Preserving Our Heritage 

Recognising the importance of Over-Seas House as the centre for ROSL’s work in promoting music and the arts and encouraging good relations and international friendship, the Trustees agreed in 2020 that donations that are made to the ROSL Foundation specifically for the fabric of Over-Seas House be used towards specific Conservation and Heritage Projects.

In 2022, a heritage grant was granted to support the renovation of the wrought iron staircase from the historic Brabourne Room into the Garden overlooking Green Park. The staircase dates from the post 1902 fire reinstatement and alterations and is part of the Grade I listed building.

The staircase is included in the List Entry Record where the Vernon House elevation to Green Park is described in detail: “(…) faced in Portland stone to second floor with original brick above; two-window range, that to right treated as three-storey segmental bay with tripartite windows; first- floor balcony on stone brackets, enclosed by cast-iron railings of an original design; cast-iron railing to French door on first-floor of bay; cast-iron balcony and stair from ground-floor to garden level; swags to ground-floor entablature band”.

The restored staircase means that the thousands of visitors to the Garden each year can continue to enjoy the building as it has been for over 120 years.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting this valuable work in preserving the fabric and heritage of Over-Seas House, please do not hesitate to contact the Director General’s Office at dgoffice@rosl.org.uk. Thank you.