Sarah Finch-Crisp to help steer historical site through regeneration project and beyond

The Chiswick House and Gardens Trust has appointed Sarah Finch-Crisp as its new Director. She will be primarily responsible for delivering the business plan that will secure the site’s financial future and for the operational management of the gardens. She will also play a lead role in developing the educational potential of the site and attracting a wide range of audiences.

Working closely with the Trust’s Head Gardener, Fiona Crumley, Sarah will also be the main point of contact between the Trust and its partners, English Heritage and Hounslow Council. Once the gardens are fully restored, the Director will be responsible for running the entire site.

Sarah Finch-Crisp, who will take up her new role in mid May, has a strong track record in developing major heritage sites and was most recently responsible for successfully leading a similar initiative at Lydiard House and Park in Wiltshire.

Commenting on the appointment, Rupert Hambro, Chairman of the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust said, “This appointment is crucial to the site’s success, both during the restoration project and beyond by ensuring financial sustainability and sound operational management. We are therefore absolutely delighted to have recruited such an outstanding candidate.

“Sarah’s experience is ideally suited to this role, having overseen the restoration of the 18th century parkland and gardens at Lydiard House in Wiltshire, as part of her role as Head of Heritage for Swindon Borough Council. Her extensive experience of managing major projects, raising funds and working with a range of partners and the local community will all be absolutely invaluable at Chiswick.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Finch-Crisp said, “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to help steer Chiswick House and Gardens through such an important phase in its development. The restoration of the gardens will undoubtedly provide a landscape and setting of exquisite beauty and interest and one that accommodates and encourages the widest audience. It will be a great privilege to be involved in securing the future of this internationally significant heritage site and I look forward to meeting the many people who care so passionately about it.“

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £7.9 million towards this £12.1 million garden restoration project, which will see miles of paths renewed, over 1600 new trees planted, the conservatory brought back to life so that the rare camellia collection can continue to thrive and a new café and lavatories built.

All but £1 million has been raised in match funding from a range of charitable trusts and generous individuals. The final push is being led by the Trust and every donation will bring the fundraising campaign closer to achieving its target.

May 13, 2008