Annual Review1 February 2018 – 31 January 2019

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Company details and officers Bath Preservation Trust LimitedRegistered Office No.1RoyalCrescent,Bath,BA12LR CharityRegisteredNo203048 CompanyRegisteredNo294789 TelNo:+44(0)1225338727 www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

Patron HisRoyalHighnessThePrinceofWalesKG

Vice-Presidents AdamFergusson TheRtHon.TheLordPattenofBarnesCHPC

Trustees

Chairman ThomasSheppard

DianeAderynOBE JulieFinch PetaHall BruceHaines RobertHellard ColinJohnston RachelJohnston TomMarshall SimonMorray-Jones ProfessorRobertTavernor VictoriaThorntonOBE MarkWilsonJones

Chief Executive CarolineKay

Legal Advisors StoneKingLLP,Bath

Bankers CAFBankLtd,Kent Lloyds,Bath

Auditors BishopFlemingLLP,Bristol

Financial Advisors QuilterCheviot,Bristol

Legal Status CompanyLimitedbyguaranteegovernedbytheprovisions initsArticlesofAssociation

BathPreservationTrustisalsosoletrusteeofthe BeckfordTowerTrustandtheHerschelHouseTrust

ContentsChairman’sReport 4

ChiefExecutive’sReport 6

Obituaries2018-2019 7

ArchitectureandPlanningCommittee 8

TheEnvironsofBathSubCommittee 23

BathPreservationTrustMuseums–Overview 24

BPTCuratorialOverview 26

No.1RoyalCrescent 28

MuseumofBathArchitecture 32

Beckford’sTowerandMuseum 35

HerschelMuseumofAstronomy 38

LearningandEngagementattheTrust’sMuseums 40

MarketingandSocialMedia 42

MembershipandTrustTours 43

WorldHeritageSiteEnhancementFund 45

OverviewoftheTrust’sFinances 47

SummaryFinancialInformationfortheYearEnded31January2019 49

Coverimage:PeterBrown’spaintingofBathCricketClub.Theclub’scarparkwasthesubjectofacontroversialstudentaccommodationplanningapplicationwhichunfortunatelywasapprovedbyB&NESPlanningCommittee(seep9).Image by kind permission of Peter Brown

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Chairman’s Report: A legacy for the futureTheBathPreservationTrustwasestablishedin1934tocampaignagainstshort-sightedplansforthecarwhichthreatenedtheuniqueGeorgiancityofBath.InpartitwastheTrust’sresponsetotheproposeddemolitionofpartoftheuppertownin1934anditssubsequentoppositiontothedemolitionofmanymorelistedbuildingsthatallowsBathtobetheonlywholecityintheUKaffordedWorldHeritageStatus.Wenowliveinmorecomplicatedtimesandfrequentlyweneedtoanticipateissuesaswellasreacttothem.Aspartofthisyear’sworkthestaffandtrusteeshavetakentimefromourday-to-daybusinesstothinkandplanforthefuture.ThetaskfortheTrusteeshasbeentoimaginethechallengesandissuesforourcityin2029andhowtheTrustwillbereadytorespond.IhopeIwillbeabletosharesomeofourthoughtsandideasatourAGMinJuly.

TheTrust’scharitableobjectsaretoencourageandsupporttheconservation,evolutionandenhancementofBathanditsenvironswithinaframeworkappropriatetobothitshistoricsettinganditssustainablefutureandtoprovideeducationalresourcesthatfocusonthearchitecturalandhistoricimportanceoftheCity.

Wearealreadywellusedtofindingengagingwaystoexplaintheimportanceandrelevanceofthecity’sheritagebyusingthefourmuseumsandalsobyworkingwithlocalschoolsthroughoureducationprogramme.Asin1934,itisimportantthatindividualscareaboutwhatmaybehappeningtoourcityandthattheCounciliswelladvisedbyengagedandexperiencedplanningprofessionals.OneofthechallengesforthefutureisthefinancialpressuresonallLocalAuthoritiesastheircentralfundingiscut;B&NEShaveaplanningandhistoricenvironmentteamthatisstrongerthansomecities,buttheyarenotimmunefromthesecashpressures.Itisimportanttoourbuiltheritagethatarchitectureandplanningstudentsareencouragedtoconsideracareerinconservationandheritagebutthefinancialpressuresmaymakeitharderforthemtogetthatfirstjob.TheTrustalreadytakesinternsintoourcampaigningworkbutwenowseewemighthaveawiderroleinhelpingnewlyqualifiedheritagestudents.

TheTrusteeshavein2018beengivenamarvellousopportunitytoformaliseourannualinternshipprogrammetogivehighqualitystudentsthatfirststepontheemploymentladder.WeareveryluckyinBathbecausebothofourcity’suniversitieshaveexcellentdegreecourses,asofcoursedoanumberofotherinstitutions,sowewillhavenodifficultyinfindingtalentedcandidates.Weareintendingtocreateapaidinternshiproletoworkwithourplanningandconservationteam.Thisrolewillgivethatvaluableandnecessaryfirstjobandalsopracticalworkexperiencewhichfacilitatesentryintothesectoronamorepermanentbasis.

WealsowanttoestablishourownannualconferenceinBathforconservationarchitectureandplanningprofessionalsandstudentswhohave“passedthroughBPT”whichwillspeakabouttheirexperienceinthewidersector.Weshouldbeabletostartthisinitiativereasonablysoon,sincewealreadyhaveinternswhohaveworkedwithusandarenowaninteresting‘diaspora’ofplanningconsultants,localauthorityplanningofficersandaseniorofficerofSPAB–amongstothers.Wewouldliketolinkthisalumnigroupofourinternstousandtoeachothertoprovidethemwithsupportandtobuildtheirnetworks.Thisisaveryimportantprojecttohelpmakesurethereareproperlytrainedplannersandheritagearchitectswhounderstandtheimportanceofourcountry’sbuiltheritage.

ThisnewinitiativeisonlypossiblebecauseoftwoAmericans,CarlandJeannetteMays,whowereregularvisitorstoBathfromtheirhomeintheUnitedStates.CarlandJeannettedevelopedastrongloveforthecityandalsoalastingfriendshipwithTrustmembersPaulandGillianSladen.WhenCarl,himselfaconservationarchitect,diedlastyearhiswillleftasubstantialsumtotheBathPreservationTrust.InmakinghiswillCarlwasguidedandsupportedbyPaulandGillianashewantedhislegacytofurtherhispersonallifelonginterestinconservationarchitectureandtosupportstudentswhosecommitmenttothatdisciplinehesawascrucialtoassuringthemaintenanceofourarchitecturalheritage.HechosetheBathPreservationTrustbecausehewasagreatsupporterofourworkandwantedtohelpusdomore.IamsurethatourfutureinternswillbegratefultoCarlandJeannetteMaysandwewillbeusingtheirnamesforthefundtheyhaveleftus.

Weunderstandthatitmayoftenbedifficulttofindthecashtoprovidemeaningfulsupportduringone’slifetimebutCarlhasshownuswhatanextraordinarydifferencealegacycanmakeinplanningforthefuture.Itmaywellbethat,untilnow,youhadnotthoughtofhowyoucouldhelpusbyleavingusalegacyinyourwill.YoucouldmakearealdifferencetosomethingyoucareaboutasaMemberoftheTrust.Ifyouwouldliketospeaktoanyofusaboutwhatyoumightliketodopleasedocontactus.

AsyoucanseefromthisreporttheTrusthasalsohadafullandbusyyearandIamgratefultoallourstaffandvolunteerswhohavemadesomuchpossible.

Thomas Sheppard

Buckingham Palace Garden Party

On22May2018andinperfectweather,fivelongestservingrepresentatives(CarolineKay,JoannaRobinson,AnnGodrey,PipCampbellandAmyFrost–notpictured)ofBathPreservationTrustwenttothePrinceofWales’70thBirthdayGardenPartyatBuckinghamPalace.HRHPrinceCharlesisPatronofover420charities,theoldestpatronagebeingBathPreservationTrust,whichhehasbeenPatronofsince1973.TheDukeandDuchessofSussexaccompaniedHRHPrinceCharles,onlyafewdaysaftertheirweddingsotherewasarealsenseofcelebrationforeveryone.

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Chief Executive’s Report2018wasaconfidentandconsolidatingyearfortheTrust.Althoughourfocusisexternal–theprotectionandpreservationofthebuiltenvironmentandsurroundingcountrysideofBath–wedoalsohavefourlistedbuildingsinourcareandwedoalsohavetolookafterthese.OurTrusteeswereabletocommittoalevelofinvestmentinourbuildingsandalsoinourincome-generatinginfrastructure.Thedecisiontotakeoneofourletproperties,theLowerSchoolhouse,backinhandwasdonetofacilitateengagementwiththepublicinourcampaigningworkbyprovidingamoreaccessibledrop-inserviceandtodrawthatworkclosertotheMuseumofBathArchitecture.Wealsoinvestedinoneofourotherletproperties(aflatin19NewKingStreetabovetheHerschelMuseum)inordertokeepupwithmarketstandardsandallowustoraisemorefundsforourcharitablepurpose.Wewerealsolookingforwardtothesubmissionofamajorlotterybid

forBeckford’sTower.InthemuseumsanewintegratedmuseumsstaffingandoperationalstructurebeddedinundertheleadershipofClaireDixon,BPTMuseumsDirector.Asaconsequencewewereabletoinvestinourtrainingofferforvolunteers,ourtillsystemsandourcollectionscare.

MeanwhilefundingattractedfromtheHeritageLotteryFundandlocalsponsorsallowedustoputononceagainanintegratedexhibitionsoffer,thistimewiththenationalthemeofWomen’sSuffrage,withanassociatedwide-rangingprogrammeofactivitiesandeventsincludinga‘first’fortheTrustofpresentingaspeciallycommissionedpieceoftheatreandtodisplaythepoignanttreeplaquescommemoratingsuffragetteswhorecuperatedatBatheaston’sEagleHouseafterimprisonment.

TheyearalsocontinuedwiththepositivepartnershipswithotherBathMuseums,withthetwouniversitiesintheCity,withawidecoalitionofpartnersinthe‘Bathscape’Project(aHeritageLotteryFundsupportedlandscapepartnershipscheme)andwithspecificsingleinterestactiongroups.

It’snotallgoodnews,however.WehaveseensomeproblematicplanningdecisionstakenbytheCouncil,andweinitiatedjudicialreviewproceedingsononeofthese–aproposalforstudenthousingoverthecarparkatBathCricketClubwhichwentcompletelyagainstofficeradviceandwhichwascontrarytolocalplanningpolicyandinvolvedoverdevelopmentofthesite.Althoughourlegaladvicesuggestedwehadacase,thefinancialriskofproceedingwastoogreat.Wehavealsoseenmanyshopclosuresinthecitycentrewhichdetrimentallyaffectsboththeeconomyandthehistoricenvironment–itisperhapstimeforanewvisionforwhatapreviouslyshop-drivencitycentreeconomyshouldlooklike.

SomeofthemajorsitesinBathnowhavepermission,notablytheQuays(NorthandSouth)whichwillseesubstantialnewofficespacecomingtothecitycentreinthenextfewyears.Othersites,notablyBathRugby’sproposalsfortheRecbutnotforgettingBathFC’splansforTwertonPark,aregainingmomentumandmayreachsomesortofresolutionin2019.

Caroline Kay

Obituaries 2018–2019Peter Carey 1951-2018Theworldofarchitecturalconservationisbuiltuponthededicationofpassionatepeopleanditwaswithgreatsadnessthissummerthatwelostoneofitsmostenthusiasticdevotees,PeterCarey.ElectedasaLethabyScholarbytheSocietyfortheProtectionofAncientBuildingsin1977,PeterheldtheSPABprinciplescloseashesoughttofindnewandrespectfulsolutionstoadaptingandrestoringhistoricbuildings.Inthemid-1980shebeganworkingwiththearchitecturalpracticeofDonaldInsallandin1987movedtoBath.Peter’sworkassistingDavidBrain&PartnersinthecitybroughthimintocontactwithBathPreservationTrust,andatenuresittingontheBPTArchitecturalCommittee.Peter’sknowledgeandinterestintheredundantspasofBathdrovehimtojoinforceswithSirNicholasGrimshawandnavigatetheThermaeBathSpaproject.

AnyoneluckyenoughtoenjoyaPeterCareytouroftheCrossBathcouldnotfailtoappreciatetheimpactthatasensitiveeyeandimaginativehandcanhaveinbringinganoldbuildingbrilliantlybacktolife.Alwayskeentoencourageyoungarchitectstoengagewiththecity,PeterwouldregularlybringworkplacementornewlyhiredyoungprofessionalstotheMuseumofBathArchitecture.Anabilitytocommunicateandsharehisjoyinhissubjectmadehimafavouritewithstudentsandhefrequentlygavehistimetoconductandsupportwalks,talksandeventsforBPT.HisexcitedreactiononseeingthenewlypurchasedJohnWooddrawinginstruments(andmischievousrequesttotakethemhometouse)movedseamlesslyintoaneruditeanalysisofthelinksbetweenEuclid,AdelardandJohnWood–anenduringmemoryofthedepthofPeter’sknowledgeandhisendlessexcitementforarchitecture.

WealsonotethedeathofArnoldWilson,formerBPTTrusteeandformerChairoftheHolburneMuseumwhodiedinMarch2018.Arnold,whomovedtomovetoBathinthe1960s,wasadistinguishedcuratorandconcludedhiscareerasDirectoroftheBristolCityArtGallery.HewascloselyinvolvedwiththeBeckfordTowerCommitteeatBPTformanyyears.

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Architecture and Planning Committee Tom Marshall, ChairJoanna Robinson, Senior Conservation OfficerSacha Hunter, Conservation Officer

Highlights 2018

•Movingtoournew offices at the Schoolhouse,nexttotheMuseumofBathArchitectureontheVineyards,hasbeenoneofthehighlightsof2018.ThemovewasnecessitatedpartlybythefactthatNo.1RoyalCrescentofficeswereburstingattheseams,anditmadegoodsensefromanaccessibilityandspecialismpointofviewforboththeconservationandmembershipfunctionsoftheTrusttomovetothegroundflooroffices.Asoneofouraimsistobeaccessibletoprovideconservation/heritage/planningadviceandsupporttoourmembers,andthepublic,wehopethatpeoplewillfeelwelcometocallintotheofficeMon-Thursbusinesshours.WeareverygratefultoHermanMillerInternationalfortheirsponsorship-in-kindofexcellentofficechairs.

