Osterley Park is a unique country estate, hidden in a suburban location close to the Great West Road. The Tudor house, built for Sir Thomas Gresham, was transformed in the 1760s into a neoclassical mansion by the architect Robert Adam for the banker Robert Child. The House, retaining Adam’soriginal decorations and furniture, passed by marriage to the 5th Earl of Jersey.
In 1949, the 9th Earl gave the House and the Parkland to the National Trust. These were leased to respectively the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Ministry of Works, and opened to the public.
In 1991, the Trust took over the direct management of the Property and began an ambitious programme of conservation and restoration. In the late 1990s, they were able to acquire the surrounding farmland. Visitor information can be found at the National Trust website: National Trust / Osterley Park
Also in 1991, the Trust initiated the formation of the Friends to build on the strong affection which had developed locally for the Property and to provide practical and financial help. The Friends of Osterley Park page on the National Trust website can be found at: National Trust / Friends of Osterley Park
The Friends have, since 1991, given over £140,000 for various projects. We pay annually for:
- Maintenance of the Courtesy Bus which shuttles between the car park and the House
- Maintenance of self-drive Battery vehicles used by less mobile visitors;
- Materials for the volunteer gardeners growing flowers for displays in the House.
We fund specific items at the request of the Property. Among other items, we have bought: the bases for the Chinese Parade Jars in the Long Gallery; the materials for the benches for visitors in the House; floodlights for demonstrations in the house during Conservation in Action week; room signs; a boat, a rotavator, a mulcher, a bat detector and other equipment for the Estate. We equipped the Education Centre with tables, chairs, storage units, a projector and a craft cart. We also covered a large part of the cost of the Courtesy Bus.
The 'Friends of Osterley Park' is managed by a management committee that is appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association. The Committee itself meets at least six times a year to manage and further develop the work of the charity.
If you would like to support the work of the association by becoming a 'Friend' of Osterley Park, please click the website navigation menu item: 'Become a Friend of Osterley Park'. Membership provides a range of benefits including a regular newsletter, access to talks, visits to National Trust and other heritage properties, and social events.