To give tours and participate in events and activities

Work to refurbish Hogarth’s House in Chiswick with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is progressing beautifully. The House is expected to be open in autumn this year and so it is time to start the process of recruiting volunteers to support the work of the House and its staff once open.  Hopefully local people can help by getting involved with the project.

The House was the country home of the great painter, engraver and satirist William Hogarth (1697-1764) from 1749 until his death. It was restored and opened to visitors by a local benefactor in 1904.   Currently closed for refurbishment the Grade 1 Listed House will reopen in October 2011. Visitors will be welcomed at a combined reception and shop. The new interpretation scheme will present the historic house as the home not only of the Hogarth family but also of a number of interesting residents over two centuries. Occasional special exhibitions, study facilities and a learning programme will also be provided.

Volunteers will engage with visitors, sharing information about Hogarth, about the House and about Chiswick’s History. This will include carrying outshort talks and handling sessions when on duty in the House . Volunteers can also choose to become involved in caring for the collection, in preparing special exhibitions and in putting on events and activities.

Volunteers will be expected to make a regular commitment to duties at the House and in return will receive training on the history of House, William Hogarth and the local area before starting work. Ongoing support will be provided throughout their service. Volunteers will need a broad understanding of the care of a historic house and contents, to be self motivated, reliable and responsible, as well as being able to work effectively as part of a small team.

The House is supported by the William Hogarth Trust which has raised funds and provided help in kind and expertise over the last decade.  Experts from the Trust will be providing training for volunteers.

Those interested should send a letter of application, clearly setting out  their skills and experience in relation to this post as well as any specific duties they are interested in to John Collins, c/o Gunnersbury  Park Museum, Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ or email to John.Collins@Laing.com by July 26th.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact John Collins on 020 89921612.
Supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund

July 11, 2011