•Thelaunchofanew look BPT website,designedtobevisuallyappealing,easytonavigateandwithanadvancedsearchfunctionsothatthefullanddiverserangeofourworkcanbefoundquickly.Thewebsitecontainslotsofinformation,guidanceandadviceonBath-relatedplanning,heritageandconservation,andis,wehope,ausefulresourceforthepeopleofBath.

•TheemergingplansfortheStadium for Bath:WehaveattendedvariousstakeholderfeedbacksessionswiththeprojectteamatBathRugby.Ateachstagewehaveofferedconstructivechallengeandadviceontheplansanddesignsandwehavealsolookedtoformaliseourdecision-makingprocessestoaccountforthoseofourTrusteesandAdviserswhomaybeperceivedtobeconflictedbyvirtueofbeingaseasonticketholder.OurpositionisthatconflictedTrusteesandAdvisersmaytakepartindiscussionsbutwillnotbepartofanydecision-makinginrelationtoourpositionorresponses.InthecaseofThomasSheppard,ourChairman,whohasanhistoricalbusinessconnectionwithBathRugby,hewillnottakepartindiscussionsordecisions.AnoverviewofthecurrentsituationinrelationtoplansanddesignscanbefoundinthePlanningApplicationsectionofthisreport.

•An evening with Emma Bridgewater:AjointeventwithCPREAvonside,ofwhomEmmaistheChairman.Theevent,heldatStMichael’sWithoutinApril,waswellattended,andtooktheformofaQ&AdiscussionbetweenEmmaandBPT’sCarolineKay,touchingonthreatstolandscapeslocallyandnationally,housebuildingandotherGreenBeltissues.

•AmajordisappointmenttotheTrustthisyearhasbeentheapprovaloftheBath Cricket ClubcarparkstudentaccommodationschemeandoursubsequentfinancialinabilitytobeabletobringthedecisiontoJudicialReview.Inourviewthedecision,byB&NES’DevelopmentManagementCommitteecouncillorsbyamajorityofone,toallowthislargeschemewhichwillharmboththeconservationareaandtheWorldHeritageSite(WHS)andwascontrarytorecommendationsfromseveralB&NESplanningofficers,waspoorandirrational.Withdonationsfromsomeofoursupporters,wewereabletobringforwardthefirstphaseofalegalJudicialReview.However,sadly,wehadtopulloutoftheprocessduetothehighleveloffinancialrisktoourcharitablefundsshouldthedecisiongoagainstus.ThishaspromptedustosetuparollingCrowdJusticedonationplatformtosetuparing-fenced‘fightingfund’tobeabletoquicklyandconfidentlychallengepoorplanningdecisionsgoingforward.Pleasedoconsiderdonatingatwww.crowdjustice.com/case/fightingfund/orclickthelinkonourwebsite.

•Making Changes:Ourguidanceforownersoflistedbuildings,wasshortlistedasaFinalistforanRTPISWawardintheExcellenceinthePlanningDeliveryProcesscategoryandalsoaFinalistinRTPINationalAwards.Foracopyoftheguidancepleasedocontactusoryoucanaccessacopyonlineonourwebsite.

•WeweregratefulforthehelpofvolunteerGeorgieSmithin2018asshewasabletodesignandsetforpublicationournew guidance on Signs, Adverts, Banners and Awnings in Bath,whichisnowavailableonourwebsite.Weoftenbenefitfromthesupportofvolunteersinourworkandweextendourthankstoallourvolunteersin2018.

•Asalwayswewishtosayabigthank youtoourexpertArchitecture&Planningcommitteememberswhoattendmonthlymeetingsandinputmuchintoourwork;theirtimeandcommitmentistrulyappreciated.

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Campaigning activities and projects

The Recreation Ground – Views and Vistas InJune2018wecompletedamajorinternalworkingdocumentthatassessesthevalueofkeyviewsacrossandtowardsthesite–A View of the Rec, An analysis of key views and criteria for assessing the impact of development of Bath Recreation Ground on the setting of Bath’s Heritage Landscape.ThispieceofworkwasundertakensolelytohelpinformBPT’sownassessmentoftheimpactofanydevelopmentproposalsandhasbeensharedwithHistoricEngland,B&NESCouncil,BathRecreationLtdandtheStadiumforBathteam.

Responding to the B&NES Core Strategy Issues and Options InNovember2018theTrustrespondedindetailtotheLocalPlanIssuesandOptionsConsultationwhichconsidersoptionsrelatingtotheestablishmentofnewstrategicpoliciesandamendmentofexistingpoliciesfortheregion.Wewerepleasedtoseeproposednewpolicyoptionsrelatingtohousingandrestrictionsonpurpose-builtstudentaccommodation(PBSA),butwewerealsoastonishedtoseethatB&NES’scurrentproposed’Vision’forthefutureoftheregiondoesnotincludeareferencetoheritage,whichisofkeyeconomic,socialandculturalvaluetoitscurrentandfuturesuccess.Wewerealsoconcernedthatthereisnoproposedvisionforretailwithinthecity,whichisindecline,andthattheproposedpolicyrelatingtoholidayaccommodationwastooweakandlackedclarity.Seeourwebsiteforthefullresponse.WeanticipatethatadraftLocalPlanwillcomeforwardthisyearwithanExaminationinPublicfollowingthat.

NPPF revisions RevisionstotheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworkwereconsulteduponandsubsequentlypublishedin2018.BPTrespondedtotheconsultation;ourheadlinepointsrelatedtothestrengtheningofprotectionoftheGreenBelt,continueddensificationofcitiesviathedevelopmentofbrownfieldsites,andacallforassessmentofviabilitytobeconductedinafairandtransparentway.Thefinalversiondidcontainsomebeneficialelements,includingthestrengtheningofWorldHeritageSitestatusandofpracticesrelatedtoheritageprotectionbuttheoverarchingtenetisageneralpushfordevelopment,whichinacitylikeBathisconcerningifenvironmentalconsiderationsarenotgivenadequateweight.

Planning reform TheTrustrespondedtoaplanningreformconsultationissuedbytheGovernmentinlate2018.ThepaperlookedatrelaxingChangeofUserulesforretailunitstomakesomechangesofusePermittedDevelopment.Inadditionthereformslookedtogaugefeedbackontheproposaltoallowsomeformofroofaddition/extensions(i.e.upward‘space’)tobePermittedDevelopment,inordertobringforwardadditionalhousing.TheTrust’sresponseexpressedstrongconcernsregardingbothissues;theanswertothecrisiscurrentlyfacedbythehighstreetisnotviarelaxingplanningobligationsorside-liningtheplanningsystem(whichexiststomanagechangeappropriately)asthiscouldhavefurtheradverseeffectsonthevitality,amenityandcharacterofhighstreetsandaccelerateharmfulchangeandloss.SimilarlywhilstwesupporturbanintensificationwedonotbelievethatupwardsextensionscanbeputunderaPermittedDevelopmentumbrelladuetotheneedtoexaminetheplanningconsiderationscasebycase.

Clean Air Zone 2018wastheyearforplentyoflocaldebateaboutapossibleCleanAirZone(CAZ)andtheTrustwaskeentoofferourviewsontheconsultationtochargecertainpollutingcarsandothervehicles.Whilstwehavelongsupportedaformofchargingtoreducepollutionandpreferablycongestion,notleastbecauseoftheeffectspollutionhasonthehistoricenvironment,therewereriskswiththeproposals.Inparticularwewereworriedaboutthelimitedextentofthezonecreatedathreatofmore‘ratrunning’,andalthoughnotstrictlyourremittheimpactofchargingonthelesswell-off.OurmainmessagehoweverwasthatwefeltthatCAZshouldbepartofa‘packageofmeasures’andnotastand-alonepunitivecharge.Ifpeopleareforcedtoleavetheircarsathometheremustbeviablealternatives;effective,widespread,cheappublictransportandsafecyclingandwalkingroutes.

Local List SPD WewereverypleasedtolearnthatB&NEShasproducedadraftSupplementaryPlanningDocument(SPD)onBuildingsofLocalImportance.Thismeansthataproper‘LocalList’ofnon-designatedbutspeciallocalbuildingswillbeproducedandthesebuildingswillbenefitfromsomeheritageprotectionundertheNPPF.TheTrustconsultedonthedraftSPD,providingfeedbackonthetext.OurprimaryconcernwastheproposalthatcouncillorswouldhavethefinaldecisiononwhetherabuildingwasincludedontheLocalList;inourviewasmallmulti-disciplinarycommitteethatincludesaheritage/planningprofessionalshouldmakesuchdecisionstoensurethatexpertisesupportsdecisionmaking.

Granville Road ReadersmayrememberthattheTrusthasbeenconcernedabouttheimpactofnewdevelopmentontheLansdown/Charlcomberidge.WhereoncetherewasaruralridgelinewithmerelyaglimpseofthesinglestoreyMODbuildings,thereisnowaseriesoflarge,brightlyrenderedhousesintroducinganurbanedgetooneofBath’smostvisiblegreenhillsides.WehavebeenworkingwiththeownerofthefarmlandbelowGranvilleRoadonatreeandhedgeplantingproposaltosoftentheimpactofthesenewbuildings.SaplingshavebeendonatedbytheWoodlandTrustandMoreTreesforB&NES,andfundingforprotectivefencingawardedbytheWorldHeritageEnhancementFund.BPThasconsultedlocalresidentsonplantingplansandthepotentialimpactonviews.Wehopetoplantintheautumnof2019.

Transport conferencesBPThasattendedtwolivelyandinterestingtransportconferencesinBathin2018.InJunea(non-political)eventorganisedbyBath’sMP,WeraHobhouse,focusedonexaminingBath’scriticalissuesrelatingtotransportwithaspecialfocusonpollution.CarolineKaypresentedtheBPTviewofwhatcouldconstitute‘quickwins’toreducetrafficandpollution,includingsuggestionssuchasexpandingPark&Ridehoursandservicestocatchmoreshiftandlatenightworkers.

InNovembertheBathTransportAlliance,ofwhichBPTisamember,organisedawell-attendedeventlookingtoharnessaspirationsfortransportandtrafficinBathintoavisionwhichwillshapefutureplanmakingandactions.BPTwillcontinuetofocusandinputintotheseissuesgoingforward.

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50 years of Bath conservation areaBathhasonecitywideconservationareawhichcovers1,486hectaresandishometoabout50,000people.Theconservationareaincludesthecity’suniqueandmuchcelebratedheritage,butitalsoencompasseslesswellknownareaswhichhavearangeofdifferentcharacteristics.In2018wecelebratedthe50thanniversaryofthedesignationofBath’sconservationareain1968,followingtheintroductionoftheCivicAmenitiesActin1967.Itwasoneofthefirstsixtobedesignatedinthecountry.Theconservationareawasenlargedin1973,extendedagainin1975,1985andmostrecentlyin2002.Theseextensionsrespondedtochangingconservationviewsaboutwhatwasconsideredtobearchitecturallyandhistoricallyimportantaswellasongoingchangesinplanningcontrols.Theconservationareatodayisrecognisedbutdespiteitslongevitytherehasneverbeenacompletecharacterappraisalofthewholearea,thoughthisisnowintrain,withvariouslocalgroups,includingourselves,workingonappraisalsofsub-areas.

National and Local consultations responses

•LocalPlanIssuesandOptions1consultation–Jan2018•HistoricEnglandconsultationonrevisionstoConservationPrinciples–Feb2018•B&NESCleanAirZoneOptionsconsultation–April2018•BathUniversityMasterplan–April2018•OfficetoresidentialArticle4Directions–April2018•NPPFrevisionsconsultation–May2018•LocalListSPDconsultation–June2018•Planningforhomesontherightplaces–November2018•CleanAirZoneconsultation–November2018•B&NESLocalPlanIssues&Options2–December2018

Representations made to B&NES Council meetings 2018-19

SulisDown–June2018CricketClub–March2018

Enforcement action

Oneofourmanyrolesistoactasa‘watchdog’forunauthorisedworksoradditionstothepublicrealmandbuildingsandwereportallcasesweseeourselvesorhearaboutfromourmembersormembersofthepublic.In2018wereportedover25planningbreachestotheB&NESEnforcementteam,includingunauthorisedsignage,anewlean-tosmokers’structureonBeauNash’shousenexttotheTheatreRoyal,andinonecasewholesaleremovalofwallswithinalistedbuilding!Wearealwayshappytoreceivedetailsofpossiblebreachesandtoreportthemonyourbehalfsopleasedobeour‘eyesandears’(senddetailstoconservation@bptrust.org.uk).Theprocessofreportingbreachesisanonymoussoyouarealsoencouragedtoreportissueswherepossible,emaildetailstoenforcement_planning@bathnes.gov.uk.

Major Planning Applications and Developments

Stadium for Bath on the Rec BPThasacceptedtheprincipleofBathRugbyhavingastadiumontheRecandhasnotinvolveditselfinthelegaldisputes.WehavebeenactivelyengagedasakeystakeholderinthedevelopmentofproposalsbyBathRugbyforaStadiumforBathbeingdesignedbyGrimshawArchitects.Wehaveattendedmeetingstoreviewmanyiterationsofthedesignovertheyear.Ourfeedbackhasfocusedonconcernsoverheritageimpactsasaresultoftheheightofthestandsandtheassociatedvisualimpactsonkeyviewsout,overandacrosstheWorldHeritageSite.

Wepressedforareductioninheight,whileacceptingthattherewouldbelossofsomeofthecurrentlypanoramicviewofthehillstoBathwick.WehavealsocalledforavisualbreakwiththeendofJohnstoneStreetthatopensoutthiscornerandallowsforviewsthroughtowardsBathwickslopesandStMaryBathwick.

Wehaveexpressedconcernsabout:theabsoluteheightandmassingofthecurrentconceptdesign;theapparentextentoflossofviewstoBathwick;theprinciplethattoavoidfloodeventsthepitchneedsraisingbytheextentproposed;viewpointstoPriorParkfromLauraPlace;andelementsofthearchitecturaltreatment,especiallythe‘Recfacing’elevation,theNorthWestcornerandsomeofthematerials.

WehaveencouragedtheproductionofVerifiedViewsfromanumberofkeylocations.Imagesthatcanberelieduponandarefreeofanyintendedorunintendedbiasthatshowthesequencesofviews,andhelpclarifywhatconstitutespublicbenefittomitigateanyharminsupportofanyplanningapplication.

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Update on Mulberry Park Phase 2 plus Phases 3 & 4ThenewcommunityatMulberryParkonBradfordRoadinCombeDownisnowwellunderconstruction,withPhase1beingnearlycomplete(closesttoBradfordRoad),Phase3imminentlytobeconstructed,andPhase4inplanning.Phase2oftheschemehasbeendelayedinplanningonthebasisthattheproposedschemehasanumberofissueswhichhaveyettoberesolved,despitesomerevisions.TheTrusthasbeenvocalthroughout2018aboutourconcernthattheheightofthesePhase2buildings(overlookingthecityanddesignedtobe‘landmarks’)isexcessive.Theywillovertopthewoodedridgeofthecityskyline,therebyurbanisingtheridgeandharmingoneofthespecialcriteriaforwhichBathisaWorldHeritageSite(thecitysittinginitsbowllandscapesetting).ThisviewissharedbyUNESCO,HistoricEnglandandotherstakeholdersand,itappears,theB&NEScaseofficerwhoisnegotiatingamendmentstothescheme.

Chivers House Aschemefor9and7storeystudentaccommodationblocksonthesiteofawarehousebyWindsorBridgewassubmittedearlyin2018.TheTrustobjectedstronglyonthebasisofoverdevelopment,withthebuildingssittinghighandtightonthesite,andbecauseinourviewthereisampleprovisionforpurposebuiltstudentaccommodation(PBSA)inBath,withashortageinhousing.Theapplicationwaswithdrawnandresubmittedasaschemeforhousingat7and6storeys.Wehavecontinuedtoobjectonthebasisofheights,overdevelopmentofthesiteandtheshortfallofaffordablehousingwithinthescheme.OfficerrecommendationtorefusewasoverturnedbytheDevelopmentManagementCommitteeandtheschemewasapprovedinMarch2019.

Cricket Club ThisschemeforPBSA(136units)onthesiteoftheCricketClubcarparkcreatedmuchconcern.Wehavebeenandremain,stronglyopposedtothisscheme,whichproposesaverybulkybuildingwhichwilldominatethisgreenspaceinthecitycentreandthestreetscape,andtherebyimpactdetrimentallyonboththecharacteroftheconservationarea,viewsintoandoverthecity,andthespecialqualitiesoftheWHS.Councillorsignoredtherecommendationbytheirownofficerstorefusethescheme,andproceededtoapproveonthebasisofconsiderationsthatwerearguablynotmaterialinplanningterms.WehavetoldthestoryofourunsuccessfulattempttobringthedecisiontoJudicialReviewinourintroductiontothissection,butneedlesstosaywefeelthatsuchdecisionswillcumulativelyandincrementallyharmthecityandcouldeventuallyjeopardiseourWorldHeritagestatus.

Allen Building PlansforaboutiquehotelonthesiteoftheBathCollegeAllenbuildingweremetwithconcernbymanylocalpeoplewhoquestionedwhetheranotherupmarkethotelwasreallyneededinBath.SuchconsiderationsareoutsideourremitbutourprimaryconcernregardingthisschemewastheheightofthebuildingoccupyingakeysiteonJamesStWest,andthedesignwhichcouldbedescribedas‘anywhere’architecture.Thedesignteamreturnedtothedrawingboardandsubmittedarevisedschemewhichaddressedourconcernsandwaspermitted.

Bath Quays North OutlineplanningpermissionhasbeengrantedfortheBathQuaysNorthsite,whichlookstoregeneratetheAvonStreetcarparkareawithamixeduseschemewhichincludesresidential,commercialandofficespace,alongwithcarparking,inanewcity‘quarter’.BPThasbeencloselyinvolvedinstakeholdersessionsthroughoutthelasttwoyears,andwewereabletocommentfavourablyontheoutlineapplicationin2018,thoughwedidexpresssomeconcernsregardingheightsasalways.Aswegotopressweunderstandadevelopmentteamhasbeenselectedfromashortlist,andareservedmattersapplicationfordetaileddesignshouldcomeforwardinduecourse.

Sulis Down ConcernsregardingoverdevelopmentoflandontheSulisPlateauhasbeenalong-heldissuefortheTrust,andwehavecontinuedtocallforadetailedmasterplanforthewholesite.ThiswasnotsubmittedaspartoftheapplicationforPhase1for173houses(2017-18)despitebeingarequirementofplanningpolicy,andforthatreasontheTrusthasmaintainedanobjectiontothescheme,despitevariousrevisionswhichhavegonesomewaytoimprovingpartsofthesite(asdetailedinlastyear’sannualreview).WehavealwaysfoundtheBenPentreathdesignapproachforthesiteacceptable.TheschemewasdelegatedtopermitbyB&NESin2018althoughweunderstandnegotiationsregardingtechnicalplanningmatters(S106etc.)meanthatthepermissionhasnotbeensignedoffyet.Itseemsthatourconcernregardingoverdevelopmentofthelandmaywellbejustifiedinthatthelandownerhasmadeanapplication,aspartoftheCoreStrategysitesreview,substantiallytoincreasethenumberofdwellingsoveralargerpartoftheland,someofwhichwasexplicitlynottobedevelopedinthesitespecificpolicyB3a.WewillmakerepresentationsregardingthisattheExaminationinPublicinduecourse.

Sydney Gardens TheTrustwaspleasedtobeabletohaveaninputintoplansfortherefurbishmentandrevitalisationofSydneyGardens,particularlyinrelationtothelistedandheritagestructuresinthegardens,includingtheEdwardianlooswhichareinaderelictstate.WewereabletosupporttheplanningapplicationandhavecongratulatedtheprojectteamonwinningtheirRound2HLFfundingof£2.4m.

16 17

Conker Crossing AproposednewpedestriancanalcrossingatBathamptongavetheTrust’sadvisersmuchtodebatewhentheapplicationwassubmittedinlate2018.Thescheme,theproductofthelocalcommunityconcernsregardingthesafetyofthenarrowlistedroadbridge,proposedacontemporaryengineeredstructurethatislightweightandsinuous,curvingoverthecanalandlookingtoprovideaconnectionforthoseonfoot,bikesandpushchairsbetweentheplayingfieldsonthevillageside,andtheprimaryschoolontheother.Ourinterestinginternaldebatecentredontheappropriatenessofamodernstructureonthehistoriccanal,andtheassociatedimpactonthelistedstonebridgenearby.Wewerehoweversupportiveofwhatthecommunitywastryingtoachieveandthelightweightengineeredlookofthebridgewhich,beingcontemporary,doesnot‘compete’withtheoldbridge,andwesubmittedasupportivecomment.

Locksbrook Road YetmorestudentaccommodationhasbeenproposedforasiteoppositeBathSpa’snewDesignFacultyinthelistedformerHermanMillerFactoryonLocksbrookRoad,albeitinanoverallmixeduseschemewhichincludeslightindustrialandagym.Wewerepleasedtoseethedesignsforthescheme,whichlooktocreateaninterestingindustrialaestheticbuildinginwhatisanindustrialarea,withabolduseofcontemporarymaterials.Wedidhoweverregretthestudentuse(PBSA)elementandthatthis,locatedattherearofthebuilding,wasatleastonestoreytoohighandwoulddominateoverthelocaldomesticscaletownscapeandthelistedbuildingopposite.

Looking forward to 2019

Threemajordevelopmentschemeswillnodoubtdominatein2019;theStadium for Bath, Twerton Football Club and Bath Quays Northschemes,andwewillcontinuetoengageverycloselyandascollaborativelyaswecantoensuretheoutcomesarecompatiblewiththequalitiesofOutstandingUniversalValueofourspecialcity.Wewillpublishdetailsofourstakeholderinvolvement,commentsandresponsesregularlysopleasedocheckourwebsite.

FollowingtheconsultationsonIssuesandOptionsin2018,thedraft Local Plan 2016-36willbepublishedforconsultationin2019,andanExaminationinPublicwilltakeplace.BPTwillobviouslybecloselyinvolvedwiththisprocesstoinfluencetheoutcomeofpolicyoptions,inparticularrelatingtocurrentcriticalissuesinBathsuchastheproliferationofstudentaccommodationschemes,acontinuedlackofabroadhousingmixtosupplylocalneed,theretail/highstreetcrisisandtheholidayaccommodationsector.

TheJoint West of England Spatial PlanisnowinExaminationStage,andthefourCouncilsarenowdraftingakeyissuesreport,whichwillgotoanExaminationinPublicin2019.BPTwillcontinuetoengagewiththisplanasitmovesforwardtoensurethatissuesrelatingtoandimpactingonBathanditsheritageareproperlyconsideredandresolved.

Issuesrelatingtotransport and air qualitywillnodoubtcontinuetodominatelocaldebate,includingthefinalisationoftheCleanAirZone,andwewillcarryondeliveringourkeymessages,encouragingbehaviouralchangeawayfromthecar,andcampaigningforimproved,cheaperpublictransportservicesandbettersafercyclingandwalkinginfrastructure.WewillcontributetotheJointLocalTransportPlan4dueinMarch2019,andwillonceagainbeadvocatingamoveawayfromthepossibleplantocreateanA36/A46linkroadasasolutiontotheeastofBath’strafficproblemsinfavourofde-trunkingtheA36,encouragingtheA350tobetheNorth-SouthStrategicrouteandencouragingtheuseoftheA420todirectthroughtrafficawayfromBath.

We’verecentlyrunthreeAsk an ArchitectsessionswithRIBASWattheMuseumofBathArchitecture,givinglocalpeopletheopportunitytobookhomeproject/designadvicesessionswithlocalqualifiedarchitectsandtherearemoresessionscomingupmonthlyin2019.

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2018 Planning Applications overview and Environs

Thetablesandpiechartsbelowgiveapictureofourplanningapplicationworkover2018,givingadetailedbreakdownofourresponsestoarangeofapplications.Overthepasttwoyearswehavebeenabletoincludedetailsofhowourresponseshavehad‘impact’or‘influence’overeithertheoutcome,orthefinerdetail,ofapplications.Thismeansthatwehavebeenpositivelyreferencedbythecaseofficerintheirplanningdecisionorwherethecaseofficerhasnegotiatedchangestotheplanningapplicationinlinewithourrecommendations.Theuseofthismeasurementmeanswehaveusefulyearonyearkeyperformanceindicatorsastotheextentofourinfluencewithintheplanningprocess.

Headlines:•In2018werespondedto226planningapplicationswhichwasadecreaseon2017when

werespondedto331.In2016werespondedto253applications.ThedecreaseislargelyduetochangesintheamountofapplicationsreceivedbyB&NESandwehavealsonoticedanincreaseinthequalityofapplications;poorqualitydocumentationisoftenareasonforcommenting.

•Wehadanoverallinfluencein51%ofapplicationswhichisadecreaseon2017whenwehad58%influence,andanincreaseon2016,whenwehad50%impact.

•Werespondedto80listedbuildingconsentapplications,andhadanimpacton61%oftheapplicationswerespondedto.

•Werespondedto91planningapplicationsandhadaninfluenceof52%oftheapplicationswerespondedto.

•Werespondedto38advertisingandsigningapplicationsandhadanimpacton54%ofapplicationswerespondedto.

•Theseindicationsof‘influence’arebroadlysimilarto2017.

Wecontinuetoscrutiniseandrespondtoplanningapplicationseveryweek,andtouseourplanningandheritageexpertisetoinfluenceandlobbyfortheoutcomesofplanningdecision-makingtobepositiveandenrichingtoBath’shistoricenvironmentsanditsfuturesuccessasathriving,highqualitycity.WehaveapositiveandcollaborativeworkingrelationshipwithB&NES’planningauthority,andmeetregularlywithbothseniorplannersandcaseofficerstodiscussapplications,issuesandkeythemesinplanninganddevelopmentinBath.

Average percentage of ‘influence’ in planning applications

LBAResponses 80

FULResponses 91

ARResponses 38

Otherappresponses 17

Total 226

51%

Listed Building Applications

SUPPORT

Consentwithimpact 3

Consentwithoutimpact 0

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 0

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 1

Pendingwithimpact 0

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

COMMENT

Consentwithimpact 25

Consentwithoutimpact 15

Refusewithimpact 1

Refusewithoutimpact 1

Withdrawnwithimpact 6

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 1

Pendingwithimpact 1

Pendingwithoutimpact 1

OBJECT

Consentwithimpact 3

Consentwithoutimpact 12

Refusewithimpact 3

Refusewithoutimpact 1

Withdrawnwithimpact 4

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 1

Pendingwithimpact 1

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

44%

75%

65%

impact

impact

impact

20 21

Full Planning Applications

SUPPORT

Consentwithimpact 0

Consentwithoutimpact 1

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 0

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 0

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

COMMENT

Consentwithimpact 13

Consentwithoutimpact 24

Refusewithimpact 8

Refusewithoutimpact 2

Withdrawnwithimpact 4

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 5

Pendingwithimpact 1

Pendingwithoutimpact 1

OBJECT

Consentwithimpact 4

Consentwithoutimpact 10

Refusewithimpact 6

Refusewithoutimpact 1

Withdrawnwithimpact 7

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 1

Pendingwithimpact 2

Pendingwithoutimpact 1

59%

45%

impact

impact

Advertising Regulation Applications

SUPPORT

Consentwithimpact 0

Consentwithoutimpact 0

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 0

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 0

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

COMMENT

Consentwithimpact 4

Consentwithoutimpact 5

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 2

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 2

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

OBJECT

Consentwithimpact 4

Consentwithoutimpact 12

Refusewithimpact 5

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 3

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 1

Pendingwithimpact 0

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

48%

62%

impact

impact

22

Other Applications

SUPPORT

Consentwithimpact 0

Consentwithoutimpact 0

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 0

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 0

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

COMMENT

Consentwithimpact 5

Consentwithoutimpact 3

Refusewithimpact 0

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 0

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 3

Pendingwithoutimpact 1

OBJECT

Consentwithimpact 1

Consentwithoutimpact 0

Refusewithimpact 1

Refusewithoutimpact 0

Withdrawnwithimpact 1

Withdrawnwithoutimpact 0

Pendingwithimpact 2

Pendingwithoutimpact 0

100%

67%

impact

impact

The Environs of Bath Sub Committee Robert Hellard, Chair

TheEnvironsofBathgroupismadeupofrepresentativesfromthe14parishesthatsitclosetotheedgeofthecityofBath.WemeeteverytwomonthstodiscusslocalparishplanningissuesandthewiderimpactofdevelopmentonthesettingoftheWorldHeritageSite.Thesemeetingsareverybeneficialastheyprovideaforumforinformationexchangeanddiscussionandtoflaguplocalandnationalpolicychangesandotherissuesofconcern.

