About Us

The Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner, Northwest London, showcases the work of the world-renowned artist, illustrator, humourist, and social commentator William Heath Robinson (1872-1944).

Heath Robinson lived nearby in Pinner from 1908-18, some of the most productive years of his life.

Situated in Pinner’s Memorial Park next to historic West House, the Museum complex has created a thriving artistic, cultural and community hub in the region.

The Museum provides a permanent home for the Heath Robinson collection of original artwork and other artefacts. In addition to the permanent exhibition chronicling the life and works of Heath Robinson, the Museum has a rolling programme of Special Exhibitions. These focus on highlights of the museum’s extensive collection of William Heath Robinson’s work as well as showcasing other renowned artists and illustrators.

Learning and Events Programmes

The Museum’s cultural, diversity, arts and social value focus is reinforced by a comprehensive learning and events programme, with school and college group visits and a range of activities and workshops for children, young people and families. Organised and led by the Museum’s dedicated onsite Learning Officer, the activity programme includes expert artists, illustrators, writers and broadcasters who share their knowledge, experience and insight.

The museum and West House overlook the beautiful lake, which forms a stylish backdrop to all our outdoor events, including an annual open-air theatre performance every August.

For more information contact our Learning Officer Dr Claire Linge claire@heathrobinsonmuseum.org or call 020 8866 8420

Supporting Local Artists

Jewellery by local artist Jane Prentice inspired by William Heath Robinson

As well as offering a range of products reflecting Heath Robinson’s work, the shop at the Museum sells a selection of one-off items, designed and handmade by acclaimed, locally-based artisans. The Maker’s Art is a contemporary range of artworks, jewellery, ceramics and printed textiles that complement the imagination and enchantment of Heath Robinson’s work.

The makers change every six months, adding more valuable creative partnerships and leading to a distinctive decorative art marketplace at the Heath Robinson Museum. Come and visit us or browse our wonderful selection in the comfort of your home here.

Support the Museum

Central St. Martins Connections event watched by students from Piner High School

As the Museum receives no central or local government funding, we rely on public support. This includes our Friends of Heath Robinson Museum organisation, with a range of annual and continuing membership options.

The Museum also offers sponsorship opportunities for our Special Exhibitions and individual events and activities, with many venue hire opportunities too. Together with the bright and modern function room/gallery at West House, the Heath Robinson Museum complex offers a complete corporate and community support resource.

Companies and community organisations can host exhibitions and events, business and training workshops with full catering facilities, and the option of a museum Private View. For more information contact the Museum Manager Lucy Smith at lucy@heathrobinsonmuseum.org

West House

West House (shown with the Heath Robinson Museum under construction next door) by Mike Strudwick

West House and the surrounding Pinner Memorial Park were bought by the people of Pinner after the Second World War as a war memorial. After the house fell into disrepair, The West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust raised £1.5m to restore and reopened it in 2010. It is now a vibrant community hub with the a bright first-floor function room/gallery available to hire for events and exhibitions, and Daisy’s in the Park cafe downstairs. You can visit the Shrine and Books of Remembrance, in the Quiet Room of Daisy’s cafe.

Discover more about West House here.

Staff

From left to right:

Claire Linge, Learning Officer

Vanessa Cheung, Operations Assistant

Lucy Smith, Museum Manager

Roberta Borroni, Learning Assistant

Hannah Whyte, Assistant Curator

Not shown: Renata Fiedler, Finance Manager

We are extremely lucky and grateful to have a wonderful team of volunteers who help in all aspects of running the museum.

See about volunteering.

Trustees

The Museum is a partnership between The West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust (HRMT), and The William Heath Robinson Trust (WHRT).

HRMT Trustees WHRT Trustees

Jean Lammiman

Chairman

Past Mayor of Harrow and longstanding trustee, Jean brings experience in global brand marketing and is Chair of Governors of a High School for local young people with special needs.

Geraldine Beare

Vice Chair

A Founder Member and Trustee of the William Heath Robinson Trust, Geraldine is an indexer, lecturer in social history and a writer.

Tom Whiting

Vice Chair

Tom started his career as a Consultant in the Energy sector at Accenture before moving to Local Government where he spent 14 years at Harrow Council, most recently as their Chief Executive. He is now Deputy Director General of the Independent Office of Police Conduct and has lived in Pinner with his wife and children since 2010.

Peter Higginson

Chair of the William Heath Robinson Trust, an art historian, university lecturer, and director of several cultural study tours abroad. He is also a great nephew of Heath Robinson.

Cliff Lichfield

Treasurer & Estate Manager

A retired accountant with 30+ years’ management experience with multinational corporations.

Judith Elliott

Manager of the Museum Shop

Formerly PA to her husband, a Chartered Accountant, Judith joined the
West House Restoration Committee in 2000, subsequently becoming a Trustee of Friends of West House.

Phillip Snell

For 19 years, Head of two large secondary schools with links from China to Canada, then advisory roles with the National College for School Leadership, and the Institute of Education. Governor and now Hon. Fellow of the University of Westminster.

Deena Dwala

Deena brings extensive experience in marketing communications, spending much of her career in global exhibition management. More recently, she has collaborated with local schools specialising in branding, PR and admissions. Deena’s involvement with the Heath Robinson Museum began with the Fundraising Committee before becoming Trustee.

John Barford

John is an experienced Commercial Development consultant working across the culture, heritage and charity sectors. He previously managed the commercial income streams at the Royal Academy of Arts before joining the Science Museum Group where he delivered an integrated commercial strategy across the Group.

Paul Osborn

Leader of Harrow Council. Conservative. Councillor for Pinner. Chairman of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Vice Chairman of Conservative Way Forward.

Geoffrey Beare

An author, editor and curator, specialising in the history of illustration.

Peter Higginson

Chairman

An art historian, university lecturer, and director of several cultural study tours abroad. He is also a great nephew of Heath Robinson.

David Owen

Management professional with 20+ years’ experience of managing in the retail, entertainment and cultural sectors. Currently Visitor Services Manager at the British Museum, proud Pinner family man, and folk songwriter.

Geraldine Beare

A Founder Member and Trustee of the William Heath Robinson Trust, Geraldine is an indexer, lecturer in social history and a writer.

Susan Collins

Susan Collins is a long-standing Trustee of The William Heath Robinson Trust and also his great niece.

Elinor Garraway

A freelance publishing professional with extensive third-sector experience, as well as a maker of handmade books, Elinor is also a great niece of Heath Robinson.

Jean Lammiman

Past Mayor of Harrow and longstanding trustee, Jean brings experience in global brand marketing and is Chair of Governors of a High School for local young people with special needs.

Annual Reports and Accounts

The West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust is a Registered Charity, No 1086567 and a Company Limited by Guarantee, No 4172012.

Our Annual Reports and Accounts are submitted to the Charity Commission and to Companies House; these can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.