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WELCOME

Kenwood and its beautiful grounds adjoining Hampstead Heath, was bequeathed to the nation in 1927 by the Earl of Iveagh. This outstanding neoclassical house holds one of the most important collections of paintings ever given to the nation. Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough all hang against a backdrop of sumptuous rooms, including the richly decorated library; one of Robert Adam's masterpieces. The landscaped grounds and lake are enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year and form the backdrop to films, open air concerts, plays and other events.

The Friends of the Iveagh Bequest, more well-known as the Friends of Kenwood, was formed in 1979. Our purpose is:

"to inspire visitors of today and tomorrow to promote and preserve the special qualities of Kenwood House, its collection and estate"

Our Aims

To achieve the above,our specific aims are to:

• Provide a forum and voice for friends and supporters, and act as advocate for the Kenwood estate and the terms of the Iveagh Bequest
• Support English Heritage in their management of the Kenwood estate
• Provide for members a range of social, educational, and fundraising activities, publications and events
• Stimulate public interest in, and care of, the beauty, history and character of Kenwood, and ensure that this character is maintained
• Raise funds for acquisitions, conservation work and other relevant projects or activities related to Kenwood
• Encourage high standards in, and appropriate development of, all areas of activity at Kenwood, including architecture, planning, estate management, conservation, and the visitor experience.

NEW STRUCTURE FOR ENGLISH HERITAGE

From 1 April 2015, English Heritage changed into two organisations

Historic England
This is a statutory Government service championing England’s heritage, giving expert, constructive advice on the wider historic environment and giving grants.

The English Heritage Trust
The Trust is a charity caring for the National Heritage Collection of more than 400 historic properties and their contents.  The Trust has been given a one-off payment by Government to address the backlog in conservation work and the charity has committed to become entirely self-funding by 2023.

Kenwood will come under the care of the Trust.

The Friends were consulted about the proposed new structure.

Securing support for Kenwood will continue to be a priority for English Heritage and working closely and effectively with the Friends of Kenwood is integral to this.  The Friends are looking forward to co-operating with English Heritage as a fund raising partner.

OUR AMBASSADOR

We are delighted to have the support of our Ambassador. Melvyn Bragg.  
Baron Bragg, FRS, FBA, FRSA, FRSL, FRTS, is a broadcaster and author, best known for his work with ITV as editor and presenter of the 'The South Bank Show' and 'In Our Time’  for Radio 4.

VERMEER AND REMBRANDT FRIENDS

The Friends would like to extend grateful thanks to the following for continuing to support us as Vermeer and Rembrandt Friends:
Chris Carter; Elizabeth Meek; David Pears

CORPORATE BENEFACTORS

The Friends would like to thank the following for supporting us as Corporate Benefactors:

Standard Life Aberdeen is a global investment management group, managing assets for both institutional and retail clients from offices around the world

Killik and Co for investment and wealth management

Pentland Group plc is a manufacturing business owning some of the world's leading brands

   

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