Fancy going Front of House or Behind the Scenes?

I’m sure we all agree that attending Arts Society talks is stimulating and enjoyable. But, as well as sitting in the audience, we also have the opportunity to get involved in the arts more proactively.

So I jumped at the chance when Kate McDowell, our Heritage Volunteers’ Representative, shared information about the wide range of museums and organisations in the London area, who 'employ' volunteers for front of house or behind-the-scenes roles.

Through this scheme I now volunteer at Sambourne House, a ‘hidden gem’ historical house in Kensington, which is run jointly with the better-known Leighton House in Holland Park.

I picked this one as, having done an MA in Victorian Studies (during Covid times), I was keen to continue my interest in Victoriana in a practical way. Plus I love museums!

I started as a visitor attendant and now give my own guided tour about once a month. I take visitors around the house (which is a veritable time capsule, full to the brim with original objects d’art, furniture and pictures) and tell them about the family who lived there, hopefully helping to make the house ‘come alive’.

The professional team are very supportive, providing a monthly volunteers’ newsletter, updates about new exhibitions and arranging occasional social get-togethers. We can also help out at special events, concerts and workshops at Leighton House. It is an interesting way to learn how a small museum operates and meet other people with similar interests.

More recently, I’ve started volunteering once a week at the Reform Club, helping to clean and conserve old books. I attended a free AS workshop about basic book conservation before starting. It’s a novel way (no pun intended) to get involved ‘behind the scenes’ in one of the most famous gentlemen’s clubs in Pall Mall. As they have some 80,000 books, I don’t think the work will end any time soon!

I would highly recommend giving heritage volunteering a go. You can get involved in lots of ways – as a visitor attendant, book conserver, helping with archives or gardening.

For more information, visit here or email Kate.