egremont, who have generously invited us again to Petworth to see the private gardens.
We hope you will be able to join us for this exclusive tour. Tickets are £65 or £55 for Friends of the Sussex Heritage Trust. Please note numbers are extremely limited
Two former Chichester College students are leading the way in heritage skills development.
Callum Jackson and Sam Davidson both studied construction at the college, before being given the opportunity to take part in heritage skills training – thanks to support from the Sussex Heritage Trust and their employer, Berry Stonework.
They were awarded bursary grants by Sussex Heritage Trust, which enabled them to enrol on specialist stonework courses while working for Berry Stonework, a leading local company in stone brickwork and building restoration.
Experts in traditional heritage skills are increasingly sought in the UK – but there is an shortage of those with the necessary knowledge and experience, creating a skills vacuum which is in desperate need of filling locally.
That’s why the Sussex Heritage Trust is offering students at Chichester College Group – as well as young people and adults across the county – the opportunity to apply for grants to study short courses on building conservation techniques. It is part of the charity’s aim to increase and enhance educational opportunities in Sussex.
The opportunity has been life-changing for Callum and Sam, who are now carving out solid careers in a stonework industry where there will always be work.
Callum, 24, said: “It all started through the college for me. I did level 1 and 2 brickwork, and then Duncan Berry [from Berry Stonework] contacted the college with this opportunity. I thought it was something different that I could do – so took it up.
“There’s always work coming in, as there’s a lot of demand but you need the right people to do it.
“It’s detailed work. If you don’t have the knowledge or experience, it can go very wrong. It’s different to ‘normal’ bricklaying – you are working with different materials which need specialist preparation. There’s a lot to think about to get it right.
“With the bursary and these courses, you get to learn from top quality craftsmen. For us to have the opportunity to learn this at such as young age is a really good experience. And the Sussex Heritage Trust are friendly people with a lot to offer. They accept anyone and what you walk away with is amazing. You can get a job for life with the skills they teach you.
“I’d recommend anyone taking the opportunity. If someone’s offering you a bursary to build on your skills – you’d be silly not to take it. You’ll walk away with more opportunities than you’d think.”
Sam, 19, was also introduced to the opportunity by his lecturer at Chichester College and is now being trained by Callum.
He added: “I was doing my level 1 course at the college, and my tutor realised I was into the technical and finer details, so he put me in contact with Duncan and it went from there really.
“It’s a lot different to brickwork – the tools are similar, but you’re using different materials and a different approach. The way we look at a flint wall is that it’s like a jigsaw puzzle – you’ve got to try to match the pieces to make it stable and ensure it looks right.
“We work a lot on graded and listed buildings, which use the same materials like flint, so that means work will always keep coming in.
“I’d 100% recommend this. There’s a lot of people who go into construction who just want to work on new build sites or think that’s all there is – but there are a lot more opportunities, if you want.”
The Sussex Heritage Trust has been working with Chichester College Group to offer bursaries for young people (18-25) who hope to work in the construction or building conservation industry with short courses which will build on the skills they have learnt at college.
Paul Rolfe, Associate Principal (Employers and Stakeholders) for Chichester College Group, said: “It is vital that we are supporting local industries, identifying and filling skills gaps in our region.
“It’s one of the reasons we’re proud to work with Sussex Heritage Trust to promote these opportunities to our students, giving them the change to progress into these specialist trade professions.”
Helen Reeve, CEO, Sussex Heritage Trust said: “Ensuring the preservation of heritage crafts and skills is an important part of Sussex Heritage Trust’s work.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with Chichester College to encourage more young people into these important building conservation crafts through our Bursary Scheme.
“Thank you to the College and our funders: Ian Askew Charitable Trust, The Hatley Estates, The Ian Foulerton Trust, Clarke Roofing, The Radcliffe Trust, St James’s Place Charitable Foundation and Beard Charitable Foundation, for supporting the future of heritage for Sussex.”
To find out more about the Sussex Heritage Trust bursaries, visit www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk or to see further details and more of the work that Sam and Callum do visit Berry Stonework Ltd
To start your studies at Chichester College, visit www.chichester.ac.uk
Sussex Heritage Trust Newsletter
The March edition of the Trust’s newsletter is now available with an update on all our events and activities. Click here to read.
Eco and Heritage Celebrated as 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Launched
The 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were launched at St Michael and All Angels Church in Berwick on Tuesday 5th March 2024, kindly sponsored by Toovey’s Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers. To view some of the images from the event click here.
David Cowan, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, formally announced the 2024 Awards in front of guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman CStJ, and the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Richard Bickersteth. Guests were given an overview of the restoration project at the church by the project team, Revd Peter Blee and Crispin Freeman.
St Michael and All Angels is of national importance due to the renowned Bloomsbury Group paintings by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell, which were commissioned by Bishop Bell in the 1940s. In 2020, the Grade I listed church received a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund to assess the condition, restore and conserve the paintings, whilst also ensuring a suitable environment for their long-term future. In 2023, in recognition of this work, the church achieved a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in the Ecclesiastical category and was the overall winner of The Eco Award in its inaugural year.
The Awards, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, are now in their 26th year and celebrate the very best of conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects across Sussex, as well as encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. There are also categories for landscape, building craftspeople and an overall Award for projects based in the South Downs National Park.
You have until 22nd March to enter visit our dedicated Awards page for further details.
David Cowan, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust said:
“The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards make a significant contribution to the preservation and appreciation of Sussex’s architectural and natural heritage, and the Church at Berwick certainly demonstrates the aims and ambitions of our scheme. Thank you to all the sponsors and friends of the Sussex Heritage Trust, who allow us to continue our important work to improve Sussex’s rich and diverse heritage.”
Revd Peter Blee said:
“It has been a privilege for St Michael and All Angels church, Berwick to host the launch of the 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards. The church is a unique example of the complete decoration of a historic rural parish church by the contemporary artists, Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell during the Second World War. We’re grateful to the NLHF for the 64% grant that enabled the project to go ahead and at the same time facilitated outreach and has helped us shape a new vision of the church as a place of retreat where spirituality draws on the heritage, creativity, and the natural environment of its setting. The two Sussex Heritage Trust Awards are a wonderful recognition of the contributions of so many different people each with their different skills, but all essential to the final outcome.”
Bursary for Foundation in Roofing Available
We have two bursaries available for young people between the ages of 18-25, who are new to roofing or looking to improve their basic skills and knowledge in heritage roofing. The Foundation in Roofing course takes place over a week at South Coast Roofing Centre in Littlehampton. Sussex Heritage Trust will pay for the full cost of the course and any accommodation or travel costs.
If you would like to apply please click here for further information.
Private Tour of Gravetye Gardens
The Sussex Heritage Trust have once again been invited to a Private Tour of the gardens at Gravetye Manor with Head Gardener, Tom Coward. Taking place on Thursday 9th May 2024 from 10.30pm. Please click here to book.
February Newsletter – Now Available
For all the latest news and updates on the Sussex Heritage Trust please click here.
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust working together to save endangered heritage crafts from extinction
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust are delighted to announce another round of grants of up to £2,000 to help save endangered crafts such as brick making, masonry flint knapping and hurdle making from extinction.
In 2023 Heritage Crafts published the fourth edition of its ground-breaking Red List of Endangered Crafts, the first research of its kind to rank the UK’s traditional crafts by the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation. The report assessed 259 crafts to ascertain those which are at greatest risk of disappearing, of which 62 were classified as ‘critically endangered’ and a further 84 as ‘endangered’.
Thanks to a partnership with The Sussex Heritage Trust, Heritage Crafts are offering ring-fenced grants to Sussex-based practitioners of endangered crafts listed on the Red List, administered through the Endangered Crafts Fund. To date they have funded 12 practitioners including a rake maker, a wallpaper maker, and a gilder.
There is a maximum of £2,000 available for each project and Heritage Crafts will work with applicants to develop and support their work. Projects could include investing in more efficient machinery, developing new routes to market, taking on a trainee or apprentice, or other innovative approaches to supporting and promoting endangered crafts.
The Endangered Crafts Fund is now open with a deadline of 22 March 2024. Applications can be submitted online at www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf-apply. Please note that this is a competitive process and not all applications will receive funding. Potential applicants who would like to talk over a project idea are encouraged to contact Tess at tess@heritagecrafts.org.uk.
Mary Lewis, Heritage Crafts Endangered Crafts Manager, said:
“During the energy crisis and cost-of-living crisis our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Sussex Heritage Trust to address the specific challenges craftspeople are facing in Sussex, a region renowned for its craftsmanship and material heritage.”
Helen Reeve, of the Sussex Heritage Trust, said:
“At a time when over 20 building conservation crafts have been identified on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, as at risk, it is more important than ever the Sussex Heritage Trust with Heritage Crafts, continues to support Sussex-based craftspeople.”
