OUR HISTORY
Our charity owes its existence to the generous legacy of Mr RC Sherriff – the prolific playwright, novelist and screenwriter, who lived in Elmbridge.
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When he died in 1975, RC Sherriff bequeathed his home to Elmbridge Borough Council with clear instructions that it should be used to support culture and art.
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Today, the invested proceeds from the sale of the property make it possible for us to regularly award grants to organisations and individuals, and develop and deliver our own initiatives, which are all designed to advance the arts and enhance culture in Elmbridge – fulfilling our benefactor’s wishes.
WHAT WAS ROSEBRIARS?
In the 1930s, having enjoyed a global success with his hit play, novel and screenplay: Journey’s End, RC Sherriff used some of his new-found wealth to buy a five-bedroom home in Esher, Surrey.
This property was called Rosebriars.
Located in Esher Park Avenue, Esher, it was surrounded by six-acres of landscaped gardens and park.
When he died in 1975, RC Sherriff bequeathed Rosebriars to Elmbridge Borough Council, with instructions that funds from the property should ideally be used to support culture and art.
THE SALE OF ROSEBRIARS
In 1993, Rosebriars was sold, the property was demolished, and the proceeds of the sale were invested to generate a sustainable income for our charitable activities.
Today, through careful investment and governance of the Trust, the funds are used to develop, promote and support the arts for the whole Elmbridge community.
It wasn’t a pretentious house. It was low built and looked comfortable and friendly, small compared with the garden that surrounded it; and that little park and garden were the answer to our [Sherriff and his mother] dreams.
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There was an orchard, a rose garden surrounded by lilac trees in blossom, a vegetable garden with strawberry and asparagus beds, and wild corners full of blackberry bushes and honeysuckle. It was spring and we felt we were in paradise.
ROSEBRIARS
RC Sherriff (No Leading Lady)
HONOURING THE MAN WHO MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE
In 2004 we formally changed our name from the Rosebriars Trust to become the RC Sherriff Trust to honour our generous benefactor whom, although no longer with us, continues to advance the arts for residents – and future generations – of Elmbridge.
Discover more about the great man and his works.
30 YEARS OF THE RC SHERRIFF TRUST
2023 is The Trust's 30th Anniversary. Keep an eye on our Project Showcase and Arts Focus Online for details of all of our events to mark this special occasion.
