Fundraising

Edward James inherited the West Dean Estate in 1907, and when he came of age in the 1920s, he began investing his money and time in supporting artists, craftspeople, dancers and poets.

His excitement by all aspects of the arts, his determination to push the boundaries by investing in artists – not art per sé, brought him into contact with many of the greatest artists of the period. His patronage of and collaboration with many emerging talents in the 1930s and 1940s, including Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, has ensured him a place within the history of art.

By supporting West Dean today, in the 21st Century, you too can become a patron of art and culture, knowing that you are part of something special, keeping history, skills, crafts and values alive. Your support will ensure you a place within the history of West Dean – The Edward James Foundation. You are now invited to become part of its history, taking on a role of supporting the ongoing work of the internationally renowned College and world class Gardens.

West Dean – The Edward James Foundation receives no continuing government funding and increasingly relies on the generosity of individual benefactors, our Friends, charitable trusts and foundation and companies to invest in the preservation and bringing to life of traditional skills.

Now, 25 years after the death of Edward James it is time for us to take up the baton in keeping West Dean alive. We are now seeking your valued support. There are many ways that you can help support us.

Click here for more information on Friends of West Dean – The Edward James Foundation

Your one-off or regular donations to the Edward James Foundation Limited contribute to the safe-keeping of West Dean College and its charitable activities, enabling us to purchase or replace equipment and other resources, provide scholarships and bursaries for students who would not otherwise be able to study here and to maintain the house and collection. Your gift provides a valued contribution towards core operational expenditure.

These gifts provide us with the opportunity to plan ahead to help protect our charitable activities for future generations. When writing your will or changing one through a codicil, your solicitor can advise you how to leave gifts of money, shares or specialist equipment to us.

Click here for more information on Volunteering at West Dean

If you would like to discuss other ways to give or any of the above in more detail then please call
Ellen Cheshire, Head of Communications on + 44 (0)1243 818 277
or email ellen.cheshire@westdean.org.uk

The Edward James Foundation Limited. Charity Number 1126084.
Company Number: 6689362.