Orleans House Trust, which oversees the historic Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, holds assets valued at nearly £9 million, according to a recent report.
The Arts and Culture sector as a whole is under significant financial pressure and high inflation continues to put pressure on the gallery's budget. To address this, the Arts Service will focus on improving its ability to raise income over the coming three years.
The Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 presented at the Orleans House Trust meeting on Friday, 3 October 2025, detailed the Trust's financial activities and confirmed that the Trustees had adhered to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
The Trust's major assets include the baroque octagonal room, extension wings, stable block, and surrounding land at Orleans House, valued at £7,977,000 as of January 2025. The art collection is valued at £992,000.
The Statement of Financial Activities - Mar 2025 for the year ending 31 March 2025, also approved at the meeting, provided a breakdown of receipts, payments, assets, and liabilities. The statement showed total assets of £9,062,000, comprising £8,969,000 in restricted funds and £93,000 in unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor, and are made up of ringfenced grants and a deposit that was returned to the previous café operator.
The Arts Service annual report of activities delivered at Orleans House Gallery 24/5 noted that the gallery had 43,100 in-person visits and a commercial turnover of over £168,000. Income generation was very successful in 2024/5, at £168,377. The Trust also focuses on growth in wedding hires and market 'saturation' to cement this business offer and recoup covid losses. From 2026 on, the gallery is hoping to announce significant support from a national agency in developing this. The annual museum survey estimated the gallery's total impact on the local economy at over £1.4 million.
New projects and activities were important in increasing visitors to the gallery. The Arts Service has curated 9 exhibitions at the Gallery in 24/25 and delivered scores of events. There is evidence that new family audiences and young people are visiting in increasing numbers, while our core visitors remain loyal. A new 3-year plan has been drafted and will be shared with lead members and Trustees in November 2026. It was hoped to diversify income streams over the next few years.
The Agenda frontsheet Friday 03-Oct-2025 14.00 Orleans House Trust for the 3 October meeting listed Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, as chair. Attendees included Councillor Robin Brown, Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member.