For more information about the Endangered Crafts Fund, email Heritage Crafts Grants and Awards Officer Tess Osman at tess@heritagecrafts.org.uk or Sussex Heritage Trust General Manager, Helen Reeve at helen.reeve@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk.
Two New Trustees for Sussex Heritage Trust
We welcome Victoria Back and James Pavey to the board of the Sussex Heritage Trust.
Victoria is currently the Managing Director of RH and RW Clutton property consultancy and surveyors founded in 1743 and based in East Grinstead and Petworth. To read Victoria’s bio click here.
James is a partner at Irwin Mitchell specilising in resolving and avoiding public and private property disputes. He acts for landed estates, trustees and institutional landowners and private homeowners. To read James’s bio click here.
For a list of all our Trustees please click here.
January Newsletter
The January newsletter is now available updating our friends on all the latest events and activities of the Sussex Heritage Trust.
To read click here.
Wiston Estate to Support 2024 Awards
The 2024 Awards will take place at Lancing College Chapel on Wednesday 10th July from 12.30pm. Wiston Estate will be served to guests at a sparkling reception in the War Memorial Cloisters and Rose Garden, followed by a two-course lunch with wine.
Thank you to the Goring Family for supporting the Sussex Heritage Trust.
To buy tickets to the Awards lunch and ceremony please click here.
Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2024 are now Launched!
The much anticipated 2024 Awards launched for entries on Monday 8th January. The 2024 Awards Entry Pack is now available please click here.
To visit our Awards 2024 page with the criteria, how to enter and to book tickets for the Awards ceremony and lunch please click here.
Prestigious Awards Hosted at Unique Venue
Sussex Heritage Trust are excited to announce that their prestigious annual Heritage Awards will take place in the magnificent Chapel at Lancing College on 10th July 2024. This extraordinary and unique opportunity to host the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards in the Grade I listed Chapel, will coincide with the commemoration of the school’s 175th anniversary.
The chapel has won multiple Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, most recently for the new porch at the west end. This building completed the largest school chapel in the world, 154 years after the laying of the foundation stone. A further Award was received in 2023, in recognition of the craftmanship of Colin Macrae from Chichester Stoneworks Limited, described by the Award judges as “a highly skilled stonemason producing work of the highest order.”
The Awards are designed to recognise and reward high quality conservation, restoration and the good design of newly built projects and encourage the use of traditional skills and crafts. NFU Mutual Chichester and Horsham Agencies will join the Awards in 2024 as first time as sponsors, alongside other well-known Sussex companies: Irwin Mitchell, Gravetye Manor, Savills, Henry Adams, Valley Builders, South Downs National Park Authority, Lancing College, The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Covers Timber and Builders Merchants, Lawson Commercial, Pilbeam Construction, RH and RW Clutton and Toovey’s Auctioneers.
The Awards will be launched in the New Year, with the opportunity to enter across nine categories from residential schemes to public and community buildings to commercial projects. Award winners are presented a hand-crafted slate plaque, presented by the Trust’s president, Lord Egremont. There is still time to sponsor the 2024 Awards, so please get in touch with Helen Reeve at the Sussex Heritage Trust on 01243 576 524 or office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk for further information.
Jeremy Tomlinson, Steward of Lancing College Chapel and Friends of Lancing College Chapel, said:
“Winning a Sussex Heritage Trust Award is a tremendous and exciting affirmation and encouragement for anyone endeavouring to conserve and enhance the rich environment of Sussex. The Friends of Lancing Chapel are proud to have won several Awards over many years and Lancing College is delighted to host this year’s Awards Ceremony in the Chapel itself.”
David Cowan, Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, said:
“The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards grows from strength-to-strength as the only Sussex-wide architectural and landscape Awards. The recognition and prestige associated with these Awards continue to attract the participation from renowned architects, landscape designers, contractors and all those who contribute to the heritage of Sussex. We thank the headmaster of Lancing College, Dominic Oliver and Jeremy Tomlinson for their support alongside all our sponsors of the 2024 Awards.”
2023
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the Sussex Heritage Trust
The Trustees and staff at the Sussex Heritage Trust would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This card was hand screen printed by Deborah Bowness, a wall paper maker from East Sussex who was the recipient of a Sussex Heritage Trust grant as part of the Heritage Crafts Endangered Crafts Fund. For details of the Endangered Crafts Fund please click here.
The office is closed from Monday 18th December to Monday 1st January 2024. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Two Grants Awarded to Protect Sussex Building Conservation Crafts
Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust award two new grants to help save endangered crafts from extinction.
The two successful recipients are:
- Charlotte Kenward who offers traditional gilding across Sussex in restoration and conservation projects as well as for sculptures and private commissions. Her project focuses on developing her reverse glass gilding skills to be able to offer traditional reverse gilded house numbers and signage to heritage properties, thus supporting the rich architectural heritage Sussex has to offer.
- Travis Smith who will train in hand hewing of timber, converting tree rounds into structural timbers using only hand tools, applying his skills to the conservation and restoration of historical buildings. In time, he also plans to pass on these skills to others who have a passion in historic timber conservation by running formal courses.
To read more about the Endangered Crafts Fund and the recipients of the scheme please click here.
Sussex Heritage Update
To read all the latest news and events from the Sussex Heritage Trust, including our 2024 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards timetable. Please click here.
Next generation of Sussex roofers to receive funding
Clarke Roofing Southern Limited and Sussex Heritage Trust have announced a new fund to support bursaries for young people looking for a career in heritage roofing.
‘Foundation in Roofing for Young People’ is a new bursary designed to support young people based in Sussex aged between 18-25, are are new to roofing or looking to improve their basic skills. One week courses will be offered at the South Coast Roofing Centre in Littlehampton in skill such as interlocking tiling, plain tiling or slating.
For further details about how to apply for the new bursary please click here.
Pictures now available for Folkington Dinner
The pictures are now available from the fundraising dinner at Folkington Manor on Friday 20th October.
To view click here.
Visit to Worth Park in Crawley
The Sussex Heritage Trust had a lovely visit to Worth Park in Crawley on Tuesday 24th October to see their gardens.
A highly commended project in the 2016 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, the autumnal colours of this wonderful garden were fabulously enhanced in the sunshine.
With thanks to Stephen Peters, the head gardener for his interesting and knowledgeable tour and fascinating history of the park given by Elizabeth Steven, Chair of Worth Park History Society.
Do visit their website Worth Park Friends
Fundraising Success at Folkington Manor
£18,000 was raised towards the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust, at the fundraising dinner at Folkington Manor on Friday, 20th October 2023.
Dr Harry and Mrs Jacquie Brunjes, the owners of Folkington Manor opened their family home to host the evening. There were many highlights from Sir Nicholas Coleridge’s entertaining and insightful speech about his time in Sussex as a boy, to reflecting on his time at the Victoria and Albert Museum, as he retires as Chairman to take on the Chairmanship at Historic Royal Palaces to a lively auction with The Reverend Rupert Toovey.
Speaking about the event, Chairman of the Trust, David Cowan said “we are overwhelmed by the incredible support we received at our fundraising dinner at Folkington Manor. The funds raised will enable us to continue our important work to protect and preserve the built and natural heritage of Sussex. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, donors and guests at the dinner for their immense generosity and in particular, Dr Harry and Mrs Jacquie Brünjes for opening their home to us.”
Thank you to all supporters of the dinner: Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, NFU Mutual Chichester and Horsham Agencies, Everflyht and South Downs Water.
Photo credit: John Scofield Photography
Biennial Dinner Programme and Auction Information
There are some fantastic lots available at the up-and-coming fundraising dinner on Friday 20th October 2023 at Folkington Manor. You are able to bid by proxy up until Wednesday 18th October at 5pm. For a full list of all the lots available please click here.
The Dinner Programme is also now available. Thank you to all the advertisers and supporters of the dinner: Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, NFU Mutual Chichester and Horsham Agencies, Everflyht, Rathfinny Estate, South Downs Water, Toovey’s, Kingsley Group, Rural Solutions, Chichester Stoneworks and Covers, Timber and Builders Merchants. Please click here here if you wish to see a copy.
Last Minute Availability for Sussex Heritage Trust Dinner
We have a last minute ticket available for the Sussex Heritage Trust Dinner this Friday, 20th October 2023 at Folkington Manor. To book please click here.
September Newsletter Now Available
To read up on all our latest news, events and activities please click here.
Private Tour of Worth Park and Ridley’s Court
The Sussex Heritage Trust have been invited to 2016 Highly Commended project – Worth Park and Ridley’s Court on Tuesday 24th October.
There are only 40 spaces available on the tour. Tickets are free to Friends of the Trust or £25 for non-members. To book and for further information please click here.
New Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust Announced
Previously Vice-Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, David Cowan, qualified as an Architect in 1976, founding Cowan Architects in 1983. An experienced heritage and conservation architect, David is recognised as one of the UK’s leading Expert Witnesses in disability housing and is a member of the Centre for Accessible Environments and the Society of Expert Witnesses. David has been a Trustee of the Sussex Heritage Trust since 2019.
James Whitmore has been appointed the new Vice-Chairman. James, a former High Sheriff of West Sussex, has been involved in residential property all his working life, for the past 28 years he has been Chairman and Managing Director of his own London based development company. He is a member of the Court of Worshipful Company of Grocers and was Master in 2018-19.
Charles Homan, a chartered accountant with Hacker Young Chartered Accountants, remains Company Secretary and Treasurer.
David Cowan said: “I am looking forward to building on the success of the Sussex Heritage Trust so brilliantly led by Simon Knight over the last four years and I am grateful to my fellow Trustees for the confidence they have shown in me. The next year will see the launch of a new strategy which focuses on updating our approach to equality and diversity while continuing to build on the successful Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, alongside our educational aims and ambitions and broadening our values.”
Simon Knight, retiring Chairman, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust. During that time, the Trust has continued to make considerable progress both in the continued popularity of the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and the increase in number of building conservation bursaries for young people. My thanks go to Lord Egremont the President of the Trust, my fellow Trustees, Patrons and our Chief Executive Officer, Helen Reeve and her team, together with all our friends, for their support over the years.”
For full details of all the Trustees and Patrons of the Sussex Heritage Trust please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Advertise in the Biennial Dinner Programme from £250.
Advertising slots are now available in the Sussex Heritage Trust Dinner Programme, which will be distributed at Folkington Manor on Friday 20th October.
Half page is £250 or full page at £500. The programme is given out to all guests attending the dinner, our Trustees and Patrons and Friends of the Trust. Your company will also be thanked personally on our social media accounts.
If you would like to advertise in the programme please email us in the office.
Special thanks to our Event Sponsor:
And to our Event Wine Sponsor:
Sussex Heritage Trust Biennial Dinner at Folkington Manor, Nr Lewes on 20th October 2023
Booking is now available for our exclusive dinner at Folkington Manor on Friday, 20th October from 6.45pm,
Sponsored by Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, the dinner will commence with a pre-dinner sparkling wine reception, sponsored NFU Mutual Chichester and Horsham followed by a three-course dinner in the Flint Halls. We are delighted that Sir Nicholas Coleridge will be our after-dinner speaker.
To book tickets please go to BIENNIAL DINNER BOOKING.
Special thanks to our Event Sponsor:
And to our Event Wine Sponsor:
Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust announce grants to help endangered crafts in Sussex
Grants of upto £2,000 are available through the Heritage Crafts’ Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation.
Applicants based in Sussex can apply for a grant which can cover or contribute towards:
- training to learn a new craft or technique;
- training for an apprentice to pass on skills and knowledge;
- investing in more efficient tools and machinery;
- developing reduced-carbon routes to market;
- exploring the use of alternative materials while maintaining the heritage character of your practice; or
- innovative approaches to supporting and promoting endangered crafts.
Only crafts listed as endangered or critically endangered on the 2023 edition of the Red List of Endangered Crafts are eligible. In addition to the funding recipients will also receive support from the Endangered Crafts Manager and the Heritage Crafts team to ensure that their project is a success. This will be unique to each project but could include mentor support, business support or signposting to other opportunities.
Deadline for applications is Friday 6th October.
For further information on how to apply click here.
Building Conservation receives Funding Boost
The Sussex Heritage Trust has received funding for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation. The Foyle Foundation and The Radcliffe Trust announced yesterday, Monday 31st July, funding towards full or part-time bursaries to cover the costs of historic building conservation courses.
Courses from Oak Timber Framing to Structural Repairs of Historic Buildings and Blacksmithing are offered through West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and the Weald and Downland Living Museum. The Sussex Heritage Trust will cover the cost of the course as well as contributing to travel and accommodation costs.
This funding offers a lifeline to help to continue to preserve and encourage traditional building crafts and skills. In May 2023, Heritage Crafts published the ‘Red List of Endangered Crafts 2023’, which unearthed more traditional craft skills on the verge of extinction in the UK. Many building conservation crafts, so important in preserving and conserving Sussex’s historical buildings feature, including the making and restoration of historic stained-glass windows which has recently been added to the Red List.
In addition, with generous funding from The Ian Foulerton Charitable Trust, the Sussex Heritage Trust works with Heritage Crafts to provide small grants to fund projects that support and promote endangered crafts in Sussex. There is a maximum of £2,000 available through the Endangered Crafts Fund with the deadline for applications on Friday 6th October 2023 at 5pm.
For further information visit our Project page.
Spirit of Sussex: The Art and Architecture of Neil Holland
The exhibition will be held at the Oxmarket Gallery in Chichester from 9th to 29th October.
July Newsletter Now Available
Frank Clarke named 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year
Sussex Heritage Trust Announces Grade I listed Church as winner of Eco Award
Graham Peters DL appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex
2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Programme
Distributed up to 250 guests at the Awards luncheon and presented to all sponsors, winners, highly commended projects, judges, Patrons, Trustees and Friends of the Trust. Reach your key Sussex audiences: architects, property developers, estate agents, homeowners, solicitors, media, building companies, insurers and many more local businesses.
Rates:
Full Page: £500
Half Page: £300
Quarter Page: £160
Get in touch with the Sussex Heritage Trust office.
MSc Building Conservation Courses now available
These programmes enable practicing building conservators to improve their competence, and can open new doors to other building professionals wanting to specialise further or change career direction.
For further information about the courses please visit the Weald and Downland website.
Newly Published Red List of Endangered Crafts
Five new crafts have been added to the ‘critically endangered’ category of the Red List, meaning that they are at serious risk of dying out in the next generation, including encaustic tile making, a building conservation craft.
National Mills Weekend – Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May
Visit to Gravetye Manor Gardens
Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust award three new grants to help save endangered crafts from extinction
A block printer, a trainee rake maker and a reverse glass sign artist have been awarded grants to help safeguard some of Sussex’s most endangered crafts skills.
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust (SHT) have awarded the grants through the Heritage Crafts’ Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation.
Sarah Burns is a textile block printer and natural dyer from West Sussex. Her craft is founded on the use of seasonal natural dye colours that are foraged from the hedgerows and fields around her – fruitwood prunings in winter, hedgerow cuttings in the spring, fruits and flowers in the summer and warm oak tannins in the autumn. She will use the grant to install two large dye kettles to increase her output and make the business more sustainable whilst upskilling her apprentice.
Kevin Copeland is Woodland Manager at Veterans’ Growth, a charity in Westfield, East Sussex, dedicated to helping ex-service personnel who are suffering from mental health issues by offering horticultural therapy and support. Kevin will train in traditional wooden rake making in order to pass these skills on to service users and the wider community. Rakes are useful to the charity, as they hand collect the hay from their meadows, and to others in the area who are interested in farming and managing land in a more traditional and sustainable way.
Eddy Bennett is a reverse glass sign artist from Brighton who uses acid etching to create the distinctive patters recognisable from Victorian-style advertising signs of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His grant will enable him to purchase a plotter to cut vinyl etching stencils and provide custom stencils to other reverse glass sign artists in the region.
The successful project joins six previous Sussex recipients funded through the partnership between Heritage Crafts and SHT, including a trainee millwright, two flint wallers, a brick maker, a trug maker, a wallpaper maker. Nationally, over 50 projects have been funded through the Endangered Crafts Fund since 2019. For further details about the Endangered Crafts Fund click here.
In Memoriam – John Small
The Sussex Heritage Trust are sad to announce that our Patron, John Small, died at Christmas after a long illness.
John was a founding member of the Sussex Heritage Trust along with Professor John Kingman, former Chairman of the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove. In 1976 under the chairmanship of then Chief Planning Officer for East Sussex, Andrew Thorburn, the Steering Group agreed the name of the charity and the charitable objectives. As a Patron of the charity, he continued to support the Sussex Heritage Trust’s work including judging the annual Sussex Heritage Trust Awards.
John worked as an architect, remaining at the practice Ronald Ward and Partners for 32 years. He was chairman of a number of esteemed Brighton institutions including BHCC Conservation Advisory Group and Visit Brighton: Brighton and Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel. In 1979 he joined the Regency Society becoming a Trustee in 1992; he was also an active member of Montpelier and Clifton Hill Association, the Hove Civic Society and the International Building Study Group (London).
The Sussex Heritage Trust Trustees and Patrons pass on their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Irwin Mitchell are the headline sponsors of the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for the second year
In recent news our sponsors Irwin Mitchell have launched a new Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Advisory Service. As we know Irwin Mitchell pride themselves on combining exceptional legal expertise with an understanding of personal and business needs. This has never been more evident than when they work with their clients to build sustainability into their businesses and communities. Irwin Mitchell’s new ESG services bring together experts from over 80 different areas of legal and support services from real estate, sports, legacy, consumer services, employment, rural and consumer services to help our members and our clients achieve our ESG goals.