AkeyissueforparisheseastofthecityhasbeentheproposedCleanAirZone(CAZ).TheparisheswereunderstandablyworriedabouttheeffectsoftheCAZontheirsmallerroadsystems,particularlyinrelationto‘rat-running’.Ofparticularconcernwasthepossibilityofover-useofthetollbridgebetweenBathamptonandBatheastonwithdriverslookingtoavoidtheLondonRoaden-routetotheA36.AswegotopressdetailsareyettoemergeofthefinalCAZplans,butwewillcontinuetosupportourparishmembersinhighlightingtheirissuesofconcerninourownresponsestotheinitiative.

OthereastofBathplanningissueshaveincludedthesubmissionofaplanningapplicationforalargeandvisuallyintrusiverailwayyardonanattractiveopensiteintheBathamptonvalley.Aftersomeplanningwranglesrelatedtowhethertheschemerequiredpermission(beingnationaltransportinfrastructuresubjecttoitsownplanningframework)andmanyobjectionsfromlocalpeopleandourselves,weunderstandthatwhilstthereistobeadepotyarditissmallerandmuchlessvisiblethantheoriginalversion,andotherpartsofthesitethatwerebeingusedtemporarilyhavebeencleared,tidiedupandre-landscaped.

Theenvironmental,transportandlandscapeimpactsoftheSulisDowndevelopment,approvedin2018butyettobeformallysignedoff,arestillanissueofhugeconcernforthevillagesofSouthStokeandCombeHay,particularlyinrelationto‘sitecreep’leadingtourbanisationoftheentireplateauandthesevillages.ThesefearshaverecentlybeenfoundtobevalidinthatthelandownerisnowapplyingaspartoftheWestofEnglandJointSpatialPlanandB&NESCoreStrategyreviewforarevisionofthepolicyB3atoincreasetheamountofdwellingsfrom350to900andtheprovisionofanaccessroadfromSouthStokeLane;bothofwhichwerespecificallyprecludedwhenthelandwasreleasedfromtheGreenBeltin2014.

WesupportedCharlcombeparishintwoplanningmattersrelatingtoharmfuldevelopment,onewastheproposedinstallationofatelephonemastinslopingopencountrysidewithintheGreenBeltandAONB,andtheotherthesignificantoverdevelopmentofanunprepossessingbuthighlyvisiblehouseontheupperCharlcombeslopes.Bothschemeswererefused.

Atourregularmeetingswehavediscussedmanydiverseplanningissuesincludingheritage,publicrealm,GreenBelt,highways,andeventheproposedBristolairportexpansion.WecontinuetobecomeinvolvedandprovideadviceonanyissueswherewecansupporttheparishesthatsitwithinthesettingoftheWorldHeritageSite.WeextendourthankstothemembersofthegroupfortheircontinuedengagementandcollaborationwiththeTrust.

23

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Bath Preservation Trust Museums – Overview Claire Dixon, Director of Museums & Deputy Chief Executive

2018wasanexcitingyearforBPTmuseums,aswecollaboratedonasharedexhibitionandprogrammeacrossallfourmuseumsforthefirsttime.Theintroductionofanewjointticketalsosawourvisitorsexperiencingmoreofourmuseumsaspartoftheirvisit.

Whenwetookthedecisiontoexplorethethemeof100yearsofWomen’sSuffrage,wecouldn’thaveanticipatedthelevelofnationalattentionthiswoulddraw.Thestrengthofplanningaheadandlinkingwithnational,regionalandotherrelevantanniversariesandevents,provedtobesignificantandourmuseumsreallybenefittedfromthatadditionalinterestandcoverage.ThisculminatedinafeaturearticleintheMuseumsJournalandashortlistednominationforthehighlyprestigiousMuseumsandHeritageAwards,fortheWonder Women of SpaceexhibitionandprogrammeattheHerschelMuseumofAstronomy.

WealsotrialledsomebrandnewcreativeactivityincludingcommissioningafilmatNo.1RoyalCrescentandlaunchingthefirsteversellingexhibitioninpartnershipwithCliveArrowsmith,aswellasthelaunchofourArchitecturalPhotographyCompetition,bothattheMuseumofBathArchitecture.

IthasalsobeenanimportantyearforBeckford’sTowerandIamverypleasedtohavesubmittedourNationalLotteryHeritageFundgrant,for£2.6mofour£2.9mprojectthatfocusesonconservationanddevelopmentoftheTowerandLandscape.Theteamhaveworkedhardtogainsignificantsupportforthisprojectfromlocalschools,communitygroups,specialistadvisorsandBathpartners,allofwhichhavestrengthenedourprojectbid.

AnotherprojectcompletedinthelastyearwastheinstallationofnewtillsandwhilstIwasdisappointedthatourvisitornumbersdidnotreachtargetatNo.1orBeckford’sTowerlastyear,theMuseumofBathArchitecturesawanincreaseof18%andattheHerschelMuseumofAstronomytheincreasewas22%,bothofwhichbenefittedfromthenewequipment.Thishasalsoenabledustorecordourvisitordatamoreconsistentlyandaccurately,addonlineticketssalestoourwebsiteandtrainstaffandvolunteersmoreeasilytoworkacrossallsites,astheyusethesametillsystems.

Finally,Iwouldliketothankthestaff,volunteersandspecialistgroupsofadvisorsfortheirongoingsupportoverthelastyear.Inparticular,theVolunteerForumhasreallygrownanddevelopedandiscontributinginaverypositiveandconstructiveway,toourforwardplansandvolunteeractivity.Werecruitedover30newvolunteerslastyearandthiscontinuestobeapriorityformuseumteamssoifyouknowofanyonewhomightbeinterested,pleasedogetintouchwithus.Wearealsowellplacedtocontinueacollaborativeapproachtoprogrammingandwithplanssetforthenextfewyearswearelookingforwardtomakingthemostofpotentialresearch,loanandcollaborationopportunities.Ihopeyouwillallcontinuetosupportthemuseumsandcomealongtoourexhibitionsandevents,as2019willbeanotherexcitingyearwithlotshappeningacrossallofourmuseums.

Jill Hunter, Facilities Manager

2018wasabusyyearforthefacilitiesteam.AtNo.1RoyalCrescentallthedormerwindowswererepaintedaspartofarollingprogrammeofpaintingfortheoutsideofthebuildingsothatimpactonvisitorsisminimized.

Wateringressinthevaultcausedproblemswithvariousutilitiessowehadalargeamountofpointingdonetothepavementatthefootofthestairstothemainentrance.

Wherepossiblewecalluponvolunteerstohelpwithpainting,decoratingandmaintenanceandin2018volunteerspaintedthebackstairs,theoutsidetoiletandthevisitors’toiletbehindthefrontdesk.Theyalsotouchedupthepaintworkintheservants’hall,thebasementcorridor,thehousekeeper’sroom,thelobbyof1Aandthewoodworkinthegentleman’sretreatandtheparlour.

In2018wetookoverthegroundfloorofficeattheSchoolHouseadjacenttotheMuseumofBathArchitectureforusebyourConservationandPlanningDepartment.Littleworkhadbeendonetotheofficeformanyyearssotheworkinvolvedcompleteredecoration(inmutedshadesofgrey),anewkitchenette,newflooringandlightingthroughout,newtelecommsandfurniture.Weuncoveredshuttersthathadprobablybeenpaintedupsincethelate1940’sandrestoredthemtotheirformerglory.TheprogressofthebuildwassomewhathinderedbyapartialcollapseofthelatheandplasterceilingbutwasaidedbytheverygenerousdonationofsixofficechairsandsixconferencechairsbyHermanMiller.

Alsoin2018thetopresidentialflatattheHerschelMuseumofAstronomybecamevacantandwewereabletodoacompleterenovationoftheflatwhichhadnotbeenupdatedforover30years.Weputinanewkitchenandbathroom,newheaters,flooringandcompletelyredecoratedthroughout.

SecurityattheHerschelMuseumwasalsodrasticallyimprovedwiththeinstallationofnewCCTVcamerasandwindowlocksonallthewindows.

OneofourmaintenancevolunteersrepaintedthetoiletandtheoutsiderailingsoftheHerschelMuseumin2018andduringthe2018/9closedperiodvolunteersrepaintedthestairstothebasementandthebasementcorridor,theadministrator’soffice,theexhibitiongalleryandthewindowsinthedrawingroom.NewdesksandachaircourtesyofBathfreecyclewereinstalledintheAdministrator’sOfficewhichhasalsobenefittedfromnewlighting.

AtBeckford’sTowernewstorageheaterswereinstalledintheFonthillRoomgreatlyimprovingthequalityoftheTowerexperienceforbothvisitorsandvolunteers.

InJuly,2018agroupofNationalTruststaffandvolunteersfromPriorParkGardensjoinedagroupofBPTvolunteersforaclean-updayatSouthcotBurialGround.Onthebasisthatmanyhandsmakelightwork,inarelativelyshorttimewewereabletodoalotofivyremovalfromthewalls,prunetherosesandalsodosomeminortreepruningaswellasclearalotofbindweed.WeareverygratefulforallthehelpreceivedandtheexpertiseoftheNationalTrustandourvolunteers.Wehopetorepeatthissuccessfulcollaboration.

26 27

WilliamBeckfordsketchforfurnitureatBeckford’sTowerdrawninsidehiscopyofFaulkner’sLetter to Lord Brougham,dated26September1837.

BPT Curatorial Overview Dr Amy Frost, Senior Curator

Collectionscareliesattheheartofourfourmuseums,andin2018wesawseveralprojectsundertakenaspartofthisessentialwork.Buildinguponthestaffingchangesofthepreviousyearthecuratorialteamembarkedupontheprocessofupdatingvitaldocumentation,undertakingnewinventoriesofthemuseumsanddrawingupaprogrammeforfurtherworkthatwillbeneededaswemovetowardsreapplyingforAccreditation,theUKnationalstandardforMuseums.

Asignificantprojectcompletedin2018wastheconservationofoneofourmostimportantobjectsattheMuseumofBathArchitecture,The Four Bath Worthiesoilpainting.FundedthroughthegenerosityoftheWoodmansterneConservationScheme,thepicturewasrelined,cleaned,previouslyunseendamageaddressedandanewvarnishapplied.Theconservationofthispicturehadbeenanambitionofoursforseveralyears,soitssuccessfulcompletionwasakeyachievement.

TheyearalsosawachangeinourabilitytolookafterthecollectionsattheMuseumofBathArchitectureandborrowinthefuture,throughthepurchaseandinstallationoftwonewdisplaycasesandtheupgradingofseveralcoreaspectsofthemuseum.FundedthroughtheSouthWestMuseumsDevelopmentReadytoBorrowgrantscheme,theproject’saimwastoupgradethemuseumtoGovernmentIndemnityStandard;alevelofsecurityandenvironmentalstandardsthatwillallowustoborrowfromNationalandNationalPartnerMuseumsinthefuture.Wewereabletoreplacetwodisplaycasesandithasillustratedthedifferencethatthehigheststandardofmuseumscasecanmaketohowwelookafteranddisplaytheobjectsinourcare.

Themuseumsalsobenefittedfromaseriesofnewacquisitionsthroughpurchaseandgiftsduring2018.Atthebeginningoftheyearagenerousdonationfundraisedbystaffmember,IsraaGetgoodatNo.1RoyalCrescentenabledustopurchaseaQianlongperiodbourdalouedatingfromthe1740sfortheladiesbedroom.ThegiftofawatercolourofCastlereaHouse,oncehometoNo.1residentHenrySandfordfromadescendantofhiswillalsohelpustotellSandford’sstory.AtBeckford’sToweraneagleeyedeBaypurchasefor£60securedaletterdated21May1847concerningthesettlementofBeckford’sestateafterhisdeath.WiththehelpofagrantfromtheFriendsofNationalLibrariesandaprivatedonationwewereabletopurchaseararevolumeofFaulkner’sLetters to Lord BroughamonceownedbyBeckfordandcontainingararesketchbyhimforapieceoffurnitureattheTower.TheHerschelMuseumwasgiftedbyGeoffreyBiggsawonderfulcollectionofcommemorativestampscompiledtomarktheEuropeanSpaceAgency’sfirstdeepspacemissiontoCometHalleyin1986.Inaddition,MoBAwasgiftedalovelysmallDavidCoxwatercoloursketchofthecity.TheyearendedwithtwosignificantnewacquisitionsforNo.1RoyalCrescent,madepossiblethankstoabequestfromthefamilyofMichaelBriggs,formerBPTChairman.Amahoganywallmirrordatingfromaround1760andanunusualpairoftelescopicmahoganycandlestickswereacquiredfortheentrancehallatthehouse,andformpartofasmallredisplayofthatspaceundertakenduringJanuary2019.

The Four Bath Worthiesunderconservation.

MuseumofBathArchitecturebeforeandafterinstallationofnewdisplaycases.

28 29

No. 1 Royal Crescent Lizzie Johansson-Hartley, Museum Manager

2018wasagreatyearforNo.1RoyalCrescentandwetestedsomenewideasintheexhibitiongalleryaswellaslaunchingsomeneweventsandactivities.

SupportfromtheHeritageLotteryFundenabledustocommissionafilmand,forthefirsttime,createaperformancespaceintheexhibitiongallery,withliveshowingsoftheplayaswellasarecordedfilmthatcouldbeshowntovisitors.Ourcelebrationof100yearsofWomen’sSuffrageexploredtheroleoftheGeorgianbluestockings,theimportanceofBathsuffragetteMaryBlathwaytaswellasthecrucialroleplayedbymanywomenwithinBathPreservationTrusttopreservethecityofBath.

Alongsidetheexhibitionweheldlecturesandfamilyactivitieslinkedtothisspecialanniversarytheme.Wealsointroducedmonthlymuseumlates,openingthemuseumonFridayeveningsthroughouttheseason,extendingthisovertheChristmasperiodwhenourcraftandchoraleveningsprovedtobeverypopular.WealsocontinuedwithourmuchlovedeventsincludingtheJaneAustenFestival,PartyintheCity,specialcostumedinterpretationdaysandConservationinActionsessions,allofwhichbringthehousetolifeinadifferentwayforvisitors,alwaysprovingpopular.

