The Frances Garnham Award

Our annual award for innovative approaches to educational or community engagement. Run in conjunction with Purcell Architecture from 2026.

Each year, a judging panel including members of the Historic Houses Learning Advisory Panel presents the Frances Garnham Award to a house or garden that’s demonstrated a particularly innovative approach to education or community engagement work.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Run in conjunction with Purcell from 2026, the award was established to commemorate the life and achievements of Frances Garnham, who worked as Director of Policy and Campaigns at Historic Houses until early 2015. Frances was passionate about helping our places to develop exciting and innovative educational projects.

Purcell has, since 1947, maintained a consistent commitment to conservation, sustainable design, and the stewardship of historic places. Their support will help ensure the award continues to champion excellence in heritage learning nationwide, across our member places.

Watch the video below on the 2025 winner – Dr Jenner’s House, Museum, and Garden