To view the services they offer Sussex Heritage Trust members, please click here: Irwin Mitchell Launches ESG Advisory Service
Lancing College Chapel hosts launch of the 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards
On Thursday 16th February, the 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were formally launched at Lancing College Chapel, sponsored by Lancing College and Toovey’s, Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers.
The Grade I listed building, the world’s largest school chapel, is no stranger to the prestigious architecture and landscape Award’s scheme having won three Awards in 2008, 2018 and in 2022. The building of Lancing College Chapel commenced in 1868, but the design for the west front remained incomplete. 153 years since the laying of its foundation stone, the west end was complete with the addition of an elegant three-arched porch and glass doors.
A hundred guests were welcomed into the chapel including the High Sheriff of West Sussex, James Whitmore and those involved in the completion project: architect – Michael Drury of St Ann’s Gate Architects, Bartosz Baran and Colin McCrae of Chichester Stoneworks, Colin Keevil of Doulting Stone Quarry and Jeremy Tomlinson, Friends of Lancing College Chapel.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, are now in their 25th year and celebrate the very best in conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects across Sussex, as well as encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. For details on how to enter the 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk – the deadline for all entries is Friday 31st March 2023.
Jeremy Tomlinson, Friends of Lancing College Chapel said:
“It has been a privilege for Lancing College to host the launch of the 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards. Lancing College Chapel, an architectural masterpiece situated on the South Downs, is an important part of our local heritage. The Friends of Lancing Chapel have been greatly encouraged in its conservation and completion by the support and recognition of the Trust over many years, culminating in the 2022 Award. Sussex is exceptionally fortunate in having a charitable trust specifically devoted to preserving its richly diverse heritage.”
Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust said:
“The superb addition of the covered porch and glass doors completes this exceptional Chapel and improves on the original concept. The Friends of Lancing College Chapel are rightly recognised in supporting and leading this important heritage project. Thank you to Lancing College and Jeremy Tomlinson for hosting the launch of the 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and of course, to all our sponsors and friends of the Awards.”
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be presented by President of the Trust, Lord Egremont, on Tuesday 4th July 2023 at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe.
End
Photo Credit: Sarah Olivier
Heritage Crafts Association and the Sussex Heritage Trust working together to save endangered heritage crafts from extinction
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust are delighted to announce that they are working in partnership to provide Sussex-based applicants with grants of up to £2,000 to help save endangered crafts such as brick making, masonry flint knapping and hurdle making from extinction.
Recently, Sussex-based Deborah Bowness (pictured) completed one-to-one training with a wallpaper conservationist to learn traditional wallpaper making techniques. This was funded through the Endangered Crafts Fund which offers ring-fenced grants to Sussex-based practitioners of endangered crafts listed on the Red list of Endangered Crafts.
The deadline for applications is 3rd March 2023. For futher information please click here or email mary@heritagecrafts.org.uk to talk over your project idea.
The Endangered Crafts Fund for Sussex is kindly funded by The Ian Foulerton Charitable Trust.
New Eco Award for 2023 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards
Entry Pack now available for the 2023 Awards.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, has called for new entries for its prestigious heritage and architecture Awards. The Awards aims to represent the highest quality new buildings, conservation and rejuvenation, whilst also celebrating traditional craftmanship and skills.
In its 25th year, the Awards scheme announced a brand-new category: The Eco Award. Sponsored by Cowan Architects, this Award aims to recognise a project’s commitment to excellence in sustainability, biodiversity and energy efficiency.
For the third year the South Downs National Park Authority will sponsor The South Downs Award, which provides an opportunity to promote outstanding design in a nationally designated landscape. This special Award will be given to a category winner who clearly demonstrates a positive contribution to the South Downs National Park.
Further categories available to enter include: Building Crafts Award sponsored by Pilbeam Construction, The Public and Community Award sponsored by Gravetye Manor, The Commercial Award sponsored by Savills, The Large Scale Residential Award sponsored by Covers Timber and Builders Merchants, The Mid-Scale Residential Award sponsored by Henry Adams, The Small Scale Residential Award sponsored by RH and RW Clutton, The Landscape and Gardens Award sponsored by The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, The Ecclesiastical Building Award sponsored by Valley Builders and The Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year Award sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery and Lawson Commercial.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards ceremony will be taking entries until Friday 31st March. Winners of the Awards receive a hand-crafted slate presented by the President of the Sussex Heritage Trust, The Rt Hon Lord Egremont DL at the Award’s ceremony and lunch on Tuesday 4th July 2023.
For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk or email: office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Mark Elton of Cowan Architects, said: “Addressing the impact on climate change of not only new buildings, but also our existing property is increasingly vital. The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will put a spotlight on those projects that are setting the standards, but also incentivise those briefs and projects that are in the pipeline to go further and deeper in reducing their environmental and ecological footprint.”
James Pavey, Head of Rural Business and Estates at Irwin Mitchell, said:
“At Irwin Mitchell we are committed to helping our clients with the renovation, conservation and preservation of some of the most amazing heritage property in the country. Therefore, it made perfect sense for our firm to sponsor these prestigious awards – which recognise the best design, architecture and craftmanship from across Sussex. I wish all those shortlisted the best of luck.”
2022
Duncan Grant sells for £14,000 at Auction
Still life oil painting sold at auction for first time since 1972.
Flowers on a Chair by celebrated British painter, Duncan Grant (1885-1978) was sold for £14,000 on Wednesday 30th November at Toovey’s Spring Gardens Auction Rooms. The painting more than doubled its estimated price at auction.
Sussex-based artist, Peter Carreras and his wife Greta, who had originally purchased the painting at the Ringmer Festival in 1972 left the painting to the Sussex Heritage Trust in their Wills. The provenance of the painting was established by an artist’s note attached to the painting, identified by the handwriting and address, inscribed: ‘For Ringmer Festival. Artist: Duncan Grant. Picture: Flowers on a Chair, oil on canvas. Price £50. Address: Charleston, Firle, Sussex.’
The sale of the painting benefits the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust, a registered charity established in 1977 to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex. Toovey’s hosted a private preview of the painting on Monday 28th November as part of their Christmas celebrations. A charity auction took place which raised over £6,000, bringing the total funds raised this week for the Sussex Heritage Trust at £20,000.
Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, Simon Knight DL said:
“The sale of this important painting by the well-known Bloomsbury Circle artist, Duncan Grant has raised much needed funds to support the conservation and heritage movement in Sussex. This would not have been possible without the considerable generosity of the late Peter and Greta Carreras. Thanks, must also go to Toovey’s Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and their Managing Director, The Reverend Rupert Toovey DL, who have been so generous to the Sussex Heritage Trust.”
The work of Sussex-based printmaker and artist, Peter Carreras which was also left to the Sussex Heritage Trust will go on sale as part of Toovey’s Print, Maps and Posters sale on Wednesday, 18th January 2023 at Toovey’s Spring Gardens auction rooms.
Picture:
- Chairman, Simon Knight (right) and The Reverend Rupert Toovey at Toovey’s Christmas Party on Monday 28th
Toovey’s, Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers is the leading auctioneers of Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables in South East England.
Duncan Grant’s ‘Flowers on a Chair’ for Sale by Auction on Wednesday 30th November at 10am
Still life oil painting, dated 1971, by celebrated British painter, Duncan Grant will be sold at auction at Toovey’s Spring Gardens Auction Rooms on Wednesday 30th November at 10am.
The oil on canvas, signed, inscribed labels verso, depicting a Still Life with Bloomsbury Chair and Spring Flowers will be available for sale for the first time since 1972. Peter and Greta Carreras purchased the painting from the Ringmer Festival which was organised by philathropist, Ian Askew.
The artist’s note, identified by the handwriting and address is inscribed “For Ringmer Festival. Artist: Duncan Grant. Picture: Flowers on a Chair, oil on canvas. Price £50. Address: Charleston, Firle, Sussex.”
It had been the wish of Peter and Greta to bequeath the Duncan Grant painting to the Sussex Heritage Trust, knowing its eventual sale would hugely benefit their charitable activities. The Sussex Heritage Trust is a registered charity established in 1977 to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.
Duncan Grant (1885-1978) was a British painter and designer of textiles, pottery, theatre sets and costumes. Grant was a central figure in the circle of artists and writers known as Bloomsbury, which included Virginia and Leonard Woolf and Vanessa Bell. The painting is one of his later Still Life works.
For further information about the sale please visit the Toovey website.
In September the Sussex Heritage Trust were guests of Great Dixter House and Gardens.
Great Dixter is known for its exuberant and abundant country garden, a glorious combination of formality as laid out by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 19th Century and the adventurous and colourful planting of Christopher Lloyd in the last half of the 20th century.
