The Bishop of , colonialism and transatlantic slavery

For the provision of freelance specialist research consultancy services to Palace to support the development of permanent interpretation and a temporary exhibition

Background

Fulham Palace is a truly remarkable place. For centuries, this Grade I Listed building situated in extensive grounds by the was the country residence of the Bishops of London with an important archaeological history. The Palace is now managed by Fulham Palace Trust, which is inspired by a vision to restore our nationally significant historic buildings and grounds to their original beauty and to provide outstanding facilities for the local community and visitors from farther afield.

Last year the Trust delivered The project focussed on bringing the iconic Tudor Quadrangle and key historic rooms, such as the great hall, back to life by conserving the building and dressing the rooms to show how the Bishops of London would have lived and worked here across the centuries. It delivered new museum rooms and enhanced the botanical gardens, including re- establishing some of the exotic species that were first introduced to Europe by the botanist and bishop in the late 17th and early 18th century.

A core element of the Project was an 18 month volunteer archive research and interpretation workstream. Led by a freelance archivist, this undertook further investigation of sources at Fulham Palace as well as in external partner archives to provide more evidence to support our structured interpretation plan for the Palace.

Our requirement

The Trust is now inviting consultant freelance researchers to submit proposals to develop on this work by identifying the evidenced stories that we should be sharing with our visitors on the theme of the , colonialism and transatlantic slavery.

A detailed consultant brief is attached.

This research project, funded by Arts Council England, will address, where feasible, identified gaps in our Conservation Plan, sources lists completed in 2016 and interpretation framework to identify, document and make accessible material to support this theme. It will include providing advice on any workstreams that could be pursued by our volunteer Archive Research Group.

Available budget £20k Responding to the brief

To respond to this brief, the consultant freelance researcher should provide Fulham Palace with:

 A short methodology statement explaining how the research brief will be delivered within the June October timescale (please specify your availability if you are not available within this period). This should include an anticipated timetable of activities and key dates.  CV and details of relevant professional experience and skills. Demonstrating any experience of similar projects would be desirable.  Two references from clients of similar work.  The extent of professional insurance or indemnity cover.

Responses of no more than six pages of A4 should be emailed to Lisa Voden-Decker at [email protected] by noon on 7 June.

A shortlisting process will be undertaken and interviews will be held on Thursday 17 June (either remotely or at Fulham Palace). Consultants are kindly requested to keep this day free for that purpose. All consultants will be informed about whether they are to be invited to an interview no later than Monday 14 June.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we are unable to offer feedback to those not shortlisted for interview.

Thank you for your interest in Fulham Palace.