The Orleans House Trust of Richmond upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider its annual report on activities at Orleans House Gallery for the 2025/26 period, which includes a proposal for a new seating commission. The Trustees will also be asked to approve their annual report for the year ending March 2026 and the Statement of Financial Activities for the same period.

Arts Service Annual Report and Seating Commission

The meeting agenda includes a review of the Arts Service's annual report of activities delivered at Orleans House Gallery during the 2025/26 period. A key item within this report is the proposed Cultural Reforesting seating commission, which the Trust is being asked to consider for approval. This potential approval is contingent on the finalisation of the design and the securing of all necessary statutory approvals. The report also notes that the gallery welcomed 46,333 visits in 2025/26, an increase of 7.5% on the previous year and 24% above the ten-year average. The report highlights that the gallery generated £231,075 from hires, café, and retail, and £159,296 from trusts and foundations.

Report of the Trustees

The Trustees are scheduled to present their annual report for the year ending 31 March 2026 for consideration of approval. This report details the Trust's objectives and activities undertaken for public benefit, focusing on the care and conservation of Orleans House and the art collection bequeathed by The Hon. Mrs. Nellie Ionides. The report outlines that entrance to the house and gallery is free of charge and that the gallery holds up to four exhibitions annually, supported by arts education programmes and events. The report also details the significant restoration of the baroque octagonal room, which was jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and the Trust.

Statement of Financial Activities

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 March 2026 is also scheduled for consideration of approval. This document provides a detailed breakdown of the Trust's income and expenditure. For the year ending 31 March 2026, the Trust reported total income of £8,000 and total expenditure of £28,000, resulting in a net expenditure of £20,000. The report indicates that the Trust's fixed assets, including land, property, and the art collection, were valued at £8,902,000 as of 31 March 2026. The Trustees, including Councillor Gareth Roberts (Chair), Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, and Councillor Jim Millard, are responsible for the oversight of these financial matters.