Chiswick resident Lycia Lobo has been confirmed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, the independent charity running the historic 65-acre site.
Her appointment was confirmed at the Trust’s Board meeting in March, following several years as a Trustee. She has served as acting Chair since summer 2025. Lycia brings substantial experience as both a trustee and board chair, with extensive expertise across the heritage and cultural sector. She has worked with leading organisations including English Heritage, the V&A, and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. She is currently Chief Operating Officer at the Design Museum.
The appointment is for a term of four years, and is approved by Hounslow Council and English Heritage, on behalf of which Chiswick House & Gardens Trust operates the site.
Lycia Lobo, Chair of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, said: ‘As a local resident, I have a deep appreciation of how important Chiswick House & Gardens is to our communities. I am greatly looking forward to continuing to work with the Board, and with the dedicated staff team led by Xanthe Arvanitakis, as together we welcome more people than ever to this special, inspiring, and historic place.’
The announcement of the appointment follows hot on the heels of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust’s successful crowdfunding appeal, which has raised £201,025 to help put the finishing touches to three new community spaces, opening later this year. A new Learning Hub including the Clore Learning Space, and Foyle Learning Yard will welcome 10 times as many schoolchildren and twice as many charity partners to the gardens, to connect with nature and learn where food comes from. The Kitchen Garden Hub will provide much-needed new facilities for volunteers.
