Help preserve our future
West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.
Support Us
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was founded thanks to the vision of an extraordinary man, Edward James, who was passionate about teaching traditional heritage and craft skills. Today we run a world class education programme thanks to the continuing vision of many extraordinary and talented tutors, crafts people and supporters of our work.
If you share our passion for historic conservation and the arts, and for our tranquil and inspiring gardens and grounds, please become more involved.
Become a Friend, offer a scholarship or bursary to a promising student, or pledge a gift in your will. Your support will make a vital and lasting difference.
Donate
Your gift enables us to provide education in conservation and creative arts and preserve the rich heritage of West Dean. We rely on donations, so your support will make a difference: whether you choose to help nurture the next generation of talented artists, makers and conservators studying at West Dean College or support the preservation of the house and award-winning gardens.
Horticulturalist Appeal
Help us fund urgent repairs to our historic glasshouses. They are more than 120 years old and are a precious link to gardening heritage in the UK.
Lovingly brought back to life by our Head Gardeners and their team back in the 1990s the relentless passage of time and English weather has taken its toll on these beautiful examples of Victorian ingenuity.
Friends of West Dean
West Dean College and Gardens are an oasis of peace and beauty; inspiring, tranquil and yet full of creative energy. We have many regular visitors to both the college and the gardens, and if you share our passion, please become a Friend of West Dean via either our College or Garden scheme.
A Gift in Your Will
Help to preserve this unique and special place by remembering us in your will. Your gift secures the future of West Dean College and Gardens.
Scholarships and Bursaries
In a challenging economic climate with limited funding for postgraduate studies, providing financial support for our students through Scholarships and Bursaries is more important than ever.
Volunteering
Join our committed and diverse team of volunteers, meet new people, use your expertise and make a difference. You can volunteer in the Gardens, Conservation, Visual Arts, HR, IT, Marketing, Fundraising teams and more.
Restoring our Roof, Securing our Future
Donate now
Make a gift to The Edward James Foundation
Auction of Unique Artworks
Your chance to acquire a unique artwork or handmade craft piece generously donated by one of the talented artists who tutor on West Dean College of Arts and Conservation Short Course programmes. Your purchase will fund bursaries to help aspiring artists and makers join courses they couldn't otherwise afford.
Bid on a one-off piece by established artists including Anne Jackson, Jon Edgar, Maz Jackson and many more. Items include silver jewellery, brooches, silk shawls, charcoal drawings, framed prints, ceramic ornaments and metal and clay sculptures. Make a sealed bid for your favourite piece and know that you've given something special; support for a new and emerging talent.
View auction pieces and bid online. The auction will continue during the festival where all pieces will be on display in the Main Pavilion.