The Stradling Collection, one of Bristol’s most important collections of 20th and 21st century design and applied arts, has appointed Karen White as chair to take it forward into its 10th anniversary next year.
Containing more than 2,000 items ranging from pieces of ceramic and glass to furniture, toys and decorative objects, it has been assembled from the private collection of Ken Stradling MBE, who died last year aged 100. 
In a long career, Ken, pictured below, was best known as buyer for The Bristol Guild of Applied Art (The Guild) on Park Street from the 1940s onwards.
In 2014 he created a charitable trust which would go on to develop the incredible and diverse collection as an educational resource for future generations.
Since it opened nine years ago, the Stradling Collection’s education programme has excited and inspired secondary school children, students and teachers in Bristol and beyond.
It also tells valuable stories about the history of design through its exhibition programme.
Karen White, pictured, who has had a long career in journalism and public relations, was initially a volunteer steward with The Stradling Collection before being appointed a trustee earlier this year.
She is also currently a trustee of Bristol Museums Development Trust and Pahar Trust Nepal, which builds safe and earthquake-resilient schools and supports teachers to provide high-quality education.
Karen said: “This is a very exciting time for the Trust as we approach our 10th anniversary in 2024. As a charity, we are facing similar challenges seeking support as many others in the arts, culture and heritage sector, but we have significant plans to extend our opening hours and our reach into new audiences within the city and beyond. 
“We are also delighted to be part of the Bristol 650 celebrations, with an exhibition running in the autumn – Design Icons: Made in Bristol – featuring some of our iconic makers and designers in the city.”
These include Oscar-winning animation firm Aardman Animations, product development consultancy Kinneir Dufort and Limbs & Things, which makes medical training products.
Karen added: “Ken made a huge contribution to both the city and its cultural life during his career, supporting many young makers as they started their journey, some of whom went on to become highly respected in their fields.”
Karen takes over from acting chair Cleo Witt, who will remain as a trustee.
The Stradling Collection is based on Park Row and is currently open to the public from 1.30pm-4pm on Wednesdays and 11am-4pm on Saturdays. Private tours are also available.
Its current exhibition The Art of Play runs until 29 July and features work made by students from local schools, colleges and universities in response to the playful elements of the Collection.
Included in the Collection are items from makers including Marcel Breuer, Ernest Race, Lucie Rie, Sam Smith and Eric Ravilious.
For more information, visit www.stradlingcollection.org
Photo of Karen White by @JonCraig_Photos