SadlywewerehitveryhardbythesnowinearlyMarchandmuseumclosuresledtoadropinourvisitornumbersthatwedidnotmanagetocatchupon.WestillhadaverysuccessfulandbusyEasterandSummer,withthenewChristmasandNewYearopeningseeingsomeofourbusiestdaysoftheyear.Wewouldliketothankinparticular,thosevolunteerswhowerehelpinginthemuseumoverthatfestiveperiod.

Volunteers at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Charlotte Tyler, Museum AdministratorWewouldalsoliketothankourvolunteersfortheirsupportoverthepastyear.Theyhavesupportedthemuseumasroomguidesandshopassistantsaswellashelpingwithcostumedinterpretation,eventsandconservationinaction.Wealsorantwosuccessfulvolunteeropendayswithover30newpeoplejoiningtheteamatNo.1andover60joiningBPTintotal.Ournewprogrammeoftraininglecturesandsocialeventswasalsoverysuccessfulandwellattended,includingafabulousSummerCreamTeaandfunChristmasparty.

The Shop at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Mari-Liis Konts, Retail ManagerTheNo.1shophadachallengingyearin2018.VisitornumbersinitiallyledtoadecreaseinturnoverbuttheDecemberopeningmeantwecameinontargetwithaturnoverof£86,890.63.TimespentwithaVisualMerchandisingconsultantalongsideanewrangeofSuffragettethemedsouvenirsledtosomepositivesalesresults.PeakperiodswereApril,MayandChristmas,withaquieterSummerandAutumnthanusual.InbetweenChristmasandNewYearwewereincrediblybusyandIwouldliketothankallofourvolunteersforsupportingusandhelpingtoraiseincometosupportourmuseumwork.

Ourexhibitioncelebrating100yearsofWomen’sSuffrage Ourcostumedinterpreters TheVolunteers’ChristmaspartyatNo.1RoyalCrescent

Suffragettethemedmerchandiseintheshop.

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No.1 Royal Crescent visitor numbers No.1 Royal Crescent retail income

No.1 Royal Crescent admissions income

10,000

9,000

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£0

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0Feb

Feb

Feb

Mar

Mar

Mar

Apr

Apr

Apr

May

May

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June

June

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Aug

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Aug

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2017 2017

2017

2018 2018

2018

32 33

Museum of Bath ArchitectureTim Beale, Museum Administrator

2018wasayearofexhibitionsforthemuseumwithnotonebutthreeoutstandingshows.TheyearopenedwiththearchitecturalphotographyexhibitionArchitecture under the Lenswhichfeaturedtheworkofeightlocalphotographersfromavarietyofbackgroundsfromcommercialinteriorstoskilledamateurs.Theexhibitionprovedtobepopularandagreatwayofshowingarchitectureinamoreaccessiblemedium.ThisexhibitionwastheinspirationfortheArchitectural Photographer of the Yearcompetitionwhichwelaunchedlaterintheyear.Thecompetitionattractedentriesfromaroundtheworldwithwinningphotoscreatingtheexhibitionfor2019.

Building Memory: the architecture of death & burial in BathwasourexhibitionthatformedpartoftheSuffrage100themeacrosstheBPTmuseums.TheexhibitionexploredhowthewayinwhichdeathwascelebratedduringtheVictorianperiodingrandfashionandthenhowthisshiftedafterWWIandthesheerlossoflifechangedthepublicperceptionofdeath.ItfeaturedmemorialplaquesfromtheWomen’sSuffragegardenofremembranceatEagleHouse,Batheaston.EachplaquehadbeenpositionedbyatreeplantedtoremembertheactionsofaSuffragetteorcommemoratetheirdeath.Itwasexceptionallymovingtoseethemintheexhibition.

Midyear,BathPreservationTrustwasapproachedbythePAofCliveArrowsmith,theinternationallyacclaimedphotographer.TheywerekeentoexhibitaseriesofphotographsClivetookofthesingerPeterGabrielinBathin1978.ManyoftheimagesfeaturediconicBathbuildingsandskylinesuchastheAbbey,RomanBathsandSolsburyHill.Peter Gabriel ReflectionsopenedinDecemberandranthroughtotheendofJanuary.Theexhibitionwaswellreceivedwithover1300visitorsandgenerating£12kincomeoverthetwomonthperiod.TheexhibitionnotonlyattractedplentyoflocalpublicityandfeaturedinalloftheBathpublicationsbutalsogainednationalandinternationalpresscoverage.WefeaturedinMOJOmusic

magazine,The Americanmagazine,Black & White photographer,Royal Photographic Society JournalandafeatureintheNYCbasedHyperallergicartsjournal.TheexhibitionleavesusalegacyintheformofacollectionofframedimagesthatareallavailabletopurchaseonacommissionbasiswithCliveArrowsmith.

TheseexhibitionsatMoBAhaveopenedusuptonewanddiverseaudiences,allowedustoengagewithcommunityorganisationsandwidenourofferofworkshopsandevents.AspartofthePeter Gabriel ReflectionsexhibitionwewereabletoworkwithStMungo’sonaphotoshootwithCliveArrowsmithwheretheirpeermentorshadtheopportunityofhavingtheirportraitstaken.Thepeermentorsarevolunteerswhohaveallbeenthroughthementalhealthsystemandnowhelpthosegoingthroughsimilarsituations.

2018provedtobeanotherbusyyearforeventswithaseriesoftalksandwalksbasedontheBuilding Memoryexhibition.WehadthepleasureofawalkingtalkbyBathUniversity’sDrTonyWaterslookingattheburialgroundsaroundWidcombe.

OneofthebestattendedeventsthisyearweretheLegochallenges.Runduringschoolholidays,theywereawinnerwithchildrenandadultswithonecouplevisitingfromtheWindsorLegoClubspecificallytotakepart.

OurconcertseriescontinuedtobewellreceivedespeciallythefolkmusiceventswithsomeveryskilledmusiciansplayingincludingthelikesofTheBookshopBand,TweedStreetandJenniferCrook.WealsoplayedhosttotheBathFolkFestivalforthesecondyearrunningwithfournightsoftalentedfolkmusicians.

Ahugethankyougoesouttoourvolunteerteamwhohaveworkedsohardthisyear,includingthroughDecemberandJanuarywhenthemuseumwouldnormallybeclosed.WehavehadtosaygoodbyetosomeofourMAstudentvolunteerswhohavecompletedtheircoursesandreturnedhomebuthavewelcomednewvolunteerstotheteamincludingMatt,afourthyearArchitecturestudentandJames,whoistakingayearoutfromteachingtocompletehisMAinHeritageManagement.

Clockwisefromfarleft:Peter Gabriel Reflections©CliveArrowsmithArrowsmithPrivateView©TimBealeBookshopBandBuilding MemoryexhibitionLocksbrookCemeteryWW1memorial2018FolkFest

34 35

Museum of Bath Architecture visitor numbers

Museum of Bath Architecture admissions income

Feb

Feb

Mar

Mar

Apr

Apr

May

May

June

June

July

July

Aug

Aug

Sep

Sep

Oct

Oct

Nov

Nov

Dec

Dec

Jan

Jan

2017

2017

2018

2018

1,400

£4,000

£3,500

£3,000

£2,500

£2,000

£1,500

£1,000

£500

£0

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Beckford’s Tower and Museum Courtney Fleming, Museum Administrator

2018wasanexcitingandproductiveyearatBeckford’sTower,withamajorfocusforbothstaffandvolunteersbeingthemuseum’sNLHFbid.AseriesofopenpublicconsultationswereheldatvarioussitesintownincludingKingswoodSchool’sSportsPavilion,theMuseumofBathArchitectureandtheToweritself.MembersofthepublicandcommunitygroupswereaskedtosharetheirthoughtsaboutthefutureofBeckford’sTower,andwhataspectsofthemuseumandlandscapeinspiredthemmost.Visitorstothemuseumwerealsoofferedleafletsannouncingourplans,andwereinvitedtocontacttheTower’sAdministratorwithanythoughtsorsuggestions.

OurexhibitionThe Beckford WomenexploredthewomeninWilliamBeckford’slifeandhowtheirpresenceshapedandinfluencedhimfromhischildhoodthroughtothefinalyearsofhislife.TheexhibitionwasreviewedbytheBritishSocietyofEighteenth-CenturyStudies,whopraisedits“ambitiouseffortstoprioritiseandadvancetheoften-hiddenhistoriesofeighteenth-centurywomen.”

The Beckford Scandalbookletwenttoprintinearly2018,andseveralboxesoffreecopieswhichwereavailableattheTowerwerequicklypickedupbyvisitors.ThebookletremainsavailabletodownloadinPDFformatfromourwebsite,andalaminatedcopywillremainattheTowerforgueststoenjoyalongsidethe Beckfords and the Slave Tradebooklet.

Beckford’sTowerhostedtwofilmcrewsin2018,thefirstbeingtheproductioncompanyfortheBBC’s‘CivilisationsStories’programme.TheTowerfeaturedheavilyinanepisodewhichexploredtheremainsoftheslavetradeintheSouthWestofEngland.Thehost,Bristol’sPoetLaureateMilesChambers,visitedtheTowertospeakwithDr.AmyFrostabouttheBeckfordfamily’sinvolvementinandprofitfromtheslavetrade.Chambers,whoishimselfdescendedfromJamaicanslaves,finishedtheepisodewithamovingpoeminspiredbytheplaces,objects,andpersonalitiesheencounteredthroughouthisvisitsandinterviews.Theepisodewasreceivedverywell,andtheTowerguidesreportedmanyvisitorswhowereinspiredtovisittheTowerafterseeingtheepisode.WearethankfultotheBBCandtoMilesChambersforinvolvingBeckford’sTowerinthisproject,andfortheplatformandexposureitgaveustocontinuesharingthisimportantpartoftheTower’sstorywiththepublic.

Asecondfilmcrew,madeupoffilmstudentsfromBathSpaUniversity,visitedtheTowertointerviewDr.AmyFrostandCourtneyFlemingaboutBeckford’slife,andwhyhisstoryandthemuseumarebothimportantandrelevanttoday.Beckford’schildhoodandlaterisolationwereexplored,andtheshortfilmcanbefoundonYouTube.Theprojectalsoinvolvedcapturingdronefootageandphotography,andthestudentsprovidedallofthesevaluablefilestotheTower.

Cemeterytour TowerGuidesatFonthill

36 37

Theeventsprogrammecontinuedtogrowin2018withtwobrandneweveningcemeterytourswhichwereheldinOctober.ThesetourstookmembersofthepublicaroundLansdownCemeterytolearnaboutthehistoryofthelandscape,andtovisitnotableburials–includingthoseassociatedwithWilliamBeckford.Thetourswereverysuccessfulandwillberepeatedin2019.Inspiredbythemuseum’sexhibition,theBeckfordBookGroupchosetextswhichwerewrittenbywomenand/orshowcasedstrongfemalecharacters.Afavouritewastheplay‘Arcadia’byTomStoppard,andjustweeksafterthebookgroupmeeting,theplaywasputonatTheRondoTheatre.Agroupofmembersarrangedtomeetupandseeitperformed,anditwasenjoyedbyall.TheBeckfordBirthdayLecturecelebratedthereleaseofthebook‘FonthillRecovered’(whichDr.AmyFrostcontributedto),byhavingthebook’sEditor,CarolineDakers,andhistorianNeilBurtongiveajointlectureaboutthehistoryoftheFonthillEstate.WeddingsatBeckford’sTowercontinuedin2018withthreeceremoniestakingplace,includingabeautifullytimedsunsetvowrenewalceremonyintheBelvedere.Withaviewtoincreasingourofferasaweddingvenue,valuablepartnershipsweremadeduring2018withNo15GreatPulteneyStreet,whowillofferprivatediningoptionsforcouplesandtheirguests,andtheBeckfordBottleShop,whoarenowtheofficialwinesuppliersforBeckford’sTowerweddings.Aweddingsleafletisduetobereleasedinearly2019tobedistributedatregionalweddingfairs,aswellasbeingdisplayedonourwebsitetoprovidepotentialcoupleswithanoutlineoftheuniqueoffersofBeckford’sTowerasaweddingvenue.

Ourvolunteerbasegrewin2018,withfournewguidesjoiningtheBeckford’sTowerteam.WearedelightedtonowhavethreevolunteerguidesfromthehousingdevelopmentacrosstheroadatEnsleigh,aswellasasecondstudentfromBathSpaUniversity’sMAinGothicLiteratureprogramme.

Beckford Exhibition

In2018weexploredthevitalrolethatwomenplayedinthelifeofWilliamBeckfordtocoincidewiththeSuffrage100themeacrossthemuseums.TheBeckfordWomenexhibitionrevealedthelives,lovesandlossofthefascinatingwomenwhoinfluencedandwereinfluencedbyBeckford.HisMother’sreligiouspiety,thetendermotherlyaffectionofLadyCatherineHamiltonandtheimpactofhisowndaughterswereallinvestigated.Thekeycharacterwechoosetohighlightwas,however,Beckford’shalf-sister,ElizabethHervey.Shewastheauthorofsixnovelspublished1788–1814andthankstoChawtonHouselibrary,weborrowedanddisplayedfirsteditionsofallbutoneofherworksintheexhibition.

‘Althoughonamodestscale,TheBeckfordWomencanhappilybelistedalongsideother,larger-scaleexhibitions…initsambitiouseffortstoprioritiseandadvancetheoften-hiddenhistoriesofeighteenth-centurywomen.’ReviewbyMadeleinePellingforBSECS.

Beckford’s Tower & Museum visitor numbers

Beckford’s Tower & Museum admissions income

2017

2017

2018

2018

Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

£2,500

£2,000

£1,500

£1,000

£500

0

BeckfordWomenexhibitiondetail

38 39

Herschel Museum of Astronomy Exhibition – Isabel Wall, Assistant Curator

Our2018exhibition,Wonder Women of Space,exploredhowCarolineHerschel’slifeandworkisaninspirationtowomenworkinginastronomytoday.Theexhibitionfeaturedfourwomenatvariouspointsintheircareersinastrophysics,astronomyandspaceengineering,eachofwhomchosetheirfavouriteobjectfromthemuseum’scollection.Itwassupportedbyaprogrammeofpopulareventsandoutreachtolocalschools.Theexhibition,talksandeventswereenjoyedbythepublicwithverypositivefeedbackandalsogeneratedwidemediainterest.WeareveryexcitedthatWonder Women of SpacehaswontheawardforBestProjectwithalimitedbudgetachievingthebiggestimpactattheMuseums&HeritageAwards2019.

Events – Joe Middleton, Museum Administrator

TheeventsprogrammetheHerschelMuseumarrangedin2018wasanexcitingandvariedoneduetocollaborativeeffortswiththeWilliamHerschelSocietyandBathAstronomers,allowingthemuseumtoputonanumberofjointlectures/talkslinkedtotheWonder Women of Spaceexhibitionandobservingsessionshostedatthemuseumthroughouttheyear,allwhichprovedtobepopularwiththepublic.

ParticipantswhohelpedinformtheexhibitionsuchasLukeLucasfromtheEuropeanSpaceAgencyandProfCaroleMundelloftheUniversityofBath,wereabletogivetalksabouttheircareersandworkincludedvisitstolocalschoolswhichencouragedinterestincontemporaryastronomy,scienceandtheexhibitiontonewaudiences.

Theastronomytelescopesessionswhichtookplaceatthemuseumin2018includedthedayofthesummersolsticeandtheeveningofapartiallunareclipse.VisitorsofallageswereabletoenjoytheexperiencetoviewtheskylookingthroughmoderntelescopesandaHerschelreplicatelescopefromtheveryhouseaplanetwasdiscovered!Thesessionsalsoinvolvedinformativetalksbytheastronomers.OneobservingsessionoutsideofthemuseumwasheldaspartofWorldHeritageDayinfrontoftheRoyalCrescent,whereafewthousandpeopleattendedforalltheeventsheldonthatday,andsuccessfullygeneratedinterestinthemuseum,theWHSandBathAstronomers.

AnothereventlinkedtotheexhibitionincludedaconcertcalledWonder Women of ScienceperformedbytheElectricVoiceTheatreheldatBPTpartner,theMuseumofBathArchitecture.

ThemuseumhostedartistLoisCordeliawhopaintedthe‘HerschOwl’fortheB&NESwideMinervaOwltrailwhichranthroughoutBathwithOwlsculpturesinpublicspacesduringthesummerperiod.TheowlwassponsoredbyMogersDrewett.

FinallyIwouldliketosaythankyoutoalltheHerschelMuseumvolunteers,WilliamHerschelSocietyandBathAstronomersfortheirgeneroushelpandsupportovertheyear.Ithasmadeasubstantialdifferenceinwhatwecouldachieveand2018hasprovedtobethebusiestyearinthemuseum’shistory.

Herschel Museum visitor numbers 20172018

Astronomytelescopesessionsonthesummersolsticeandtheeveningofapartiallunareclipse.

The‘HerschOwl’

Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

1,400

1,600

1,800

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Herschel Museum admissions income 20172018

£9,000

£8,000

£7,000

£6,000

£5,000

£4,000

£3,000

£2,000

£1,000

£0Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

40 41

Learning and Engagement at the Trust’s Museums Polly Andrews, Learning and Engagement Officer

SchoolsAnewStarseekersprojectattheHerschelMuseum,fundedbytheErnestCookFoundation,hasenabledBPTtoofferexcitingworkshopstoschools.InpartnershipwithlocalBathAstronomers,theHerschelSocietyandtheBathRoyalLiteraryandScientificInstitution,primaryandsecondaryschoolshaveexploredhowtelescopeswork,usedvirtualrealityheadsetstogoonaspacewalkandmade‘stomprockets’.

Tomark100yearssincesomewomenachievedtherighttovote,ourSuffrage100IntergenerationalprojectbroughttogethermembersofAgeUK(Bath&NorthEastSomerset),St.Andrew’sPrimarySchoolandBathSoroptomists.

Over6weeks,aclassofchildrenaged9and10yearsmetwitholderresidentsofBathtoexploretheBathSuffragettes’story.Theycreatedtheirownrosettesandbanners,designedamemorialgardenandplantedpotswiththemedflowerstomarktheanniversary.TheprojectculminatedwithaprocessionalongtheRoyalCrescent.

FamiliesAmongstavariedyearofactivities,highlightsincluded,atMoBA,aninvitationtofamiliestotackledesignandengineeringchallengesusingLego™andotherconstructionmaterials.ProfessorCaroleMundell,ProfessorofExtragalacticAstronomyandHeadofAstrophysicsattheUniversityofBathgaveatalktofamiliesabouthercareerinordertoencourageyoungpeopletogetinvolvedwithScience.AtWorldHeritageDay,heldoutsideNo.1RoyalCrescentinApril,localexpertsfromBathandWiltshireAstronomersgavemembersofthepublicguidanceonusingsolartelescopes.TheLearning&EngagementteamalsogavechildrenthechancetodressupasandlearnaboutWilliamandCarolineHerschelandtheirgreatscientificachievements.

Higher EducationBPThascontinuedtoofferplacementsforBathSpastudentsinareasrelevanttotheirprofessionaldevelopmentincludingsocialmedia,educationandarchiving.JamesPetrucco,anMAHeritageManagementstudent,devisedactivitiestoengagestudentsfromAbbotAlphegeAcademy,theneighbouringprimaryschooltoBeckford’sTower.ExploringhowtheTowerwasconstructed,hewassupportedbytheLearning&Engagementteamtoextendbothhisprofessionalskillsandthestudents’understandingofthisremarkablebuilding

Community EngagementOurinvolvementwithotherBathmuseumsthroughthePathwaystoWellbeingprojecthascontinuedforathirdyear.Awiderangeofmentalhealthsupportworkshopshavetakenplace,includingforpeoplewithdementiaandtheircarers.TheIMAGEgroupworkedwithartistPhilippaForseyatMoBAtohand-paintsilkbannerswithmotifsinspiredbythebuildinganditscollection.Thebannersarenowusedatpubliceventsatthemuseumsuchasconcerts,astheyhelpcreateabrightandwelcomingatmosphere.

AstudentfromStMark’sSecondarySchoollooksthroughatelescope.

AclassfromAbbotAlphegeAcademyvisitingBeckford’sTower.

SilkbannersbytheIMAGEmentalhealthsupportartgroupatMoBA.

BannersmadebyStAndrew’sPrimaryschooltocommemoratetheSuffragettes.

AfamilydressedupastheHerschelsatWorldHeritageDay.

42 43

Marketing and Social MediaJaney Abbott, Marketing and Communications Officer

OurfourmuseumsshowcasedifferentaspectsofBath’sGeorgianlife,fromarchitecture,personalitiesandsocialhistorytoculturalchangesthroughtheAgeofEnlightenment.Thislinkcanstrengthenthesuccessofourmarketingandcommunications,especiallywhenweshareonethemeforthefourexhibitionseachyear.Oursharedthemein2018wasWomen’sSuffrage,ofwhichyou’vereadmuchalreadyinthispublication.ItworkedwellfortheTrust;marketingandPRmadeeasierbythenationalmoodofcelebration.

Ofourwideandvariedmarketingcampaigns,particularlysuccessfulin2018weretheprimepositionadvertsonbusesandintherailwaystation,aswellastheyellowAASignsandournew-lookwebsite.WidespreaddistributionofournewjointleafletsandpostersalongsidethereprintoftheBathMuseumsMapalsohelpedenhanceourongoingpromotionofthefourmuseums.

2018alsosawaveryhealthyincreaseinthenumberoffollowersengagingwithoursocialmediaoutputs,especiallyFacebookandTwitter.Thiswasingreatpartduetothenewstorieswecraftedandsharedaboutourcollectionsandthepersonalitiesconnectedtoourmuseums–bothhistoricalandlivingtoday.Weareindebtedtotwonewvolunteerswhoaregivingtheirtimetoresearch,photographandpostthesestories:VanessaWhiteatNo.1RoyalCrescentandRowanDodemontattheHerschelMuseumofAstronomywhohavebothboostedtheprofilesanddiverseidentitiesoftherespectivemuseums.Iwouldliketothankthemfortheirongoingsupport.

IfanyonewouldliketocontributetothesocialmediaeffortsofBeckford’sTowerortheMuseumofBathArchitecturethenpleasedocontactJabbott@bptrust.org.uk

Membership and Trust ToursJan Hull, Membership Engagement Officer

Numbershaveagainremainedconstantthroughthisyearandmembershavebeentakingadvantageofthemanybenefitsmembershipprovides,includingseekingadvicefromourspecialistconservationstaff,ofteninperson,attheirnewofficeintheSchoolhousenexttotheMuseumofBathArchitecture.MembersalsoreceivedtheSpringandAutumneditionsofournewsletter,Bath Matters,andmanytookpartinourtoursandwalks.

Trust Tours 2018PetaHallarrangedmoreexcellenttoursformembersfortheSummer2018andthankyousomuchtoallourmemberswhohavesupportedthetoursforanotherseason.ThankstoJoyBurtforherwonderfulleadingofthetoursandtoJaneFergusonandJanHullforhandlingthebookings.

Barford Park 9 May 2018Agroupof35memberswereluckyenoughtovisitthefamilyhomeofDonaldandBeeRice,tuckedawayintheSomersetcountrysideatSpaxton.Wedividedintotwogroups–oneexploringthegardensandwoodlandwalks,andtheotherlookingroundthehousewithDonaldexplainingtheworkstheyhaddonetomakethehouseacosyfamilyhomefortheirfouryoungchildren.Weallhadteainthekitchenlookingoutontoalargepond,whilethechildrenarrivedhomefromschool.Averyspecialvisittoafamilyintentonrestoringthisearlytomid-eighteenthcenturyBaroquecountryhouseandpark.

Stockton House 24 May 2018ThiswasareturnvisittoStockton,wherewecamein2015toseethisJacobean/ElizabethanmanorhousenearWylye,undergoingamajorrestorationbyownerNickJenkins.Thistime40ofuscamebacktoseethefinishedhomeandwerewelcomedbyNickandhismotherCarol.WeagaintookDrAndrewFoylewithus,whohadadvisedNickonthehistoryofthehouseandwesplitintotwogroupstoexplorethehouseandgarden.Thehousehasbeentastefullyandsympatheticallytransformedandthebrandnewpoolhousebytherestoredpoolinthegardenwasarealrevelation.Weallenjoyedteainthehouseattheendofourvisit,bywhichtimetherainwaspouringdown,justasitdidin2015!

Stowe House and Stowe Park 12 June 2018 ThedaybeganwithavisittoStowe’sCapabilityBrownlandscapedgardensandPalladianbridge.AfteralunchinthecaféthegrouphadawonderfultourvisitingStoweHousetoseeitsmanytreasures,andhearaboutthehistoryofthehouse,thefamilyandtheirinterests,theirvisitorsandtheirspendinghabits.AnnaMcEvoy,HouseCustodianofStoweHousePreservationTrust,gavearealinsightintotheworktheyhaveachieved

BPTmembersatStowe

44 45

restoringStoweandthegroupwereveryinterestedintheirpracticalapproachtoconservationandcontinualneedtoaccommodatetheneedsoftheschool.

ThegroupwasgratefulforthepupilswhosestudytimeintheLibraryweinterrupted–theywereverypatientwithus,especiallywithexamslooming!TheafternoonconcludedwithteaandcakesinthesplendouroftheMarbleSaloon.

Westonbirt House and Gardens 28 June 2018OnaroastinghotdayinBathitwasblisstogoouttothecountrysideandvisitahugecoolbuilding!

WetouredWestonbirtHouseintwogroupsledbyexpertsfromtheHolfordTrust–whilethegirlsstudiednearbyintheschoolwingofthehouse.Wecaughtglimpsesofthemastheychangedclassesandwentfortea.Weenjoyedacreamteatogetherbeforegoingoutsidetolookaroundtheimmaculategroundsandchurch.AsplendidVictorianbuilding,whichisinneedoffundstokeepitingoodshape.

Crichel House and Park 11 September 2018BykindpermissionofAmericanownerRichardChiltonJr,whocurrentlylivesintheUSA,alargegroupofustravelledtoMoorCrichel,afterabriefstopinShaftesbury.WeweregreetedbytheEstateManager,HeadGardenerandButler.OnegroupsawthestunningwalledgardenswhileNickStone,EstateManager,showedtheothersaroundthemagnificentgroundfloorroomsofthehouse.Teawasservedonthebalconyaswelookedoutover1200acresofparkanda30acrelake.Itwasarealtreattoseeafabuloushousethatisnotopentothepublic.

WalksWehadthreewalksduringthesummermonthsandeacheveningwalk,lastingonehourandahalf,wasduplicatedoveratwoweekperiod.AllwalkswereorganisedbyAndrewButterworthwithJanHullandcovereddiversesubjects.CarolineKayledwalksonthegrowthofstudenthousinginBath,DavidStubbsledawalkexploringCombeDownanddiscussingtheimpactoftheMODatFoxhillandthenewMulberryParkdevelopment,andAndrewButterworthandVictoriaBarwellledwalkscalled‘TyingtheKnot’whichfocusedonhistoricpeoplewhoweremarriedinBath.Wewereverygratefultoallthewalkleaders.

CrichelHouse

World Heritage Site Enhancement Fund Ainslie Ensom, Administrator

In2018,oftenwithvolunteerhelp,theWHEFagaincompletedprojectstoenhancethefabricoftheWorldHeritageSite;theFundalsoproducedleafletsaidingknowledgeandunderstandingoftheWHS,andsupportedschemesforconservinghistoricironwork.

Printing and distribution of WHS City Trail Leaflets £2,309 25,000copiesweredistributedinandaroundBath.

Materials and Techniques for Repairs to Traditionally Forged Ironwork £3,000 ThiswasacontributiontowardsthepublicationofatechnicalhandbookproducedbytheNationalHeritageIronworkGroup.Thehandbookdetailsconservationproceduresfortherepairofhistoricironwork,usefulguidanceforpractitioners,andalsoforhouseowners,conservationofficers,architectsandbuilders.

Interpretation Panel for Shakespeare Monument in Royal Victoria Park £1,000 TheBathShakespeareSocietyorganisedtheconstructionofafreestandinginformationpanelbearingthemonument’sinscription,whichisnowillegible,atanoverallcostof£2,192

Restoration of the Fingerpost at the top of Brassknocker Hill £1,704 Thefingerpostwasdilapidatedandrusting;conservationandre-paintinghaverestoredthesign’slegibilityandsafe-guardeditsfuture.

Support for the BathIRON Festival June 14th to 17th £7,500 OrganisedbytheNationalHeritageIronworkGroup,theFestivalincludedworkshops,guidedwalks,seminarsandforgingdemonstrationswhichincludedpublicparticipation.TheFundsponsoredabandstandrailingpanelinParadeGardens,roomhireforlectures,andleaflets.

