Mount Pleasant
Sir: The middle of the summer will see the celebration of the diamond jubilee of the opening of Mount Pleasant, and the silver jubilee of the subsequent move to Reigate. Many of your readers may not have heard of this retreat for creative artists (embrac- ing, among others, writers, potters, pain- ters and musicians).
It was on 15 July 1929 that the original house at Rickmansworth was opened by Sir David Murray RA PRI, following the formation of the Trust by Francis William Reckitt, himself a talented amateur painter and member of the Reckitt family, well- known both in the United Kingdom for its household products and as part of an internationally known conglomerate.
Although Francis Reckitt himself died in 1932, the Trust has continued ever since to provide a haven for creative artists, first at Rickmansworth, now and for the last 25 years at Reigate. The Reigate house is large, comfortable, well-furnished, and set in six and a half acres of gardens, with views towards Box Hill and the North Downs. Although its capacity is limited to a maximum of seven guests at any one time, this makes for an atmosphere that is both restful and friendly. The charge for
LETTERS
staying is modest, at £7 per day (plus VAT) for full board, and the house is open for most of the year for stays of up to three weeks at a time. Over the years, the guests at the house and the board of Trustees have included many well-known writers, pain- ters and musicians.
The Trustees welcome applications from creative artists to come and stay at the house provided they meet the qualifica- tions under the Trust deed. Prospective guests should write to the Secretary, Mount Pleasant, Coppice Lane, Reigate, RH2 9JF, for a copy of the brochure and giving particulars of the way in which they might qualify to enjoy the benefaction.
C. R. Tanner
Secretary to the Trustees, Mount Pleasant, Coppice Lane, Reigate, Surrey
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