Gardening Assistant at Little Holland House - Sutton Cultural Services

Help maintain and enhance the garden at Little Holland House, a unique Arts & Crafts style house in Carshalton Beeches, designed and built by Frank Dickinson, between 1902 and 1904. The garden is integral to the history and story of the house and the Dickinson family, and we are looking for volunteers to help us keep the history and spirit of the Dickinson garden alive.

About the Organisation

Sutton Council's Cultural Services manages and promotes the borough's libraries, museums, and archives, and supports and promotes arts and heritage within Sutton.

What you will be doing

We are looking for volunteers to assist us in clearing and replanting the garden, which will involve a range of tasks including:

  • Weeding, pruning and general garden maintenance.
  • Assisting with replanting and a chance to be involved with research on a historic garden.
  • Helping to prepare the garden for open days, on the first Sunday of each month.
Little Holland House is the former home of artist, designer and craftsman Frank Dickinson (1874-1961). A unique interpretation of the English arts and crafts movement, the Grade II* interior was created entirely by Dickinson, inspired by the ideals of John Ruskin and William Morris and contains Dickinson's paintings, hand-made furniture, furnishings, metalwork and carving, in a unique fusion of Art Nouveau and the English Arts and Crafts style. With very limited finances Dickinson designed and built the house himself between 1902-04 - the ultimate in DIY! 
 
The garden is integral to the history and story of the house and the Dickinson family, with some original planting, like the pear tree, Frank and Florence received as a wedding gift in 1904, still very much growing. We are looking for volunteers to help us keep the history and spirit of the Dickinson garden alive, based on Frank Dickinson’s writings,photographs and paintings.

What's in it for you?

  • Opportunities to meet new people and be part of our friendly team.
  • Sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm to make a difference to our visitors.
  • Gain a sense of pride and satisfaction from helping restore an important local garden.
  • Help to preserve and promote local heritage. 
  • Personal wellbeing through physical activity, being outside and connecting with others.
  • Tea, coffee (or similar) and biscuits / cake.

We are fully committed to ensuring that volunteers have a positive experience and are fully supported. You will receive training and induction for this role, and ongoing support from a member of the Sutton Cultural Services Heritage team. All tools and equipment will be provided.

What skills will you need?

  • You don’t need to be an expert but some gardening experience would be useful.
  • Enthusiasm for helping to care for a local history and heritage interest garden.
  • Interest in the local area and its history.
  • A proactive and positive attitude.
  • You should be physically fit and able to lift, bend and kneel.
 

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time Commitment: The amount of work will vary with the seasons but approximately 2-3 hours per week on a date to be arranged.

Role Address: 40 Beeches Ave Carshalton, SM5 3LW

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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