Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, has announced that management of Apsley House is to pass to English Heritage.
The London home of the Duke of Wellington – with the address No. 1 London – was previously maintained by the government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with the museum and collections managed by the V&A.
The DCMS resolved in 1998 to devolve its direct heritage functions and subsequently decided to bring the maintenance of Apsley House and the management of the collection together.
The contract was opened to bidders, with English Heritage and Wellington’s heirs, the Wellesley family – through a bid vehicle, the Wellington Museum Trust – competing for the job.
The V&A did not join the bidding as its did not wish to take responsibility for maintaining the fabric of the house.
The Office for Government Commerce eventually chose English Heritage but the organisation has pledged to work with the family – who still reside in part of the house – for the good of the property and the museum.
“We are now bringing together the care of both the collection and the building in the hands of English Heritage,” said Jowell. “I hope English heritage will work with the family to ensure an ever improving experience for the thousands of visitors who come to the house every year.”
English Heritage and the Wellesleys are currently deciding upon the best strategy for presenting Apsley House to the public and for the care of the property. It is expected to market it as its premier London attraction.
Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with the Wellesley family so the history and significance of Apsley House and its contents can be understood and enjoyed by many more people.
“The first Duke of Wellington played an immensely important role in the nation’s history and Apsley House provides visitors with the opportunity to appreciate this.”
Last year, the house attracted nearly 65,000 visitors and was named small visitor attraction of the year in 2001 and again in 2003.
