the attingham trust
DiscoverOur courses on historic houses and collections are highly regarded by museums, universities, historic preservation societies and architectural practices throughout the world.
Welcome to Attingham. Our international study courses provide those who work in the heritage sector the ability to engage with houses, palaces, gardens and collections through focused, on-site study.
The unique courses also provide unparalleled opportunities to develop professional relationships around the world. Our alumni make up an influential, international network of professionals, many of whom represent major cultural institutions.
The Attingham Summer School
1 – 16 July 2023
Royal Collection Studies
3 – 12 September 2023
The Attingham Study Programme
18 – 26 September 2023
The London House Course
October 2023
The Horse and the Country House: Conference
18 – 19 November 2022
the attingham trust
About us
Attingham is an educational charitable trust. For 70 years we have run specialised courses for those who are professionally engaged in the study, care and interpretation of historic houses and palaces and their collections and gardens, whether they work in the museum, university, historic house or conservation sector.
Lecture: “How do we study the country house now?” by Professor Sir David Cannadine
At Sotheby's, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1S 2RP Tuesday 8th November 5.45pm Drinks on arrival 6.30pm Lecture The Attingham Trust has been championing the study of historic houses and their collections for seven decades, aiming to broaden the understanding of the...
Past Online Events
(in chronological order) Adapting to Survive: The Country House and the Pandemic An online talk by Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses. This event was hosted by David Adshead, Co-Director of the Attingham Summer School with a Q&A at the end. You can...
What courses does the Trust provide?
Three residential programmes are organised by the Trust each year.
- The Attingham Summer School
- Royal Collection Studies
- The Attingham Study Programme
From time to time, other courses may be offered.
What do the courses offer?
The courses offer a unique opportunity to examine the history, architecture and contents of historic buildings and their gardens and estates, and to study how they are managed and interpreted by a wide variety of owners, both public and private. Academic excellence is delivered through special access, lectures, discussion, and on-site tuition which provides a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of disciplines.
How are the Courses publicised?
The courses are advertised on our website, through relevant press and online channels and through an extensive mailing list. They are publicised in the autumn of the year before the course takes place, with the closing date for applications usually at the end of January.
Where do the applicants come from?
From the considerable number of applicants from many countries, participants are chosen with an architectural, historical, conservation or academic background, or a close involvement with the fine and decorative arts. Whilst historically many of the participants have come from the United States and the UK, the programmes are now attended by a wide range of scholars and experts from around the world.
How do I apply?
Application forms for each of our courses can be found on the website. Please refer to the course you are interested in to find the relevant form.
Is scholarship funding available?
Yes, thanks to generous support from private donors and institutions, we are able to offer scholarship funding to help meet the fees of the Summer School, Royal Collection Studies and, to a lesser extent, the Study Programme. Please refer to the Scholarship Funding page of the website for more details.