The Garden Museum have a rare and exciting job opportunity, for a driven and dynamic Project Director to lead the transformation of Benton End – the iconic home of artist and gardener Cedric Morris, with the aim to transform it into a centre for creativity and freedom in the arts, horticulture and learning.

In 2021, ownership of Benton End was transferred to the Garden Museum to revive Benton End’s legacy as a key site at the intersection of the arts and horticulture. The Project Director would oversee the transformation of Benton End to a thriving cultural and community venue in the heart of Suffolk’s countryside. This position would suit an experienced professional from the cultural sector, with experience of delivering National Lottery Heritage Fund project, and managing arts venues, museums or heritage sites.

Home of the incredible painter, avid and successful gardener, Cedric Morris, Benton End in Hadleigh Grade II* listed 16th century, half-timbered house, situated on the edge of the historic market town of Hadleigh, Suffolk. The house enjoys a commanding position overlooking the Brett Valley.

Morris was also a horticulturalist of national distinction and in the walled garden at Benton End he created the country’s first naturalistic garden. Morris lived at Benton End with his partner and fellow artist, Arthur Lett-Haines, and together they transformed it into a thriving community that celebrated art, gardening, music, literature and food but, above all, Benton End was a place for freedom, inspiration, and creativity. They founded and managed the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing from 1940 at Benton End, until Cedric’s death in 1982. Students of the school included Lucian Freud, Maggi Hambling, and Bettina Shaw-Lawrence.

The Project Director will be an employee of the Garden Museum but lead their own small but growing team in Hadleigh, which is currently comprised of the Manager, Head Gardener, and Horticultural Trainee.

The role for the new Project Director:

Develop and deliver a National Lottery Heritage Fund project through the R1 and R2, with
building work scheduled to begin in late 2026; for the R1 you will be working with the team
of consultants including Julia Holberry Associates, Anna Cullum Associates, and James Mellish
of JM Environmental Ltd., who drew up the successful EOI
Work with the Head Gardener, design consultant, and Gardens Committee and Horticultural
Trainee to deliver the design for the walled garden, including raising a further £180,000; this
element of the project is to be independent of the NLHF process
Establish a group of volunteers based inside the house, complimenting the volunteer group
established in the garden
Develop the learning programme initiated in 2023 in partnership with community groups, and
partners including Otley College and the Field Studies Centre at Flatford Mill
Pilot an artistic programme to begin a series of ‘pop up’ exhibitions in addition to residencies;
a bedroom was refurbished in 2024 with a grant from the Estelle Trust
Establish a regional network composed of;
- a regional steering group comprising partner Museums and HEIs, and Babergh and
  mid-Suffolk District Council
- Hadleigh community panel
- fund-raising Committee with its own Chair
Represent and advocate Benton End to a diverse range of people and constituents, with major
stakeholders including the District Council and Arts Council
Recruit and lead a team of staff and consultants appropriate to the NLHF process while generating
a momentum and life for Benton End within its current limitations

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned museum or heritage professional who has delivered a significant NLHF project from inception to delivery. Excellent team leadership and management of Heritage Fund projects is key.

Contract details

Contract: Fixed – 3 years (commencing March 2025, or sooner if possible)
Full-Time, however 4 days per week will be considered for the right candidate.
Location: Hadleigh based, with national reach.
Occasional evening and weekend working may be required.
Salary: £65,000 per annum

Full job and application details can be found here.