Guests enjoyed a private tour of the garden as well as a rare opportunity to see round areas of the house not normally open to the public including the Lutyens wing and Benenden Hall.
Thank you to Sussex Heritage Trust Trustee, Victoria Williams, who was formerly responsible for the historic collections in the house, for leading and organising the tour.
Take a look at Rye News for an article all about this very special visit.
Regeneration leads the way at Heritage Awards
A yacht club, a primary school garden, a path wall, a sculpture and a sustainable regeneration project in the middle of Brighton are among 28 winners of the 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards.
Announced on Wednesday 6th July and presented by the Sussex Heritage Trust president, Lord Egremont, the Awards celebrate excellence in conservation, restoration and new design across Sussex.
Winners and highly commended projects across nine categories from residential schemes to public and community buildings to commercial projects included the Circus Street redevelopment in Brighton (submitted by shedkm London), a mixed-use regeneration development transforming a derelict area of Brighton into a bespoke new quarter. Alongside residential apartments, the masterplan also included student accommodation, an office building, retail units and a new stand-alone building for South East Dance. The judges noted: “an exciting mixed-use scheme for Brighton with the buildings being most sensitively connected with the existing built environment. A tremendously successful project with commercial and public sector working together.”
Further winners included the Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham-by-Sea (submitted by ECD Architects); a brand-new sculpture for Chichester, Admiral Murray/Nelson Sculpture by Vincent Gray (submitted by Cllr Richard Plowman on behalf of the Chichester City Council); a sensory garden for Sedlescombe Primary School (submitted by Kristina Clode Garden Design); and The Hermitage Shimmings Path Wall in Petworth (submitted by Traditional Stone Restoration Limited).
The Awards also saw the announcement of the South Downs Award, sponsored by the South Downs National Park Authority – picked from Sussex Heritage Trust Award winners based within the National Park. One Garden, Stanmer Park in Brighton (submitted by Plumpton College) won the Award for the new walled garden, café and farm shop described by the judges as “a much needed, accessible space for everyone.”
Flintworker, Duncan Berry of Berry Stonework Limited, was announced as the 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year. Chairman, Simon Knight said:
“The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards highlights the fantastic traditional skills and crafts people we have in Sussex. Much of the Trust’s work is to highlight and protect these much needed and, in some cases, endangered building conservation skills. It is fantastic to see such a worthy Sussex Heritage Person of the Year winner in Duncan Berry, who has done much to pass on his flint working craft to the next generation. Thank you to all who entered the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and congratulations to all our winners and highly commended projects. My grateful thanks also goes to our headline sponsor, Irwin Mitchell”.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards are an annual Awards designed to recognise and reward high quality conservation, restoration and the good design of newly built projects and encourage the use of traditional skills and crafts. Our headline sponsor is Irwin Mitchell alongside other well-known Sussex companies Gravetye Manor, Savills, Henry Adams, Valley Builders, Covers, Harvey’s Brewery, Lawson Commercial, Pilbeam Construction, RH and RW Clutton and Toovey’s Auctioneers. For a full list of all the Award winners and highly commended projects please go to www.martina73.sg-host.com
Roof Conservation and Garden Tours at West Dean College
On Tuesday 21st June, Sussex Heritage Trust friends and supporters spent a glorious afternoon at West Dean College.
As guests of the Trustees of The Edward James Foundation and Chief Executive, Alex Barron, we enjoyed a private tour of the roof conservation project and gardens. Chairman, Simon Knight DL, was delighted to welcome the new High Sheriff of West Sussex and his wife, Mr James and Mrs Sara Whitmore.
In 2020, West Dean College received a Sussex Heritage Trust Award for the roof conservation project. The restoration of the 130-year-old roof on the Grade II* listed building, central to delivery of the College’s courses, was recognised by the Award judges as a “superb restoration of an historic building using appropriate traditional materials, with excellent detailing and craftsmanship.” Guests heard from architect, Jane Jones-Warner from Jane Jones-Warner Associates and Frank Clarke (pictured with Simon Knight) from Clarke Roofing Southern about the project and the challenges they faced in ensuring the future of this important building.
The gardens at West Dean have also won multiple Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and are widely regarded as one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today. Guests had an exclusive tour with head gardener, Tom Brown, to see the walled kitchen garden and the thirteen working Victorian glasshouses.
For further images from the event please visit our instagram page.
May 2022 Newsletter Now Available
Catch up with all the latest news and events of the Sussex Heritage Trust by clicking here.
Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust award millwrighting grant to help save endangered craft from extinction
A trainee millwright has been awarded a grant to help safeguard one of Sussex’s most endangered craft skills.
Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust (SHT) have awarded the grant through the Heritage Crafts’ Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation.
Millwrights Fred Maillardet and David Pierce will train 18-year-old volunteer miller Adam Winsor to be trainee millwright at Oldland Windmill in West Sussex and Wicken Windmill in Cambridgeshire.
Restoring and maintaining windmills in the UK is presently mainly carried out by an ageing workforce, made up of a few commercial millwrights and a significantly larger number of volunteers with wood and metal working skills and experience on restoring and maintaining mills.
The craft is critically endangered, partly due to a lack of younger people becoming involved. Training and encouraging individuals such as Adam is a valuable opportunity to pass on the endangered craft skills to the next generation.
In 2021 Heritage Crafts published the third edition of its groundbreaking Red List of Endangered Crafts, the first research of its kind to rank the UK’s traditional crafts by the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation. The report assessed 244 crafts to ascertain those which are at greatest risk of disappearing, of which four were classified as extinct, 74 as ‘endangered’ and a further 56 as ‘critically endangered’.
The successful project joins five previous Sussex recipients funded through the partnership between Heritage Crafts and SHT, including two flint wallers, a brick maker, a trug maker and a wallpaper maker. Nationally, 42 projects have been funded through the Endangered Crafts Fund since 2019.
Mary Lewis, Heritage Crafts Endangered Crafts Manager, said:
“For many reason, not least the COVID-19 pandemic, our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Sussex Heritage Trust to address the specific challenges to endangered skills and knowledge in Sussex, a region renowned for its craftsmanship and material heritage.”
Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, said:
“Excellent architecture and design, traditional building skills and craftmanship are an important part of the rich heritage of Sussex. This partnership with Heritage Crafts addresses the particular challenges of these crafts and facilitate the transfer of endangered crafts, building skills and knowledge to the next generation.”
For more information about the Sussex Endangered Crafts Fund and the next deadline for grants please go to: Projects: Endangered Crafts Fund – Sussex Heritage Trust
Sussex Heritage Trust announces new headline sponsor for prestigious Awards
On Wednesday 23rd March, the 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were formally launch at Drew’s Barn sponsored by Toovey’s. The Awards celebrate the very best of conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects across Sussex, as well as encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.
Drew’s Barn won two Sussex Heritage Trust Awards in the Building Craft and Commercial categories last year. The Barn, which is part of the world famous Warnham Deer Park in Horsham, was a dilapidated, 350-year-old traditional oak Sussex barn. To be restored, the barn was dismantled and assessed, with any replacement timbers crafted from green-oak milled from die-back trees within the park.
The launch saw the exciting announcement of a new headline sponsor, Irwin Mitchell, the national law firm supporting individuals, families and businesses with a comprehensive range of legal and financial planning solutions.
Lee Harding, Head of Business Development, for Irwin Mitchell said:
“We have a proud history of supporting the legal and financial needs of families and businesses across Sussex and beyond. We are delighted to be headline sponsors of the prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and be at the forefront of supporting craftmanship and heritage in this county.”
Guests were welcomed to Drew’s Barn by Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, Simon Knight and hosts, Jonathan and Caroline Lucas.
Simon Knight DL, said:
“The achievement of Jonathan and Caroline Lucas in the restoration of Drew’s Barn is exemplary, showcasing imaginative and thoughtful construction. The launch of the 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards is an important occasion to mark the very best of architecture and design. This, of course, would not be possible without our new headline sponsor Irwin Mitchell, who I thank alongside all our friends and sponsors of the Awards.”
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be presented by President of the Trust, Lord Egremont, on Wednesday 6th July 2022 at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe. For further details about the Awards please go visit our Awards information or email office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Private Tour of Arundel Castle Gardens and Tulip Festival
On Monday 25th April 2022 we enjoyed a wonderful day as guests of the Duke of Norfolk for a private visit to the Arundel Castle Gardens and Tulip Festival.
The glorious weather only added to this sublime visit; meeting in the stunning Earl’s Garden, a former Sussex Heritage Trust Award winner, we were given exclusive access to the world-renowned Tulip Festival where over 1.2 million bulbs have been planted over the last 8 years. Martin Duncan’s fantastic team guided us through the grounds, where we took in the spectacular display of tulips, and experienced the serene Historic Stew Ponds.
Queen’s Green Canopy in Sussex
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.”
East and West Sussex are both supporting and encouraging the campaign.
