The aim of the Thomas Jones Pencerrig Trust CIC is “to advance education in the arts for the benefit of the public by the preservation and conservation of the heritage of the Welsh landscape artist Thomas Jones (1742-1803)”. Our asset-locked body is the charity and local history organisation, The Radnorshire Society. The Trust evolved from a group concerned about the abandonment and decay of Pencerrig House and Gardens in Llanelwedd, of historic interest for its association as the home of the notable landscape artist Thomas Jones 1742-1803 and of the extraordinary C19th philanthropist and benefactor, Miss Clara Thomas (1841-1914). The house is a Grade II Listed Building and the garden a Cadw Registered Historic Park and Garden. Over the past 7 years we have spoken to a wide range of interested communities across Radnorshire and beyond including art historians, historic garden specialists, local history groups, Thomas Jones’ biographer, art dealers, built heritage specialists, conservation architects, Powys County Archives and National Library of Wales archivists, descendants of Pencerrig families, the county and community councillors, and local residents who knew it formerly as a much-loved local hotel. There is compelling interest to ‘save Pencerrig for the nation’ and find a sustainable future use for it. The Trust was registered as a CIC in August 2020. During this reporting period (1 January to 31 December 2024) the Trust continued conversations with the Local Authority about grave concerns over the deteriorating condition of Pencerrig and delays in any emergency repairs. Book sales continued to raise awareness of its significant history and in May the authors gave a talk to The Radnorshire Society in Howey Village Hall. Possibilities of supporting a PhD student to conduct research on Pencerrig under the Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates (ISWE) at Bangor University were explored. The District Valuer, the Community Ownership Fund (COF), PAVO, the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) and the Heritage Trust Network (HTN) all provided support and advice during the year. Concerned about the lack of progress to save this Welsh heritage asset for the local community and wider Welsh nation, in September the Trust engaged Savills to negotiate with the owners about purchase of the property but without success so far.

The company has 3 Trustees interested in heritage, the arts, and building preservation. We plan to expand the Board in future to include a solicitor and conservation architect. Wider stakeholders are art historians, historic garden specialists, Thomas Jones’ biographers, built heritage and conservation specialists, archives and galleries (including the National Library of Wales and National Museum and Gallery of Wales) as well as members of the local community in Radnorshire and Builth Wells. We update those who have expressed interest and support by email. Supporters continue to send stories and photos of Pencerrig during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s as well as useful background information.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration