It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our longstanding trustee, Louise West, following her battle with cancer.
Louise was a tireless and passionate advocate for our organisation, a champion of our collections, and a dedicated supporter of the museum professionals who bring them to life. She joined us as a trustee in May 2020 and, for the past six years, served as Chair of our Collections Committee. Her professional expertise was instrumental in shaping programmes marking key Jane Austen anniversaries and in building our enduring partnership with the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA).
Louise’s contribution to the Trust has been immense, and her legacy will continue to be felt across our organisation for many years to come. We will remember her with great gratitude, respect and affection, and she will be deeply missed as both a trustee and a friend.
On behalf of everyone working and volunteering at HCT, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for everything Louise did for the Trust. Our thoughts are with Louise’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Tom Wright, Chair of Hampshire Cultural Trust, and Paul Sapwell, Chief Executive