The Foundation has been formed by merging the funds left in the estates of Rick Mather and David Scrase in order to support charitable projects that would meet their approval.
Purposes
The trustees intend: to make grants to charitable organisations in areas that reflect the interests of Rick and David; to encourage excellence in all fields of endeavour which they support; and to help outstanding young practitioners as they start working in their chosen field of endeavour.
In particular, the trustees are interested in supporting the following:
- The acquisition of outstanding works of art by museums with international standing in the UK;
- The maintenance of Rick Mather’s legacy at the museums he developed in the UK;
- The establishment of internships or research fellowships in the fields of architectural practice, curatorship of prints, drawings and paintings or in horticulture in order to help outstanding young practitioners get the best experience;
- Important recitals by major international artists at the Wigmore Hall;
- Projects designed to enhance the legacy of Dame Margot Fonteyn;
- Performances of ballets by Sir Frederick Ashton with the aim of a wider appreciation of his output; or associated activities with the same aim;
- Outstanding projects aiming to promote or enhance homosexual rights or to combat discrimination against gay men and women.
Applications
Applications will be by the invitation of the trustees only. The trustees will approach any organisations that are likely to come forward with eligible requests. Application will be by email only. Any emails from non-invited charities will not be answered.
The funds available are not sufficient to provide sole support of major capital projects. The trustees may have around £200,000 to distribute in any year and will want to support a number of projects at any time. They can be flexible in the levels of support, although any application over £50,000 will need to be of outstanding value.
Trustees
Richard Jarman
Richard held a number of leadership roles in major arts bodies over 25 years, including English National Ballet, Scottish Opera, the Royal Opera House and the Britten-Pears Foundation.
Dame Rosalind Savill, DBE, FBA, FSA
Ros was Director of the Wallace Collection for 20 years and has recently published an award-winning book on Sèvres porcelain.
Hugh Wilson
Hugh’s main career was as a solicitor acting for private clients, specialising in trusts and estates. His passionate interest in art is reflected in his postgraduate diploma from the Courtauld Institute and his work for Christies.
The Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation is a registered charity in the UK, Charity Commission No. 1200096