City Trail leaflet describing Admiral Lord Nelson’s association with Bath £602 InitiatedandsupportedbytheNelsonSocietyatanoverallcostof£1,505,5,000copiesoftheleafletweredesigned,printedanddistributed.

InterpretationPanelforShakespeareMonumentinRoyalVictoriaPark

RestorationoftheFingerpostatthetopofBrassknockerHill

46 47

Overview of the Trust’s Finances for the YearDiane Aderyn, Chair, Finance Committee

Asthefiguresbelowandonthenextfewpagesshow,BPThasenjoyedayearwhichonthefaceofitlooksfinanciallyperfectlyhealthy.However,thisconcealsanumberofhardtruths.Firstofall,incomefrombothcommercialtrading(primarilyretail)andourinvestmentswasdown,reflectiveofglobaltrendsquitebeyondourcontrol;andsecondlythebeneficialbottomlinewassignificantlyassistedbyasinglemostgenerouslegacywhichisreflectedinthisyear’saccountsbutwillbespentoveranumberofyearsandisnottheretomeetdeficits.Meanwhile,thereremainupwardpressuresonallofourcostsandwemustconsiderthatwemaybeapproachingapotentialceilingofthegrowthwecanexpectfromeitherticketpricingor(lesscertainly)visitornumbers.

Wearecontinuouslykeepinganeyeonthefuturesustainabilityofouroperationandlookingforopportunitiesforfurtherincomegrowthoroperationalefficiencies,whetherthroughdonationsandlegaciesorcommercialincomesources.Wemustbeconsciousinthishoweverthatweexpectagreatdealofourstaffalready:BPTissometimesunabletosetpayatthedesiredlevelstorecruitandretainstaff.Whilethatistosomeextentafeatureoftheculturalandcharitablesector,itisincreasinglydifficultforpeopletostartandgrowtheircareersinBathbecauseoftheexternalcostoflivingandthismaybegintoimpactonourcapacitytorecruit.Wehaverelativelylittleinthewayoffreereserves,oncethemaintenanceofourbuildingsandaprudent‘rainyday’fundistakenintoaccount,whichinturnlimitsourcapacityforimaginativeinvestmentingrowth.Itcouldalsobearguedthatwetrytodotoomuchontoolittle,andthestrategicreviewcurrentlybeingundertakenbyTrusteesisanopportunitytolookatthisfurther.

Thenext12monthswillbenolessbusyifwearesuccessfulinreceivingthegrantfortheBeckfordproject–anothernecessaryinvestmentinourinfrastructure–andwillalsocontinuethefocusonsustainabilityandcommercialgrowth.Wewillbetalkingmoreovertlyaboutlegaciestoourmembersandwillbeaseverensuringthatwerunatightship.

Ishouldliketothankallourstaffandespeciallythefinancestaffwhoholdthefortsoablyfromdaytoday.

Detailed Financial and Operational review

Totalmuseumsincomewasupby5.0%thisyear,at£677,657fortheyear(prioryear£645,270).Membershipincomeshowedadecreaseof8.1%ontheprioryeartoreach£26,596fortheyear.

Donations,legaciesandgrantsreceivedduring2018were£263,738ofwhich£154,366wereunrestricted.Therestrictedgrantsincluded£23,773fordisplaycasesatMoBA,anadditional£6,765towardstheRoyalCrescentexhibitionand£4,510fortheJudicialReview.

Incomefrominvestmentsfortheyearwas£88,443,comprising£69,010ofrentalincomeand£19,433ofinvestmentincomeandbankinterest.(Prioryear£72,659and£20,418respectively).

Totalincomefromothertradingactivitieswas£97,554(prioryear£105,671).ThemajorityofthisrelatedtosalesintheshopatNo1RoyalCrescent.

Unrestrictedexpenditureongeneralactivitiesincreasedby£52,873thisyearto£932,725.Thelargestelementofthisincreasewasattributabletosalarycosts(up£22,035to£499,596)whichcontinuetobeimpactedbytheannualincreaseintheNationalLivingWage.

PremisescostsarethesecondhighestcategoryoftheTrust’sexpenditure,amountingto£146,841.

Restoration of Hedgemead Park Fountain £3,193Thefountainhasbeencleanedandpainted,andthesurmountingeaglerepairedandre-gilded;thecompletionofthislongrunningprojectwassupportedbytheFriendsofHedgemeadParkandtheCouncil’sParksDepartment.

Conservation of ten historic painted street signs £12,510ThissetincludedthefiftiethintheFund’srollingprogrammeofsigns,inPierrepontStreet.OthersinthistrancheoftheprogrammewereinNewBondStreetPlace,CheapStreet,BroadStreet,GreenStreet,UpperBoroughWalls,ParkStreet,ParkPlaceandSomersetPlace.

Gravel Walk Telephone box £1,160TheGradeIIListedK6boxhasbeenrepairedandre-painted,andprovidedwithnewinterpretationpanels.

Goodridge Octagonal Mortuary Chapel in Smallcombe Cemetery £5,000Repair,drainageimprovements,therestorationofthebellcotandbellwerepartofanoverallschemeof£15,000whichwasalsofundedbyBathandNESomersetCouncil,andtheFriendsofStMary’sChurchyards.

Forinformationandtosuggestnewprojects,pleasecontacttheFundAdministrator,AinslieEnsomwhsef@bptrust.org.uk

Thenewlyre-gildedeaglereturningtothefountaininHedgemeadPark

BrianBarclayofClivedenConservationrestoringapaintedstreetsign

NewinterpretationpanelintheGravelWalktelephonebox

48 49

The Bath Preservation Trust Limited and its Subsidiaries Summary Financial Information for the Year Ended 31 January 2019

Legal and Administrative Details

TheBathPreservationTrustLimitedisacompanylimitedbyguaranteeandaregisteredcharity;itisgovernedbytheprovisionscontainedinitsmemorandumandarticles.

Asat31stJanuary2019,TheBathPreservationTrusthasthreesubsidiaries,whoseresultsareallconsolidatedwithintheaccountsoftheTrust:

No.1RoyalCrescent(Bath)Ltd Non-charitabletradingsubsidiaryTheBeckfordTowerTrust UnincorporatedcharitabletrustTheHerschelHouseTrust Unincorporatedcharitabletrust

Approval of accounts

Thesummaryfinancialinformationsetoutonpages50to57hasbeenextractedfromtheaccountsinordertoprovideapictureoftheincomearisingfromandexpenditureontheTheBathPreservationTrust’svariousactivitiesduringtheyearto31January2019,anditsassets,liabilitiesandfundbalancesatthatdate.

Thisinformationistakenfromthefullfinancialstatementsfortheyearto31January2019whichwereapprovedbytheTrusteeson20May2019andwhichwillbesubmittedtotheCharityCommissionandtheRegistrarofCompanies.

Inordertogainafullunderstandingofthefinancialaffairsofthecharityanditssubsidiaries,thefullauditedfinancialstatements,Trustees’AnnualReportandAuditors’Reportshouldbeconsulted;copiescanbeobtainedfromtheTrust.

SignedonbehalfoftheTrusteesby:

WHTSheppardChairman–TheBathPreservationTrustLtd

Investmentsdidnotperformwellthisyear,withalossof£40,775comparedtogainsintheprioryearof£47,416.

Asaresultoftheabove,thetotalfundsincreasedby£15,531,comprisingareductioninRestrictedFundsby£55,585andanincreaseinUnrestrictedFundsof£71,116.

50 51

Income and Expenditure Assets, Liabilities and Funds

Bath

Pre

serv

atio

n

Trus

t (in

cl N

o. 1

RC

(Bat

h) L

td) (

£)

Bath

Pre

serv

atio

n

Trus

t (in

cl N

o. 1

RC

(Bat

h) L

td) (

£)

Beck

ford

Tow

er

Trus

t (£)

Beck

ford

Tow

er

Trus

t (£)

Her

sche

l Hou

se

Trus

t (£)

Her

sche

l Hou

se

Trus

t (£)

Tota

l Unr

estr

icte

d

Fund

s (£

)

Tota

ls a

t 31

Janu

ary

2019 To

tals

at 3

1 Ja

nuar

y

2018Re

stri

cted

&

Endo

wm

ent f

unds

(£)

Tota

l 201

9 (£

)To

tal 2

018

(£)

Unrestricted funds

* se

e no

te

* se

e no

te

Unrestricted Funds:

Income & endowments before investment incom:

Museums–admissions 597,203 8,505 49,581 655,289 – 655,289 626,865

Museums–shopsales 88,206 716 6,574 95,496 – 95,496 104,713

Museums–weddingincome – 2,058 – 2,058 – 2,058 958

‘Friends’membershipschemes 26,596 – – 26,596 – 26,596 28,942

Otherincome 20,519 350 1,499 22,368 – 22,368 18,405

Grants,donationsandlegacies 152,680 1,365 321 154,366 – 154,366 21,628

Totalincome&endowmentsbeforeinvestmentincome 885,204 12,994 57,975 956,173 – 956,173 801,511

Expenditure on operations:

Shoppurchases 51,916 16 3,558 55,490 – 55,490 50,571

Othercostofgeneratingfunds 3,767 – – 3,767 – 3,767 21,992

Rentalpropertyandinvestmentmanagementcosts 13,054 2,100 – 15,154 – 15,154 23,985

Salaries 438,735 11,450 49,411 499,596 – 499,596 477,561

Premisescosts(inc.depreciation) 108,074 15,752 23,015 146,841 – 146,841 111,451

CostsofMuseumopening 72,390 3,478 4,079 79,947 – 79,947 76,085

Membershipcosts 14,982 – – 14,982 – 14,982 15,282

Administrationandothercosts 91,236 4,149 4,832 100,217 – 100,217 89,383

Governance–audit&bankcharges 8,281 969 1,438 10,688 – 10,688 8,064

Weddingcosts – 1,043 – 1,043 – 1,043 4786 TrustcontributiontoWHSEF 5,000 – – 5,000 5,000 – _

Totalexpenditure 807,435 38,957 86,333 932,725 5,000 927,725 874,852

Net expenditure for the year before investments 77,769 (25,963) (28,358) 23,448 5,000 28,448 (73,341)

Investment income

Rentalincome 39,046 13,636 16,328 69,010 – 69,010 72,659

Dividendsandinterest 9,430 4,475 5,528 19,433 – 19,433 20,418

Net income / (expenditure) for the year after investments 126,245 (7,852) (6,502) 111,891 5,000 116,891 19,736

Restricted Funds 6 Income – – – – 104,372 104,372 103,224

6 Expenditure – – – – (164,957) (164,957) (167,528)

Net income / (expenditure) 126,245 (7,852) (6,502) 111,891 (55,585) 56,306 (44,568)

4 Investment gains / (losses) (19,531) (6,692) (14,552) (40,775) – (40,775) 47,416

Total movement in funds 106,714 (14,544) (21,054) 71,116 (55,585) 15,531 2,848

Fund balances brought forward 1,097,407 226,955 161,059 1,485,421 1,068,579 2,554,000 2,551,152

Fund balances carried forward 1,204,121 212,411 140,005 1,556,537 1,012,994 2,569,531 2,554,000

Fixed Assets

Tangiblefixedassets:

1 Freeholdlandandbuildings 774,969 – – 774,969 774,969

2 Museumexhibits 46,433 391,831 44,634 482,898 474,917

3 Othertangiblefixedassets 79,884 253 16,419 96,556 102,787

4 Investments 439,898 161,036 96,735 697,669 835,943

1,341,184 553,120 157,788 2,052,092 2,188,616

Current Assets

Shopstockforresale 17,812 806 2,618 21,236 29,780

Debtors 21,311 1,388 1,386 24,085 48,746

Bankbalances 363,884 164,909 26,381 555,174 383,336

403,007 167,103 30,385 600,495 461,862

Creditors: falling due within one year (74,277) (4,683) (4,096) (83,056) (96,479)

Net current assets 328,730 162,420 26,289 517,439 365,383

Total assets less current liabilities 1,669,914 715,540 184,077 2,569,531 2,553,999

Unrestricted funds

Designated:investedinproperty 542,978 – – 542,978 542,978

Designated:futuremaintenance 200,742 186,811 100,089 487,642 551,980

Designated:CarlandJeanetteMayfund 116,535 – – 116,535 –

Designated:lossofincome 166,936 25,600 39,916 232,452 226,576

Designated:operatingcosts 24,500 – – 24,500 24,500

Undesignated:freereserves 152,430 – – 152,430 139,387

5 Totalunrestrictedfunds 1,204,121 212,411 140,005 1,556,537 1,485,421

Capital – Permanent Endowment Fund 231,991 59,135 – 291,126 291,126

6 Restricted funds 233,802 443,994 44,072 721,868 777,452

1,669,914 715,540 184,077 2,569,531 2,553,999

52 53

Notes

1. Freehold Land and BuildingsTherewerenomovementsinthefreeholdlandandbuildingsduringtheyear(prioryear:nil).No1RoyalCrescentisincludedatavaluationthatisoverfiveyearsold;TheCountessofHuntingdon’sChapelisincludedatcost.IntheopinionoftheTrusteestheopenmarketvalueofthepropertiesisinexcessofthesefiguresbuttheydonotintendtoobtainprofessionalvaluationsastheybelievethatthecostsofsuchanexercisewouldoutweighthebenefits.

No1RoyalCrescentisusedpurelyforTrustandMuseumactivities;TheCountessofHuntingdon’sChapelisusedpartlyforTrustandMuseumactivities,andtheremainderisrentedoutasofficespacetotenants.

ThefreeholdlandandbuildingsknownasBeckford’sTower,Lansdown,BathweregiftedtoTheBeckfordTowerTrustin1972and19NewKingStreetwasgiftedtoTheHerschelHouseTrustin1987;novaluewasplacedoneithergift,andtherehavebeennosubsequentformalvaluations,sonocostorvalueforBeckford’sToweror19NewKingStreetisincludedinthefinancialstatements.

TheBathPreservationTrustalsoowns:•ThefreeholdofLyncombeHillBurialGround,Widcombe,Bath,forwhichitpaid£3,000in

1990butwhichwasnotrecordedasanassetatthedateofpurchase,andwhosecurrentvalueisconsideredtobeminimal;

•ThefreeholdsoftwopropertiesinBath,leton999yearleasesatnominalrents,forwhichnocostorvaluewasrecognisedwhentheleasesweregranted,andwhosecurrentvalueisalsoconsideredtobeminimal.

