The Garden Museum is delighted to welcome two new members of the team to Benton End House and Gardens.
Charles Spicer joined the Garden Museum as a trustee in November 2024 and at the same time was appointed chair of the Benton End board. One of his first tasks was to support the appointment of a new Project Director for Benton End, to lead on works needed in the house, support the plans for the renewal of the walled garden and plan a programme of activities to increase access to Benton End for a range of audiences.
A published author with a PhD in history, Charles joins Benton End following a career spanning business, finance, writing and philanthropy. He has a longstanding interest in architectural conservation having restored his Jacobean family home in Suffolk. As an experienced company chair and charity trustee, he brings a wealth of understanding in governance and cultural heritage as well as local knowledge to his new role at Benton End.
Charles says: ‘I feel privileged to be part of Benton End and look forward to working with Beatrice, her team and the Garden Museum to revive Cedric Morris’s vision of a place of art and horticulture, learning and friendship that should make a wonderful addition to Suffolk life.’
Newly appointed Project Director Beatrice Prosser-Snelling joined Benton End in March 2025. Clore Leadership ‘Pulse’ alumnus Beatrice came from the National Churches Trust where she was Interim Director of Church Engagement. Prior to that, Beatrice has enjoyed an 18 year career in museums and galleries, working for the National Trust on the project to keep Churchill at Chartwell, in the learning team at The Imperial War Museums and as the Schools Officer that launched Turner Contemporary’s learning programme in Margate amongst other varied roles. Beatrice is a specialist in youth and community engagement, project management and team leadership.
Beatrice says: ‘I’m thrilled to be taking on this important and challenging role at Benton End. This is a crucial time for the house and gardens as we hope to secure substantial funding to be able to adapt the site for reopening to the public. This project will take some years to complete but I have joined a dedicated team and with the support of the Garden Museum I know that Benton End will once again become a hub of learning and creative expression.’
More about Benton End House and Gardens.