The new director of Hampstead’s Burgh House has vowed to keep its exhibitions free and open to everyone.
Moira Lascelles took over the community arts hub six months ago and wants to “open the doors as wide as possible”. She is sitting on the top floor of the beautiful 320-year-old house in New End Square, surrounded by paintings and artefacts with links to Hampstead.
“We don’t charge for any exhibitions and I really want to keep it that way,” she says. “It’s so important to have access to heritage spaces, and it’s something that I feel passionate about.”
A community arts hub
Burgh House is a gallery, performance space and archive of historical artefacts on the village and its past. The house dates back more than three centuries and sits at the heart of New End Square, one of Hampstead’s most characterful corners.
Keeping exhibitions free matters, Lascelles argues, because heritage spaces belong to the whole community — not just those who can afford a ticket. In an era when cultural institutions are under relentless financial pressure, her pledge cuts against the grain.
More on the way
Chamber music groups, including Trio Musae, will take up residencies at Burgh House, bringing live performance to the historic rooms. The gallery’s programme continues to showcase work with deep roots in the village’s artistic past.
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