Julian Bickersteth Announced As New Chair For The David Roche Foundation Board

The David Roche Foundation has formally appointed Julian Bickersteth as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr Bickersteth trained as a furniture conservator after reading Theology at Oxford University and has spent more than 30 years in the museum and heritage world. He is currently President of ADFAS, the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, and is passionate about interpreting and making decorative art collections accessible to the public.

He founded and manages Sydney-based International Conservation Services.

''The David Roche Collection is a jewel in the South Australian cultural scene. Its collection of 3600 extraordinary and diverse pieces collected from all over the world is unparalleled in Australia and a huge gift to benefit South Australia,' said Mr Bickersteth.

''Having known David Roche and been involved in the development of the Museum, I know how pleased he would be in what we are achieving and what we have planned. It is such a privilege to take on this role.'

Mr Bickersteth stepped up as acting Chair in April when Fiona Roche, a property developer and niece of David Roche, resigned from the Board.

The David Roche Foundation also announced that Adelaide-based Marc Allgrove joins the Board of Directors immediately.

Mr Allgrove brings both business acumen and a love of arts and culture to the role. He has more than 20 years experience in the wine industry and is a Director in consulting services firm Evans + Ayers.

For further information on The David Roche Foundation and the museum and gallery at Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, please visit rochefoundation.com.au.

The David Roche Foundation was established in 1999 by the late Mr. David J Roche AM (1930-2013) to be the recipient and custodian of the exceptional collection of antiques, paintings and objects d'art accumulated by him over his lifetime and to be preserved for future generations to enjoy, study and learn from. The people of Australia and especially South Australia are the major beneficiary of his Estate. His wish was to convert his home Fermoy House on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide and build a specific-purpose Gallery on site to create an exceptional museum to house his entire collection. It was also David Roche's wish that the works, particularly those from past centuries, be presented in a manner reminiscent of how he lived and to be accessible to all, especially the people of Adelaide, his much-loved home town. Fermoy House remains in much the same state as when David Roche was in residence, displaying elements of his collection in the context of his lifestyle and everyday interaction with his collection. In contrast the new Gallery is the antithesis of this with pieces of the collection displayed in a stylized context, enhanced by light and space. The new gallery has been designed by Williams Burton Leopardi Architects & Interior Design, Adelaide.

To post a comment, you must register and login.