The new @nationaltrust '10 Year Vision' is truly alarming for built heritage. Less focus on art history, objects put into in storage, fewer curators, and the end of what it calls the 'outdated mansion experience'. (Thread) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/national-trust-to-focus-on-outdoors-and-hold-fewer-exhibitions-in-properties-ten-year-strategy-reveals-wdsf2cm0b

I've seen the internal document referred to in The Times. It's written by the Trust's Visitor Experience Director, and is full of W1A-type talk. But the last two pages refer to country houses, and it's not good news. >

The document talks enthusiastically about 'revolutionary' change to its country house offering. A small number of 'treasure houses' (like Petworth) will continue more or less as now. But for others, it's; reduced opening times, fewer volunteers, and more stuff in storage. >

Why this need to clear the decks? To increase the commercial capacity of their properties. As set out here, there will be more reliance on 'event venues' and 'commercial operations'. >

In addition, the Trust plans to make redundant all its specialist and regional curators, inviting them to apply for a smaller number of new roles. These new posts will be more period oriented than specialist expertise (so, an 18th Century curator rather than a furniture one). >

So, that’s fewer objects on display, and fewer specialists and volunteers to tell their stories. This is because the Trust is embracing 'a big shift' away from its 'primary role to preserve and present the English Country House as a distinctive part of our national heritage.' >

It goes on;
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And;
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Certainly, I applaud changes to bring in more social and colonial history - that's great. But let's be honest, it's not the main driver here. Many Trust houses have already embraced these new contexts. And putting objects into storage, with fewer curators, makes it much harder. >

The document is really dispiriting, as is what I'm hearing from Trust employees. Senior management need to urgently rethink these plans. Millions of people visit Trust properties every year, and become members to do so. If you patronise them, they won't come back. END