Young people across LB Richmond-upon-Thames are to be given a significant role in the future presentation of the borough’s art collection at the Orleans House Gallery at Twickenham riverside thanks to £24,400 awarded under the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Young Roots grant scheme, it was announced today.

The young people will embark on a range of projects over the next two years developing a number of skills, including curating and website design, while at the same time providing a new approach to art displays and information.

A group of four young volunteers will lead the project supported by Orleans House Gallery staff, an architect and creative teams. By exploring the borough’s art collection, especially the books, personal effects and paintings of Victorian explorer and adventurer Sir Richard Burton, the young people will help to design presentation displays for the Gallery’s new study room. The aim will be to present the collection in a way that appeals to a wider audience.

A further 12 young volunteers, aged 16 to 25, will be recruited to select material from the collections and add it to the Gallery website, designing online exhibitions and webpages with images and information for people of all ages.

A third group of young people, some 30 in number aged 11 to 19, will become involved in creating a range of artworks inspired by the Burton collection. Working with professional artists, the results are likely to include sculpture, drawing and multi-media presentations. They will go on public display in the main gallery as well as in the study room and other areas.

Chris Burton, 19, who is following a creative apprenticeship at Orleans House Gallery, helped develop the grant submission and will be involved in delivering the project. He comments: “I’m really looking forward to working on the Young Roots project, this will give me a unique opportunity to expand my range of skills and help other young people realize their potential working within the museum and gallery industry.”

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “The young people involved will have a real stake in the way the Gallery presents itself and its collections to the public. The project introduces them to the concept of heritage while equipping them with skills in object handling, interpretation and research as well as web design, teamwork and communications.”

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for Community Development, Richmond Council, said: “We are delighted to have received this grant from the HLF. Our Arts Service already does a lot of work with schools, youth groups and families and  these projects will be a superb addition to our programmes. We want local people to be involved in shaping council services and this is a fantastic opportunity for them to do just that. I look forward to the work beginning and watching the progress over the next two years.”

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK. 

Further information

HLF Press Office, Vicky Wilford on 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401937 or vickyw@hlf.org.uk or Phil Cooper on 07889 949 173.

Miranda Stern, Acting Head of Arts, LB of Richmond-upon-Thames on 020 8831 6462.