Hogarth's House gets cash boost

Area Committee Grant opens door to more funding

At the recent Chiswick Area Committee, Councillors decided to give a grant of £5,000 to the former residence of the 18th century artist, William Hogarth. The money will be used for repairs on the house.

The grant is expected to increase the chances of further bids for lottery money to be successful.

In order to mark the centenary of the opening of Hogarth’s House as a museum in May 1904, grants for Heritage Lottery funding are being prepared to support vital renovations to the house and gardens and to enable planned celebrations.

The refurbishment project consists of five elements which are:
• bringing the second floor into use as part of the museum,
• modestly refurbishing the existing displays,
• upgrading the exhibition room to increase flexibility and versatility,
• redecorating the exterior of the House and
• improving external access.

According to the Hogarth Trustees, the proposals build upon the work done for the Tercentenary of Hogarth’s birth (carried out during 1996-7) with the aim of expanding the areas of Hogarth’s House available for museum use, encourage repeat visits and attract new users. Visitor numbers increased during the centenary year but have fallen back since.

The project is being sponsored by the new William Hogarth Trust working with the Local History Society and LBH as owner of the house, garden and collections and CIP, who manage it.

The Trust also proposes to organise events and celebrations to mark the centenary of the opening of the museum during the late May Bank Holiday weekend in 2004. Planned celebrations include a party, children’s and family activities and an evening lecture with refreshments, all scheduled to take place in the gardens.

February 6, 2004

Pictures of Hogarth House reproduced with kind permission of Virtual Chiswick