In West Sussex, there have been pledges of over 200,000 trees which are being planted in the name of the QGC, with a number of planting ceremonies having already taken place.
Similarly in East Sussex the QGC committee initiated their planting campaign with a ceremony at Eridge Park where the Marquess of Abergavenny and the Lord Lieutenant planted trees. For information on what’s happening across East Sussex and guidance on tree planning for the Jubilee visit please go to Action in Rural Sussex website.
For further information on the QGC please go to The Queen’s Green Canopy website.
Grants available for Craftmanship in Sussex
The Sussex Heritage Trust has a programme of funding and bursary opportunities available throughout 2022. Funding has been received for the second year from The Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust to support educational opportunities and grants for people in Sussex.
December 2021 Newsletter Now Available
Catch up with all the latest news and events of the Sussex Heritage Trust by clicking here.
Parham House Raises Funds for Heritage
A fundraising dinner for the Sussex Heritage Trust
Over one hundred guests enjoyed a black-tie dinner at Parham House on Thursday 14th October. £20,000 was raised in funds for the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust, to support the conservation and heritage movement in Sussex.
Parham is one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses, set at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex. Owned by a charitable trust, this beautiful house has changed little over the centuries and is the home of Lady Emma and Mr James Barnard and their family.
The dinner, supported by Martin and Company, saw after-dinner speaker Jeremy Musson, an author, presenter and consultant specialising in the field of historic country houses, touch on his enthusiasm for heritage in particular using his extensive knowledge on the history of Parham House.
Attended by friends and supporters of the Sussex Heritage Trust, including the President of the Trust Lord Egremont and Lady Egremont, Lady Emma Barnard and Mr James Barnard, Lord and Lady Hampden, Col Sir Brian Barttelot and Lady Barttelot, vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex Mrs Sara Stonor, former High Sheriff of West Sussex Mrs Denise Patterson and Patrons of the Trust Lady Renton of Mount Harry, Dr John Godfrey and former High Sheriff of East Sussex Violet Hancock.
A drinks reception, supported by Wiston Estate, took place in the Long Gallery, which is the third longest in a private house in England and runs the entire length of the House. This was followed by a dinner, supported by Stopham Vineyard, in the Great Hall which is at the heart of the house, with many Tudor and Stuart portraits looking down from the walls.
Lady Emma Barnard said “It was a great pleasure to welcome everyone to Parham to support the excellent work of the Sussex Heritage Trust. Parham was very dilapidated when my great-grandparents Clive and Alicia Pearson acquired it in 1922, and without their care and restoration it might well not be standing today. I like to think that if the Sussex Heritage Trust had existed then, they might have been worthy recipients of one of the Awards!”
Simon Knight, Chairman of the Trust said: “We are hugely grateful to Lady Emma and Mr James Barnard for giving their kind permission to host our Biennial fundraising dinner at their home. Parham House is a truly special place and still very much a family home. The dinner was held to raise much-needed funds for the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust.”
Sussex Heritage Trust Biennial Dinner at Parham House
Our Biennial dinner took place on 14th October and was a great success. We are greatly indebted to Lady Emma and Mr James Barnard who generously invited us to their home for the event. A programme of the evening is available to view here.
Endangered Crafts Fund
The Heritage Crafts Association and the Sussex Heritage Trust award new grants to save endangered crafts from extinction. A wallpaper maker from East Sussex is among eight recipients from across the UK, in the latest round of grants awarded to help safeguard some of the UK’s most endangered craft skills.
The Sussex Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) has awarded Deborah Bowness a grant to learn traditional wallpaper making techniques through one-to-one training with a wallpaper conservationist.
The HCA which published the third edition of its groundbreaking HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts in May, awarded a further seven grants from its Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation. The successful recipients are:
- Catherine Ade, from Bristol, to run a series of workshops on different lithography techniques and continue to supply lithography plate graining services.
- Peter Ananin, from Fife, to train an apprentice in the skills and knowledge of traditional Scottish bark tanning.
- Rachel Evans, from Stoke-on-Trent, to learn the techniques of hazel basketmaking, specifically the Gower cockle basket and the whisket.
- Nikki Laird, from Edinburgh, to print a book on how to make a traditional hand sewn kilt.
- Kate Longley, from Cornwall, to maintain the skills and knowledge of withy crab and lobster pot making in the community of Gorran Haven.
- Steven Lowe, from East Sussex, to provide shoe last making courses covering including heel making.
- Edie Obilaso, from London, to make hats from straw plait produced on an antique machine, and to document the craft.
As usual the fund was oversubscribed, and the HCA hopes to work with many of the unsuccessful candidates to identify other funding and support opportunities.
HCA Endangered Crafts Manager Mary Lewis said:
“For all the progress we’ve made, it will take more than just the Heritage Crafts Association to save craft skills; it will be the people who make a positive choice to learn, make and teach an endangered craft who will do that. These projects will provide future generations with opportunities that they might not otherwise have, to become productive and healthy members of our shared craft community.”
The Sussex Endangered Crafts Fund has been funded through The Ian Foulerton Charitable Trust and the Sussex Heritage Trust. The nationwide fund has been funded through generous donations from organisations including Garfield Weston Foundation, the Dulverton Trust, the Sussex Heritage Trust, as well as individuals who have donated sums from £5 right up to several thousands of pounds.
The next round of Endangered Crafts Fund is available to apply for please go to www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf-apply for further details.
For further information please click here.
2021
Award Winning Design leads the way at Heritage Awards
Excellent design, architecture and craftmanship were the winners at the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards. Thirty Award winning projects were announced at the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards on Wednesday 15th September.
Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, Simon Knight presented the Awards to a sold-out ceremony and lunch at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe, with guests including the High Sheriffs of East and West Sussex.
The Awards saw the inaugural announcement of the South Downs Design Award. Belloc Close in Midhurst, a Mid-Scale Residential Award winner, won the overall Award for projects based in the South Downs. King and Drury worked closely with MH Architects to create four new homes on the site of a former ambulance station. The judges noted: “A very exciting and well-thought-out development on a difficult brownfield site, it clearly had care and attention to details high on its list of priorities.”
This followed the announcement of nine other categories including Ecclesiastical, Commercial, Building Crafts and Residential Awards. Winners in the Public and Community category included: Catering Facilities and Classrooms at Christ’s Hospital, Horsham (submitted by NRAP Architects), the new Goodwood Education Centre (submitted by SMD Construction Consultancy), Ropemakers Academy in Hailsham (submitted by ECE Architecture), Shelter Hall in Brighton (submitted by R H Partnership Architects Limited) and Unity, the sculpture of a nurse on East Street in Chichester by stainless steel fabricator, John Gillespie.
Architect, Jane Jones-Warner of Jane Jones-Warner Associates was announced as the 2021 Sussex Heritage Person of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery. Chairman, Simon Knight said:
“There is no doubt Jane’s extraordinary contribution to heritage in Sussex with a career spanning 30 years focusing on building conservation. Her passion began at Uppark in West Sussex, where she was based on-site for three years following their devastating fire in 1989. More recently Jane was the project architect at Grade II* listed West Dean College for their extensive conservation roof repair project. I am absolutely delighted to recognise Jane’s career and passion for heritage by acknowledging her as Sussex Heritage Person of the Year.”
For a full list of all Award winners and Highly Commended projects please click here.
Funding Boost for Sussex Building Conservation Bursaries
The Sussex Heritage Trust has received significant funding for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation. The Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust, The Hans and Märit Rausing Charitable Trust and Seaward Homes have all provided funding towards full or part time bursaries to cover the costs of historic building conservation courses.
West Dean College and the Weald and Downland Living Museum have recently been able to open their doors again to adult learners, offering courses from Oak Timber Framing to Structural Repair of Historic Buildings to Conservation of Historic Concrete in their unique learning environments.
The Trust aims to support Sussex-based young people from 18-25 and those looking to retrain in traditional building skills. The bursary covers the full cost of any course and contributes to travel and accommodation cost.
Bursary recipient Claire Clifton who recently attended a Plasters and Renders course at West Dean College said: “Bursary schemes like this one are a lifeline to help develop and extend our craft, and in turn help to preserve intangible heritage.”
Simon Knight, Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust said: “Without the support of our sponsors and grants providers, many of these vital traditional building skills would be lost. We are therefore very grateful to The Ian Foulerton Charitable Trust, The Hans and Marit Rausing Charitable Trust and Seaward Homes for preserving and protecting our future heritage.”
For further details on how to apply for a Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary please click here.
Sussex Grants Awarded for Endangered Crafts
The Heritage Crafts Association and the Sussex Heritage Trust award four new grants to help save endangered crafts from extinction
A brick and tile maker, two flint wallers and a trug maker have been awarded grants to help safeguard some of Sussex’s most endangered craft skills.
