Funders & Founders

The work we are doing to restore the cottage and create a centre celebrating the life and work of William and Catherine Blake would not be possible without the generous support of various funders and many donations from individuals.  We thank them all.

APPRECIATION.

Many people were involved in the original campaign to create awareness about the importance of Blake's cottage in Felpham and to raise the funds needed to purchase it for a charitable trust rather than a private owner.

Their efforts laid the basis for the restoration of the cottage and its transformation into an inspiring and educational centre for all, a place of international cultural significance that will contribute immeasurably to art and economic growth.

Some of those who worked on this project so hard were local like Rachel Searle, Beryl Kingston, Jackie Dowling, Barney Dowling, Mark Searle, Abbey Wilkinson, Michael Da Costa and William Harvey.  Rachel Morris, Simon Mouatt, and Michael Pilgrim gave strategic advice also.

Others involved were Blake enthusiasts from all over the country and often already involved with the prestigious Blake Society like Adriana Diaz Enciso, Henry Eliot and Tim Heath, the Trust's first chairperson. Among the first Trustees were Chichester resident Peter Johns, printing specialist Michael Phillips and Blake scholar Jason Whittaker.

The great efforts of these colleagues and those of many others in Felpham, across the UK and overseas, are greatly appreciated.

We remain committed to achieving the collective vision of a vibrant public space for learning and enlightenment at the cottage. The past we inherit the future we build.