Russell-Cotes: a unique Victorian villa

Join us for a festive visit to Russell-Cotes to discover the rich history of this magnificent Victorian villa and hear from the team behind the distinctive visitor offer.

Russel-Cotes is arguably unique in the UK. A remarkable Victorian villa, built by Bournemouth hoteliers and entrepreneurs Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes as their dream home on the clifftop of Bournemouth and given to the people of Bournemouth. It survives now with its internationally renowned fine and decorative art collection in its original setting, offering a quirky and immersive experience.

The presentation will focus on the distinctive opportunities and challenges of managing this unusual collection, building and site to make a distinctive visitor offer and a sustainable operation. There will be plenty of time for networking over mulled wine and festive treats!

Sarah Newman has been the Head of the Russell-Cotes for nearly 10 years, having worked previously in community exhibitions at St Barbe Museum, Lymington. She has focussed on investment in the museum’s fabric and improving the challenging governance arrangements of a charity with local Authority as Trustee to deliver a sustainable future.