Crowdfunding push

To help save JMW Turner’s Twickenham villa

8 February 2016 – Today Turner’s House Trust announces a four-week crowdfunding campaign to bridge the funding gap required to fully restore Sandycombe Lodge, the Twickenham villa designed and built by JMW Turner.

Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund and many other generous funders and private supporters, the Trust is now only £125,000 away from its fundraising target of £2.4 million.

A loan offer from the Architectural Heritage Fund has enabled the Trust to appoint contractors and urgent restoration works will begin in early April, with the house scheduled to reopen to the public in 2017.

“Until all the money is raised our work is not done,” said Catherine Parry-Wingfield, chairman, Turner’s House Trust. “We do not want to take up a loan we have no funds to repay. Meeting the funding gap is now urgent.”

Turner's House from Jonathan Crane on Vimeo.

“Sandycombe Lodge is a rare three-dimensional work of art by Turner, England’s internationally renowned landscape painter. We must save it for future generations.”

It is now 200 years since Turner built the house, listed Grade II*, which is still almost totally intact with some unsightly additions. Now it is threatened by damp and decay, is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and in need of urgent major conservation.

Crowdfunding rewards include private tours with personal guests and the opportunity to view the restoration ahead of public opening. To donate and for more details visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/turnershouse follow @TurnersHouse www.facebook.com/turnerintwickenham

Tags: What's On, Turners House, Heritage Lottery Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Twickenham