The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) and the Sussex Heritage Trust (SHT) have awarded the grants through the HCA’s Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation. The Sussex Heritage Trust received funding from the Ian M Foulerton Trust, alongside other donations, to fund the Sussex-based grants.
In 2019 the HCA published the second edition of its groundbreaking HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts, the first research of its kind to rank the UK’s traditional crafts by the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation. The report assessed 212 crafts to ascertain those which are at greatest risk of disappearing, of which four were classified as extinct, 71 as ‘endangered’ and a further 36 as ‘critically endangered’.
The four successful Sussex recipients are:
- Duncan Berry, from Chichester, to buy tools to enable him to pass on his skills as a flint waller.
- Ben Bosence, from Lewes, to develop and make bricks and tiles from waste clay that has been excavated locally.
- Bob Green, from Brighton, to buy tools to enable him to develop and pass on his skills as a flint waller.
- Dominic Parrette, from Horam, to build shave horses to allow him to teach trainees how to make Sussex trug and Devon stave baskets.
These four projects join five more awarded nationally, and follow 18 awarded in previous rounds, covering endangered crafts such as skeined willow chair seating, lipwork straw basketry, commercial handmade paper making concertina making flute making.
Mary Lewis, HCA Endangered Crafts Officer, said:
“During the COVID-19 pandemic our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Sussex Heritage Trust to address the specific challenges of COVID-19 to endangered skills and knowledge in Sussex, a region renowned for its craftsmanship and material heritage.”
Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, said:
“Excellent architecture and design, traditional building skills and craftmanship are an important part of the rich heritage of Sussex. This partnership with the Heritage Crafts Association addresses the particular challenges of these crafts and facilitate the transfer of endangered crafts, building skills and knowledge to the next generation.”
For details on how to apply for the next round of Sussex Endangered Crafts Funding please please click here. If you would like to donate to our Endangered Crafts Fund please please click here.
The Sussex Heritage Trust and South Downs National Park Authority launch a new partnership
The Sussex Heritage Trust’s annual Awards were launched today, with a call for new entries for the prestigious architectural and landscape scheme. The only Sussex-wide Heritage Awards supports excellence in conservation, restoration, and the good design of newly built projects, whilst also encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.
This year the South Downs National Park Authority will sponsor a brand-new Award, The South Downs Design Award, which provides an opportunity to promote outstanding design in a nationally designated landscape. This coveted award will go to a project that clearly demonstrates a positive contribution to the South Downs National Park, including schemes that have conserved and enhanced the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.
The Awards calls for entries across nine categories from residential to public and community to ecclesiastical to building crafts. Last year saw a total of 25 Award winners, of which eight featured in the South Downs National Park including the Historic Stew Ponds Project at Arundel Castle and West Dean College Roof Restoration at West Dean College of Art and Conservation. Highly Commended projects included two projects in Lewes, the Alistair Fleming Design Showroom and Jamie’s Farm.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be taking entries until Friday 26th March 2021. Winners of the Awards receive a hand-crafted slate presented by the President of the Sussex Heritage Trust, The Rt Hon Lord Egremont DL on Wednesday 14th July 2021.
For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to the application form or email: office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
David Cowan, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Committee, said: “Sussex Heritage Trust is delighted to welcome the South Downs National Park Authority as an Awards partner to help us highlight outstanding design in the South Downs in Sussex. I would like to thank all our sponsors: The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Savills, Covers, Harveys Brewery, The Ian Askew Charitable Trust, Pilbeam Construction, RH and RW Clutton, Toovey’s and now the South Downs National Park Authority for their support of our Heritage Awards.”
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We’re excited to be supporting these prestigious awards. High-quality design matters to the National Park and to the local communities within it. That’s why we’ve created a template for design excellence in our Local Plan, encouraging architects and builders to use this diverse landscape as a compass for great design. We look forward to seeing the variety of entries that showcase the first-class built environment in the National Park.”
Sussex Endangered Crafts Fund
The Sussex Heritage Trust has teamed up with Heritage Crafts Association and the Weald and Downland Living Museum to invite craft practitioners and organisations in Sussex to apply for small grants to fund projects that support and promote endangered crafts.
During the pandemic our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. This fund can now be used to address the specific challenges of COVID-19 to endangered skills and knowledge. There will be a maximum of £2,000 available for each project and the Heritage Crafts Association will work with you to develop and support your work.
Sussex Endangered Crafts Fund
The Sussex Heritage Trust has teamed up with Heritage Crafts Association and the Weald and Downland Living Museum to invite craft practitioners and organisations in Sussex to apply for small grants to fund projects that support and promote endangered crafts.
During the pandemic our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. This fund can now be used to address the specific challenges of COVID-19 to endangered skills and knowledge. There will be a maximum of £2,000 available for each project and the Heritage Crafts Association will work with you to develop and support your work.
2020
Sussex Heritage Trust Awards – Update on Awards Lunch and Ceremony
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Ceremony and Lunch was due to take place on Wednesday 25th November at 12.30pm. It is with great regret that we had decided to cancel the lunch.
In these unprecedented times we are no longer able to host the lunch at Pangdean Old Barn within the current Government guidelines. I am sure you will share our disappointment – the lunch forms a large part of the Awards continued success and has become a fantastic networking opportunity and celebration for everyone involved.
We are delighted to announce that the Awards will still be revealed on Wednesday 25th November through a virtual ceremony. The ceremony will go live on our website at 12.30pm where all the Awards and Highly Commended projects will be announced by our Chairman, Simon Knight.
The Awards Programme detailing all the Awards entries will be posted to all those who have entered the Awards, sponsors, home/site owners and Trustees and Patrons. The programme will also be available on our website and distributed by email. This will maintain a wide circulation for your project.
If you are an Award winner a Trustee of the Sussex Heritage Trust will hand deliver your Awards plaque and all certificates, including for Highly Commended projects, will be posted to you after the ceremony.
We are very excited to still be able to deliver a high-quality Awards ceremony and we look forward to inviting you all to the launch of the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards (government guidelines permitting!) in the Spring.
If you have already purchased tickets for the lunch, we will email separately with details of a refund. Like many charities and business 2021 will be financially particularly challenging, so if you are able to contribute any of these funds to our work as a donation this would be very much welcomed.
As always, do not hesitate to contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office on 01243 576 524 or by email if you have any further enquiries.
National Lottery funding boost for Heritage in Sussex
Sussex Heritage Trust receives Emergency Heritage Fund support
Sussex Heritage Trust has received £10,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on heritage.
Like many charities, the Sussex Heritage Trust faces a challenging and difficult future. This funding will go a long way to ensure the Trust’s continued work to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust has continued to operate focusing on the popular Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and our bursary scheme, which offers educational opportunities for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation craft. The only-Sussex-wide Heritage Awards supports excellence in conservation, restoration, and good design of newly built projects, whilst also encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. Moving to later this year, the new deadline for entries is Friday 26th June with the Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 25th November 2020.
Chairman of the Trust, Simon Knight DL said, “we are so grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and indeed all those who play the National Lottery, for providing this funding to the Sussex Heritage Trust. As a small charity we like to think we punch well above our weight with the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and our work giving bursaries to young people looking to improve their traditional craftmanship skills. This money will ensure we continue to deliver this important work across Sussex in the next 12 months and beyond.”
The funding was made possible by National Lottery players, was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund. £50 million has been made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector. The National Lottery Heritage Fund is currently open to applications for its Heritage Emergency Fund. To find out more visit: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/responding-coronavirus-covid-19
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be taking entries across nine categories including the Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year until Friday 26th June. For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to www.martina73.sg-host.com or email us.
Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2020
Update on Awards Timetable
Like many charities and award schemes we have had to take into account the recent Covid-19 outbreak. We hope you will agree that the safety of our judging teams and all those who allow us into their homes, places of business, schools, public places and gardens is the most important thing at this time. We would therefore like to confirm that, subject to the evolving outbreak of the virus, the Sussex Heritage Trust plans to run the Awards later in the year, but with a new timetable as follows:
- AWARDS DEADLINE – Friday 26th June 2020
- AWARDS JUDGING – Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th October 2020
- AWARDS LUNCH AND CEREMONY – Wednesday 25th November at 12.30pm at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe
The Trustees of the Sussex Heritage Trust will continue to monitor the situation and if any further changes need to be made, we will be in touch further.
Thank you to all those who have already submitted an Award entry for this year, and we look forward to receiving any further submissions before Friday 26th June 2020.
Finally, a further thank you to all our sponsors who have supported the Awards and continue to do so despite the recent events. Like most businesses and charities, the Sussex Heritage Trust will face the same uncertain economic future in the up and coming months. So, if you haven’t already thought about becoming a friend of the Sussex Heritage Trust now is the time to do so! Please click here to apply to become a friend.
As always, do not hesitate to contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office on 01243 576 524 or by email if you have any further enquiries.
