Anna Forrest Email & Phone Number

Suffolk, England, United Kingdom

My work includes:Historic buildings' research and analysis. Statements of significance, heritage assessments and conservation statements. Historical research - archival and desk-based. Research and content-writing for heritage interpretation, guidebooks and leaflets. Research and curatorial advice for heritage projects.I have a particular interest in vernacular buildings, historic almshouses, and uncovering the histories of ordinary people and their homes. My work is underpinned by my belief in the power of research and analysis to reveal significance and unlock the potential of buildings and heritage sites.

Continuing to work on the Raise the Roof project at Oxburgh Hall, and also providing curatorial support to projects and properties across the East of England, including Melford Hall, Lavenham Guildhall, Flatford, Peckover House, & Sutton Hoo.

Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Project role as curator for Oxburgh Hall during a £6m building conservation project (“Raise the Roof”) and £200k visitor experience project (“Endurance”). My role as curator for a wide portfolio of properties in the region is being backfilled for the duration of this project.Key roles for “Raise the Roof”:- managing the commissioning and delivery of a Conservation Management Plan for Oxburgh Hall.- writing a research plan using recommendations in the CMP.- commissioning a range of external specialist consultants to carry out investigation and analysis of Oxburgh’s historic fabric in order to increase understanding of significance, phasing and history. This includes paint analysis, wallpaper research, dendrochronology, building recording, historic graffiti survey and underfloor archaeology.- providing a range of volunteer opportunities connected with research.- applying curatorial rigour to the repair philosophy underpinning the project, working closely with architects, engineers and building contractors.- collating all research outputs with a view to disseminating these widely.Key roles for “Endurance”:- undertaking and commissioning new research into the history of Oxburgh and the Bedingfeld family in order to provide accurate content for the visitor experience narrative.- identifying objects from within Oxburgh’s collection and negotiating loan items to support the narrative.- working closely with visitor experience colleagues and designers to create new, high quality, interpretation within showrooms of a style which is a step change for Oxburgh. - sharing new narratives and research discoveries with new audiences, visitors, volunteers.

Bury St Edmunds

As a consultant, I deliver specialist curatorial advice to a portfolio of properties in the East of England, including four Accredited Museums. I cover collections, interiors, historic buildings (including vernacular buildings), gardens, designed landscapes and open countryside. I have worked with: Wimpole Hall and Estate, Ickworth Estate, Oxburgh Hall, Melford Hall, Lavenham Guildhall, Peckover House, the Theatre Royal, Shaw’s Corner, Flatford, Paycocke’s, Rayleigh Mount, Bourne Mill, Coggeshall Grange Barn, and a range of coast and countryside sites including Hatfield Forest. My role is rooted in a deep understanding of the history and significance of these sites, which informs my advice on presentation, interpretation, management and development. Notable projects:- Restoration of the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. - "Ickworth Lives" - conservation, interpretation and re-presentation of the below stairs area at Ickworth, Suffolk. - "Our Village Through Time" - new exhibitions and interpretation at the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, Lavenham. - "Flatford: the Echoes that Remain" - highlighting the site's social and industrial history, focusing on creating atmospheric interpretation about the family who lived at Bridge Cottage.- Digital recreation of lost C16th tapestries at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk using state of the art reproduction techniques.- Commissioning and overseeing delivery of Conservation Management Plans for Ickworth basement, Ickworth park and gardens, Rayleigh Mount, Oxburgh Wilderness, Hatfield Forest's designed landscape. - Authorship of Oxburgh Hall and Lavenham Guildhall guidebooks.Core skills:Consultancy-based approach to workingInterpretation and presentation of historic sites and landscapesUndertaking and commissioning researchBrief-writingConservation Management PlansProject managementChattels acquisitionsCollections ManagementWorking with volunteers

East Of England

I had curatorial responsibility for a small portfolio of mainly vernacular properties in Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Working alongside more senior colleagues I developed my experience of interpreting, presenting and assessing the significance of a wide range of collections, buildings and landscapes.

Ipswich, United Kingdom

Carrying out historical research for the legal department using a broad range of primary sources held at the various branches of the Suffolk Record Office. Preparing detailed reports. Presenting findings to committee.

Master'S Degree, Building History, Distinction

Modules studied: Research skills; Building analysis and recording; Conservation philosophy, law and practice; Medieval building history.

Master’S Degree, Medieval Studies

Course modules included: The archaeology of medieval East Anglia, Interpreting the Middle Ages, Cultural Strategies and the Visual Arts.

Bachelor’S Degree, Combined Studies In Arts: History Of Architecture And Medieval Studies, First Class Honours With Special Merit

Modules studied included: Early and Late Medieval Literature, Medieval Culture, Place name studies, Early Medieval archaeology, History.