AspartoftheagreementforHeritageLotteryFundsupportforTheWholeStoryproject,theHLFhavetakenachargeovertheTrust’spropertyatNo1RoyalCrescent,whichwillbedischargedaftertwenty-fiveyears.

2. Museum ExhibitsDonatedheritageassets:ItisthepolicyoftheTrustnottocapitalisedonatedheritageassetsheldinthecollectionsoftheTrust,Beckford’sTower(whichwasdonatedtoTheBeckfordTowerTrustin1972)or19NewKingStreet(whichwasdonatedtoHerschelHouseTrustin1987).Theseitemsareineffectinalienableexceptinsofarasthelimitedacquisitionsanddisposalspolicypermits,heldinprincipleinperpetuity,andaremostlyirreplaceable,andanyfinanciallybasedvaluationwouldbemisleadingtothevalueandsignificanceofthematerialcultureinvolved.

TheTrusthasacleardutytocareforandmakeavailabletheseassetsfortheenjoymentandeducationofthepublicasfarasispossible,commensuratewiththelongtermcareoftheseitems.Thehighestpossiblestandardsofcollectionmanagementareapplied,andthecataloguesaremadeavailableaswidelyaspossibletofacilitateallenquiriesandrequestsforinformation,subjecttoappropriatesecurityanddataprotectionguidelines.AlltheTrust’smuseumshaveAccreditedstatus.

Purchasedheritageassets:HeritageAssetspurchasedbytheTrustafter1March2005arerecordedatcostandhavenotbeendepreciated,astheyaredeemedtohaveindefinitelivesandarereviewedannuallyforanyimpairment.Theseassetsaremanagedwiththesamecareandrigourasanyotheritemsinthecollections,andareintendedaspermanentadditionstothecollections.

3. Other Tangible Fixed AssetsDuringthisfinancialyeartheMuseumofBathArchitectureboughtnewdisplaycasesatacostof£28,786.

4. Investments

Bath

Pre

serv

atio

n

Trus

t (in

cl N

o. 1

RC

(Bat

h) L

td) (

£)

Reve

nue

surp

lus/

(defi

cit)

(£)

Inve

stm

ent g

ains

or lo

sses

(£)

Tran

sfer

s be

twee

n

fund

s (£

)

Mov

emen

t dur

ing

the

year

(£)

Bala

nce

brou

ght

forw

ard

(£)

Bala

nce

carr

ied

forw

ard

(£)

Beck

ford

Tow

er

Trus

t (£)

Her

sche

l Hou

se

Trus

t (£)

Tota

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Janu

ary

2019 To

tals

to 3

1 Ja

nuar

y

2018

Valuation:atbeginningoftheyear 434,963 270,248 130,732 835,943 790,358

Fundsdepositedintheyear – – – – –

Cashwithdrawnduringtheyear 29,385 (100,420) (19,445) (90,480) –

Investmentmanagementfees (4,919) (2,100) – (7,019) (1,830)

Surplus/(deficit)arisingonrevaluation (19,531) (6,692) (14,552) (40,775) 47,415

Valuation:atendoftheyear 439,898 161,036 96,735 697,669 835,943

No1RoyalCrescent(Bath)Ltd 17,292 – (18,605) (1,313) 5,119 3,806

BeckfordTowerTrust (7,852) (6,692) – (14,544) 226,955 212,411

HerschelHouseTrust (6,502) (14,552) – (21,054) 161,059 140,005

Retainedinsubsidiaries 2,938 (21,244) (18,605) (36,911) 393,133 356,222

BathPreservationTrust 108,953 (19,531) 18,605 108,027 1,092,288 1,200,315

111,891 (40,775) – 71,116 1,485,421 1,556,537

5. Unrestricted Funds

Theabovefundsareallunrestrictedandshownassuchinthoseentities’annualreports.

54 55

TheunrestrictedfundsaredividedbetweentheTrustsasfollows:

Inve

sted

in

prop

erty

(£)

Futu

re

mai

nten

ance

(£)

Loss

of

inco

me

(£)

Ope

ratin

g co

sts

(£)

May

le

gacy

Tota

l de

sign

ated

(£)

Free

re

serv

es (£

)To

tal

unde

sign

ated

(£)

Unr

estr

icte

d

fund

s (£

)

No1RoyalCrescentLtd – – – – – – 3,806 3,806 3,806

BeckfordTowerTrust – 186,811 25,600 – 212,411 – – 212,411

HerschelHouseTrust – 100,089 39,916 – 140,005 – – 140,005

Retainedinsubsidiaries – 286,900 65,516 – 352,416 3,806 3,806 356,222

BathPreservationTrust 542,978 200,742 166,936 24,500 116,535 1,051,691 148,624 148,624 1,200,315

542,978 487,642 232,452 24,500 116,535 1,404,107 152,430 152,430 1,556,537

Designated funds TotalUndesignated

funds

TheTrustees’havesetseparatereservespoliciesforTheBeckfordTowerTrustandTheHerschelHouseTrust,whicharefurtherexplainedinthoseTrusts’annualreports,butaresummarisedbelow.

ForTheBeckfordTowerTrust,thereservespolicyisthattheoptimumleveloffreereservesshouldbeequivalenttotenmonths’operationalcostswitharemainderofanyfundsdesignatedtobeinvestedinordertosupportfuturemaintenanceoftheToweranditsoperations,inadditiontotheincomefromthePermanentEndowmentFund.

ForTheHerschelHouseTrust,thereservespolicyisthatasanorganisationdependentonadmissionsandrentalincome,theoptimumlevelofreservesshouldbesufficienttocovertheimpactofalossoffiftypercentofannualincome,plusadesignatedfundtocoverfuturemaintenancecosts.

FortheBathPreservationTrustasaseparateentity,theTrusteesreservespolicyisthatasanorganisationnotinreceiptofstatutoryfundingandcurrentlydependentonadmissions,theoptimumlevelofreservesshouldbesufficienttocovertheimpactofalossoffiftypercentofannualincome,plusdesignatedfundstocoverthepropertyassetsandfuturemaintenancecosts.

Thecurrentlevelofunrestrictedfundsmaynotbesufficienttomeetallfuturemaintenancerequirements.Therefore,theTrusteesaimtosetsurplusbudgetsifpossibleandtoearmarksuchsurplusesforfurtherdesignatedreserves.Inaddition,anyunrestrictedwindfalls(legacies,giftsetc.)shouldpasstoreservesifappropriate.

6. Restricted Funds

Exte

rnal

gra

nts

and

dona

tions

(£)

Trus

t con

trib

utio

n/

tran

sfer

s (£

)Ex

pend

iture

incu

rred

in th

e ye

ar (£

)M

ovem

ent d

urin

g

the

year

(£)

Bala

nce

brou

ght

forw

ard

(£)

Bala

nce

carr

ied

forw

ard

(£)

Bath Preservation TrustMuseumExhibits JohnWoodInstruments – (9,147) – (9,147) 35,307 26,160 BathinTime – – (1,236) (1,236) 5,000 3,764OtherAssets MoBADisplayCases 23,773 5,012 (5,757) 23,028 – 23,028 TheWholeStory’project – – (22,776) (22,776) 75,700 52,924Activities WorldHeritageSiteEnhancementFund 21,152 5,000 (35,397) (9,245) 112,024 102,779 DonationsforEducation 850 – – 850 – 850 B&NES 2,000 – (2,000) – – – MedlockTrustforschoolhouse 5,000 – (5,000) – – – RoyalCrescent250Exhibition 6,765 – (24,977) (18,212) 18,212 – CostumedInterpretation – – (6,465) (6,465) 14,094 7,629 SWMuseumsReadytoBorrow – (5,012) (6,391) (11,403) 11,403 – PendalWebsiteDesign – – (3,000) (3,000) 3,000 – Kickstartfunding 1,870 – (1,870) – – – BathSpaUni–Researchintern 600 – (600) – – – JudicialReview 4,510 – (4,510) – – – Campaigningfund 987 – – 987 – 987 SGBI 500 – (500) – – – AIM–HallmarkGrant 1,037 1,825 (2,862) – – – AIMGrant(merlinupgrade) 2,441 – (660) 1,781 – 1,781 WS100 11,180 – (10,867) 313 – 313 Othergrantsandfundingreceived 6,283 7,322 (16,659) (3,054) 16,641 13,587

88,948 5,000 (151,527) (57,579) 291,381 233,802

Beckford Tower TrustMuseumExhibits Cabinet – – – – 64,000 64,000 Coffer – – – – 324,000 324,000 Beckfordbook 3,325 506 – 3,831 – 3,831Activities Cemeterycosts – – – – 2,146 2,146 RimingtonLegacy – – (398) (398) 50,415 50,017 BeckfordProjectPhase1 500 – (500) – – – B&NES 1,000 – (1,000) – – – OtherGrantFunding – (506) (1,512) (2,018) 2,018 –

4,825 – (3,410) 1,415 442,579 443,994

Herschel House TrustMuseumExhibits LetterfromSirJosephBanks – – – – 1,100 1,100 LetterfromNevilMaskelyne – – – – 1,525 1,525 DudleyAdamsglobes – – – – 18,700 18,700 18thCenturyguittar – – – – 2,500 2,500Activities B&NES 2,000 – (3,000) (1,000) 1,000 – ErnestCook 8,000 – (4,469) 3,531 – 3,531 MurrayFoundation – – (1,814) (1,814) 8,000 6,186 RoyalAstonomicalSociety – – (537) (537) 9,511 8,974 WilliamHerschelSociety – – – – 1,156 1,156 SchoolVisits 600 – (200) 400 – 400

10,600 – (10,020) 580 43,492 44,072

Totals for the year 104,373 5,000 (164,957) (55,584) 777,452 721,868

56 57

Bath Preservation Trust

Museum exhibitsTheserelatetodrawinginstrumentsbelongingtoBathArchitectJohnWoodtheElder,creatorof18thCenturyBathandarchitectinparticularofQueenSquareandtheKing’sCircus.

Bath in Time–thisrelatestoagrantreceivedforthepurchaseandpromotionofdigitalimages,andallcopyrightrelatedtothem,ofitemsintheBathPreservationTrustcollectionsthatarelistedandavailabletosearchandpurchaseontheBathinTimewebsite.

Other Asset – The Whole Story’–thisrelatestothecapitalworksfortheprojectwhichwerecompletedin2013,thecostsofwhicharebeingdepreciatedoversubsequentyears.

Operating activities:•World Heritage Site Enhancement Fund–totaldonationsandgrantsfortheyear

amountedto£26,152(prioryear£32,514)andtotalexpenditurewas£35,397(prioryear£59,547).Thisleavesaclosingbalanceof£102,779tobecarriedforward,mostofwhichhasbeenearmarkedtofundspecificprojects.

•Donations for Education–thisprimarilycomprisesadonationfromtheMedlockCharitableTrusttowardsthecostofcontinuingandexpandingtheeducationalworkoftheTrustwithlocalschoolsandcommunitygroups.

•Royal Crescent 250 Exhibition–duringtheyear£6,765ofincomewasreceivedtowardsthecostsofarangeofactivitiesplanned.Expenditureincurredduringtheyearamountedto£24,977,fundedwiththebalanceof£18,212carriedforwardfromlastfinancialyear.

•Costumed Interpretation–thisrelatestofundsreceivedinordertopurchasenewperiodcostumesandtofundmoreinteractiveinterpretationactivitiesinsideNo1RoyalCrescent.

•Other grants & funding–theseincludesgrantsfromtheHeritageLotteryFundandBathandNorthEastSomersetCounciltowardsthecostsofexhibitionsandanAIMHallmarkgranttowardsdevelopingandsustainingaudiencesattheMuseumofBathArchitecture.

Beckford Tower Trust

Museum exhibitsAcabinetandacoffer,bothformerlybelongingtoWilliamBeckford,werepurchasedin2007/08and2011/12for£64,000and£324,000respectively.

Thepurchaseduringtheyearended31January2019wasabookentitled‘LetterstotheRightHonourableLordBroughamandVauxpresentingramblingdetailsofatour’byWilliamBeckford.ThisbookfromBeckford’slibraryincludesnotesbyhimbutmoreimportantlyadrawingbyBeckfordforapieceoffurnitureatLansdown.

Operating activities:•Rimington legacy–InDecember2014TheBeckfordTowerTrustreceived£50,640from

theexecutorsofMrNielRimington,deceasedownerofFonthillAbbey,Wiltshire.ThisrestrictedfundissetasidetooffsetanycostsincurredbytheTrustinoperatingthe‘BeckfordProvisions’,whichensurethatsomepublicaccesstotheFonthillEstateisguaranteedintothefuture.Intheyearinquestiononly£398wasspentonvisitsduringthe‘Provisions’periodbecauseotherorganisedaccesswasprovidedforthepublicbythecurrentownersofFonthillatnocosttotheTrust.

Herschel House Trust

Museum exhibitsMuseumexhibitsconsistofheritageassetspurchasedfordisplayinthemuseum.

Operating activities:•Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council–Agrantof£1,000wasreceivedasa

contributiontothecostoftheWonder Women of Space.•William Herschel Society–Thisrelatestoagrantreceivedfortherefurbishmentofthe

entranceareaat19NewKingStreet.•Ernest Cook –Thisisagranttowardsneweducationequipmentforstargazingwiththe

remaininggrantof£3,531carriedforwardtonextfinancialyear2019-20.•Murray Foundation–Theserelatetograntstowardstherefurbishmentoftheentranceareaat

19NewKingStreetandthepurchaseofnewdisplaycabinetsthatwerecapitalisedin2018.Theexpenditureisnowthedepreciationofthisasset.

•Royal Astronomical Society –Thisrelatestoagranttowardstherunningcostsofthemuseum.

7. Trustee Remuneration and ExpensesTheTrusteesdidnotreceiveanyremuneration(prioryear:nil);reimbursedexpensesamountedto£24(prioryear:nil).TheTrustpurchasedmanagementliabilityinsurancecoveringstaffandTrusteesatatotalcostof£1,150.

CliveArrowsmithattendingthepreviewoftheexhibitionPeter Gabriel ReflectionsattheMuseumofBathArchitecture©TimBeale

Weareamembershiporganisationandaregisteredcharity

TheBathPreservationTrustLimited1RoyalCrescent,BathBA12LR+44(0)1225338727www.bath-preservation-trust.org.ukadmin@bptrust.org.uk

RegisteredinEnglandno.294789Charityno.203048

AweddingatBeckford’sTower photographybysimon.com