From the inception of the Friends we have engaged in providing education for our own members while supporting the English Heritage programme.
We have regular events themed around the house and other activities which provide us with an opportunity to raise funds for Osborne.
We also support English Heritage in their educational projects, and have raised funds for their Education Room. This room is fully equipped for children to discover what it is like to work in the servants’ quarters. The children are provided with simple dressing-up costumes and can experience what it was like as Victorian girls and boys applying for a position.
“Mrs Pilkington” – the Housekeeper invites the children into her sitting-room, inspects their fingernails and talks about domestic life below stairs. She introduces hands-on role-play activities by teaching the children how to lay tables, black boots, clean brasses and beat rugs. Visits are by arrangement with English Heritage through their website.
1990 – A contribution of £150 made to the Education Room.
1991 – The Friends funded an essay competition.
2004 – £1,000 contribution to the new Spratt miniature grocer’s shop model for the Education department, displayed at Swiss Cottage.
2008 – £2,600 towards furnishing the Housekeeper’s bedroom.
2009 – £500 towards a new Mrs Pilkington costume.
This represents in excess of £4,000 contribution to date towards Educational Projects.