The Paxton Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to support the survival of Paxton House and Gardens, located in the Scottish borderlands. The Trust hopes to raise £20,000 by the 20 June to cover essential maintenance costs whilst it remains closed to visitors during to the current health emergency.
Ian Marrian, Chairman of the Trustees, said, “We want to reopen as soon as it’s safe for all and we’ll have to invest to ensure that safety. We cannot compromise on the conservation of our nationally significant collections and the glorious natural landscape. But every day without income makes survival a greater challenge”.
“To survive, the trust needs to raise at least £20,000 by the start of summer, June 20th. This money is needed to cover the essential running costs for 2020. Like many other businesses, Paxton cannot simply switch off, it still has to pay for insurance, basic security and grounds maintenance. Even though the trust has reduced its outgoings to a minimal amount, it is impossible to have no costs while the house is shut.”
“We would be so grateful for any gift you might make towards that target. We hope that if and when we reopen, we can with your help and attendance, make these strange times a little happier”.
Paxton House was built by Patrick Home between 1758 – 1763 by John and James Adam. It was later purchased by Ninian Home who commissioned James and Robert Adam to complete its interiors and Thomas Chippendale to furnish them. Paxton House is today home to Scotland’s largest collection of Chippendale furniture, containing outstanding examples of the firm’s work in the neo-Classical style. Paxton’s furniture is predominantly mahogany and domestic in character, often summarised by Home’s own phrase ‘neat and substantially good’. Along with a collection of impressive Greek revival furniture by Scottish cabinet maker, William Trotter, Paxton’s collection has been awarded recognition status as a Nationally Significant Collection by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Donate to Paxton’s fundraising campaign online by visiting the Support Paxton webpage or by mobile phone – to donate £5, text PAX100 to 70970 or to donate £10, text PAX100 to 70191.*
* Fundraising, payments and donations are processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org