1. Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself and Hearth Historical Buildings Trust
I’ve spent over 25 years working in the arts industry, working with theatre, dance and opera companies and managing a few. My responsibilities included, finance, publicity, fundraising, governance, logistics and contracts, not to mention hoovering the theatre and doing front of house – a fairly typical workload for many small arts charities with small staffing!
Hearth Historical Buildings Trust was established in 1972 and is the most active building preservation trust in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to demonstrate the art of the possible by restoring buildings to high conservation standards. We believe that by saving and caring for these places we help create a more attractive and welcoming space, where people can enjoy and experience a sense of belonging.
If you’ve loved and/or admired the Good Shepherd Gate Lodge in Belfast, the Glenarm School House, the Lighthouse at Blackhead or Hamilton Terrace in Belfast – to name but a few, that’s our work!
2. What’s your favourite thing about working for Hearth?
Like many people, I have a great warmth and affection for many buildings in Belfast/NI. We all know the ‘A Listers’ in the conserved building estate but I think there’s a rich, deep seam of unique, exquisite marvels in NI – marvels of design, ornamentation, innovation and engineering. They’re part of NI’s maturity and part of our longevity going forward and I think Hearth is well placed to be the custodian of that legacy. I’m delighted to be a small part of that dedication.
3. Tell us about your latest venture!
Our new project is Riddel’s Warehouse on Ann St, Belfast, a handsome four-storey Victorian warehouse built in 1867. Our plans are to develop maker spaces, performance and exhibition spaces, offices and a café/bar. We want to see Riddel’s become a place of industry once again, this time supporting innovation, culture, education and creative businesses while also celebrating the building’s extraordinary story.
4. What are you looking forward to most about being a part of the A&BNI Member Community?
It’s a great opportunity to talk to those organisations who organise a programme of work but also need to look after a building. We need to attract investment and look forward to the training and opportunities, particularly around fundraising and professional development for board members.
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