Launch of Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2020
On Tuesday 11th February 2020, the Sussex Heritage Trust called for new entries to its Awards scheme. This much-loved and anticipated annual Awards is the only Sussex-wide Heritage Awards supporting excellence in conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects, whilst also encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.
The Charleston Trust’s Barns and Galleries won a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in the Public and Community category last year. Celebrated by the judging panel as “a stunning and beautiful restoration of Sussex barns juxtaposed with contemporary new gallery spaces”, the Barns were the setting for the launch of the 2020 Awards.
Chairman, Simon Knight DL welcomed guests including the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Violet Hancock and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Davina Irwin-Clark. Friends and supporters of the Awards also heard from Nathaniel Hepburn, Director of Charleston and Jolyon Brewis, Trustee of Charleston and Partner at Grimshaw – which has seen his architectural portfolio include the Sussex Heritage Trust Award winning building the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Headquarters at Goodwood, Chichester.
The Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, Simon Knight DL, said: “I was lucky enough to judge Charleston’s wonderful Barns and Galleries last year and cannot think of a more fitting venue in the iconic centre of the Bloomsbury Group to launch the prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for 2020. The Sussex Heritage Trust thank headline sponsor: Gatwick Airport Limited and launch sponsors: Toovey’s, Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and all our other friends and sponsors of the Awards”.
The Director of Charleston, Nathaniel Hepburn, said: “Charleston was honoured to be the recipient of a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in 2019 for our restored barns and new art galleries and we are delighted to be hosting the launch of The Sussex Heritage Trust’s 2020 awards at Charleston.”
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be taking entries across nine categories including the Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year until Friday 27th March 2020. Winners will receive a hand-crafted slate plaque presented by President of the Trust, Lord Egremont on Wednesday 8th July 2020 at Pangdean Old Barns, Pyecombe. For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to www.martina73.sg-host.com or email: office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Edward Bransfield’s Grave
Pyramid of Eccentric Sussex Gentleman under Threat
For any of you who have visited Brightling in East Sussex, you cannot possibly have missed the Pyramid Mausoleum of John (Mad Jack) Fuller, the Georgian Squire of the village. He achieved great prominence during his lifetime, both controversial and philanthropic. He was an MP who could not be ignored, he supported artists (including Turner), scientists and garden designers. He granted large sums of money to the Royal Institution, part of which funded a professorship for Michael Farraday, the man who really started the production of electricity through his induction experiments.
The Mausoleum where Mr. Fuller is buried is now at the stage where, if we don’t do anything about it, it will go into irreparable decline and will not only spoil the whole presentation of the village and church, but also, will make it more difficult to encourage visitors to the area where, once they have seen the Pyramid, they can then undertake about a 7 mile walk around various follies. Mr. Fuller dotted these around his Parkland here in an AONB. It is a walk which will stretch the eyes to the distant coastal views, expand the chest with fresh air and generally give you a real sense of wellbeing. It will also feed the romantic side of your soul – the follies really do enhance.
Come and visit Brightling (TN32 5HH) and see for yourself. Pick up a brief history of the follies on sale inside the church. Admire the bust of John Fuller in the church. Bring a picnic and your wellingtons – get out there. You may even be moved to help fundraise to reach our target of £45,000.
For further details of the project or to add your support please email fullernew@gmail.com
Bursary to support heritage crafts at risk
The Sussex Heritage Trust opened their bursary scheme for 2020 for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation based in Sussex. The Trust has recently received funding for the courses from The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Historic Houses, South East.
In March 2019 the Heritage Crafts Association updated The Red List of Endangered Crafts – which looks at the vitality of traditional heritage crafts in the UK and identify those crafts most risk of disappearing. Brick making, Flint Knapping and Tile making (floor and wall) all featured as endangered crafts. We are delighted to announce three students have been awarded bursaries in courses including conservation and repair of brick and flint masonry and practical flint walling.
Full or part time bursaries are offered to cover costs of building conservation courses. Most recently students have been rewarded for courses at the Weald and Downland Living Museum and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.
A previous bursary recipient who attended a Oak Timber Framing course at Weald and Downland Living Museum, said: “The course gave me an insight to gain a deeper understanding about selecting each specific tool of the sequence it demands to achieve a highly crafted piece of work. This has driven my desire to work in conservation.”
Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, said: “We are very grateful to The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Historic Houses, South East for funding the bursary scheme, which has allowed us to continue to offer much needed support to endangered traditional heritage crafts.”
For further details of the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme please check our website or contact the office on office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk
Victorian hydrant restored in Eastbourne after being ‘put in a skip’
A Victorian cast-iron water hydrant installed in Eastbourne town centre during the horse-drawn transport era to fill water carts has been restored to its former glory – after being accidentally removed by workmen.
Historian Frank Woods discovered that one of the last remaining Victorian water-posts in Gildredge Road had been inadvertently ripped out by contractors working on the town centre improvement scheme. The full details of the story and further images can be found here.
2019 and older
TICKETS NOW SOLD OUT FOR SUSSEX HERITAGE TRUST BIENNIAL DINNER
Wednesday 16th October 2019 at Firle Place, Firle
Sponsored by Adams and Remers LLP
Lord and Lady Gage will welcome the Sussex Heritage Trust to their home, Firle Place for the 2019 Biennial Dinner. Firle Place is an outstanding privately-owned country house in Sussex that dates form the time of Henry VIII.
The dinner will take place in the Great and Little Hall, with pre-dinner drinks kindly provided by Ridgeview and canapes in the Long Gallery. Following the four-course dinner with wine provided by Harvey’s Brewery, the speaker will be Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust. The flowers have been sponsored by Jackson-Stops, Lindfield.
We look forward to welcoming our guests at what promises to be a wonderful evening.
New Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust
Dr John Godfrey retires as Chairman to become a Patron of the Trust
Simon Knight DL FRICS has been appointed the new Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust at the Annual General Meeting on 16th July held at Ardingly College. He replaces Dr John Godfrey DL MA FRGS FSA, who retired after serving eight years as a Trustee, seven of which were as Chairman. John has now been appointed a Patron of the Trust joining The Rt Hon. Lord Lloyd of Berwick PC Nigel H Clutton OBE, Christopher Gebbie DL OBE, Violet Hancock, Alastair Johns, The Lady Renton of Mount Harry and John C Small.
Previously Vice-Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust and Chairman of the Awards, Simon Knight, is a chartered surveyor, a Director of Savills, Vice-Chairman of the Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Trustee of Chawton House and Library, Jane Austen’s Family Home and Impact Initiatives, Brighton. He was previously Chairman of St Mary’s School, Calne, for eleven years until retiring in 2018.
A new Chairman of the Awards scheme and Vice-Chairman was announced as David Cowan BSc BARch RIBA FRSA. David recently returned as a Trustee and is an Architect and Expert Witness at Cowan Architects, which he founded in 1983.
Chris Stebbing, a chartered accountant, remains as Company Secretary and Treasurer.
Mr Knight said: “I am looking forward to building on the success of the Sussex Heritage Trust work so brilliantly led by John Godfrey over the last seven years and I am grateful to my fellow Trustees for the confidence they have shown in me.”
Dr John Godfrey, retiring Chairman, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust. During that time, the Trust has made considerable progress, as demonstrated by the increasing popularity of the Awards scheme. My thanks go to all colleagues for their support over the years. I would also like to thank all the Trust’s sponsors, Friends and supporters. Special thanks to Gatwick Airport Limited, our Platinum sponsor and JPIMedia Ltd (Sussex Newspapers), our media partners.”
Sussex: West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Chairman, Dr John Godfrey attended the launch of the new Sussex: West volume in Pevsner’s Buildings of England series on 11th June at Arundel Castle. The original edition was published in the 1960s and was quite a slim volume, covering both East and West Sussex. The new, revised Sussex: East volume came out in 2013 and the companion Sussex: West has just been published.
One of the authors Elizabeth Williamson launched the new volume and a copy of her speech can be found here Launch Speech.
A copy of the book can be purchased at www.yalebooks.co.uk
Weald & Downland Museum – Annual Building Conservation Conference
Building Conservation conference: Stone
Tuesday 24 September 2019
2019 building conservation conference will focus on Stone in historic buildings: conservation, materiality and skills.
There will be plenty of time for discussion, a chance to view various materials at the Museum during the break or after the end of the formal presentations, as well as networking opportunities.
Speakers include: David Odgers (Conservation Consultant), Chris Wood (Historic England), Martin Higgins (Historic Buildings Officer, Surrey CC), Adam Stone (Director of Chichester Stoneworks; Training role at the Worshipful Company of Masons), Matthias Garn (Master Mason), Ross Lovett (Head Mason, Winchester Cathedral), Andrew Ziminski (Mason Conservator, Director of Minerva Stone). Day Chair: Dr Gill Chitty, University of York.
For full programme and to book online:
https://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/building-conservation-conference-stone/