A gift in your will can shape the future—just as one did in 1811.
Dulwich Picture Gallery was built in 1811 when a miner’s daughter left a gift in her will. This gift would change the way the world viewed art forever.
Margaret Desenfans and our two founding fathers, Noël Desenfans and Francis Bourgeois, were ahead of their time. They understood the benefits that access to art offers people of all ages and backgrounds, rather than it being the privilege of the few.
Why leave a gift in your will?
Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery — a pioneering space that’s been inspiring visitors for over 200 years. But despite its historic importance, the Gallery receives no government funding. Ticket sales cover just 24% of our annual income, and each year we must raise around £2 million to keep the doors open.
By leaving a gift in your will, you can help protect this unique place for future generations. Your legacy — no matter the size — will help us remain a welcoming, vibrant hub where everyone can find themselves in art.
Your support could help conserve masterpieces, fund transformative education projects, or inspire creativity in the next generation of artists and thinkers. And if you wish, you can choose to direct your gift to an area of the Gallery’s work that matters most to you.
With your help, Dulwich Picture Gallery can remain a place of beauty, reflection and discovery — for another 200 years and beyond.
Writing a will
Writing a will is a significant thing to do, and we strongly advise our supporters to talk to a solicitor to ensure that your Will is legally binding and reflects your intentions.
Putting a will together doesn’t need to be expensive and can be straight forward, but it is the only way to ensure your future wishes will be taken care of.
We also recommend you prepare as much information as you can before you visit your solicitor. Our Legacy Partners, Bennett Welch, are available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Our Legacy Partners, Bennett Welch, are available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Or alternatively you can get in touch with our Development Team on 020 8299 8728 or email development@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.
Keep in touch
We would like to keep our gift givers involved in Gallery life. Which is why we ask if you are considering leaving a legacy gift to let us know.
Letting us know gives us the opportunity to:
- Keep you included on details on conservation, future exhibitions, public programming, community projects and learning initiatives, as they evolve and touch more and more lives.
- Notifying us of your wishes does not obligate you in any way, but it does help us make important plans for the future.
- Conservation is an ongoing responsibility that benefits from forward planning and prioritising both our income strands and funding applications.
Or you can adopt a painting or contribute its conservation. We would be pleased to talk to you in more detail about this. You can get in touch on 020 8299 8728 or email development@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.
Commemorate a loved one
You may also consider remembering a loved one by donating in their memory. Making a donation in memory of a loved one can be a particularly meaningful way to celebrate their life. We have several ways that allow you to remember them in a special way.
We are able to offer:
- Named benches in our beautiful grounds: £5000
- A tree planted in our peaceful meadow their name: from £650
- Named flagstones in our cloister: £25000
Or you can adopt a painting or contribute its conservation. We would be pleased to talk to you in more detail about this. You can get in touch on 020 8299 8728 or email development@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
