I love the atmosphere of Gainsborough’s House, the art, the history, meeting visitors, giving talks, learning new things, working with staff and other volunteers and the fact our work is so much appreciated.
— Sue Whiteley, volunteer with Gainsborough’s House since 2006
Register your interest to volunteer with Gainsborough’s House. Get in contact with our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lottie if you’d like more information, to have an informal meeting or to learn more about the opportunities available to you.
As a registered and independent charity, Gainsborough’s House relies on the contribution of its amazing volunteers who help with a variety of roles across the whole site, including gallery stewarding, guided tours, learning workshops, administration, retail and events. Full training is provided and volunteer meetings are held regularly, so volunteers can get to know each other and staff, as well as learn about the latest developments at the museum.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us, please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lottie: lottie@gainsborough.org
Alternatively, please fill out and return our Volunteer form—we’ll be in touch as soon as possible!
Already a Volunteer and looking for Volunteer Pack information? Go to the Volunteers Portal – this page is password- protected and only intended for Gainsborough’s House Volunteers.
It always feels good to do good but there really is so much more to volunteering than that! The most meaningful & impactful gift you can give is your time.
When I first visited Gainsborough’s House, I was really struck by the warm welcome I received from the band of volunteers, and by their knowledge and commitment to the museum. Please know that as you join the community here, we hugely appreciate the generous commitment of your time and support. I look forward to meeting you in the near future and very much hope that you enjoy your time at Gainsborough’s House, where you are absolutely integral to our day-to-day operation and future success.
— Simon Ofield-Kerr, Chair of Trustees of Gainsborough’s House
There’s ample opportunity to get involved with Gainsborough’s House. Appropriate training will always be given to new as well as existing volunteers to support their role. We’re looking for enthusiastic people to join us, could it be you?
To print a Role Profile, please download a PDF from the buttons below and print double sided (on short edge) and then fold A4 paper in half.
The George John and Sheilah Livanos Study Room is located within the museum at Gainsborough’s House and holds our collection of prints, drawings, and historic books. It also includes archive material relating to Thomas Gainsborough and Cedric Morris. The Livanos Study Room has recently opened for research purposes and is available to visitors to study objects in the collection by prior appointment.
The Camera Obscura is a bookable, timed activity and requires a confident guide to operate and lead the session. This is a unique opportunity to volunteer at a prestigious heritage site operating a new piece of equipment. This revolutionary concept dates back to 400BC!
Gallery Stewards have a vital role in providing a warm welcome to our visitors. They make all the difference to every visitor’s experience at Gainsborough’s House, sharing the history of the spaces and the significance of the collections.
The garden provides the link between the new galleries and the Grade l listed House and will welcome all visitors as they move between the gallery spaces. Garden Stewards can help us in two ways— by actively helping to maintain the garden to the highest standard and also by engaging with visitors on the history of the garden and the planting scheme, answering questions and chatting about all things plants. A horticultural background is not essential to this role although enthusiasm and an interest in gardening and plants is desirable.
Support behind-the-scenes operations by assisting with key administrative tasks that keep Gainsborough’s House running smoothly.
Represent Gainsborough’s House at external events and within the local community, helping to raise awareness and build connections.
Help deliver our Events Programme by providing support before, during, and after the occasion.
Help grow our Memberships by engaging with visitors and sharing the benefits of joining Gainsborough’s House.
Lead engaging and informative tours that tell the story of Gainsborough as well as bring his art to life.
Gather and record feedback from visitors, helping us continually improve and develop their experience.
We are grateful to have over 150 dedicated volunteers here at Gainsborough’s House! They contribute a great deal of time to our charity, bring a variety of skills and amplify our visitor’s experience through their extra support.
Do you enjoy connecting with people and supporting them to learn new skills? Our Learning Assistants play a vital role in inspiring young visitors and providing an exciting, interactive learning experience at Gainsborough’s House. We welcome school visits from nursery groups right through to A-level students, facilitating House and Gallery visits, creative workshops, and bespoke events for young people.
There is no need for prior experience teaching or working with young people, we are keen to work with anyone who is passionate about supporting young people to engage with art, history, and creative play.
If you’re enthusiastic and love chatting with people, you’d fit right in welcoming people to Gainsborough’s House! Welcome Hosts are the first point of contact for visitors, providing a warm, welcoming and friendly greeting when they arrive.
Please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lottie Robinson-Slade lottie@gainsborough.org if you have any queries or want to find out more about any of the role profiles listed on this page.
We offer compulsory inductions and the opportunity for relaxed learning while on duty. There are frequent tours offered for volunteers by volunteers to familiarise themselves with our collections. Any additional training required for specific volunteer roles will be arranged to ensure you can get the most out of your experience at Gainsborough’s House.
Are you looking to fulfil the volunteer section of your DofE?
As the national centre for Thomas Gainsborough, we are able to offer a totally unique environment for our volunteers. Charities in the arts, culture & heritage sectors preserve history for future generations. Be a vital part of the future and volunteer with us now!
