This year marked the start of a journey to creating a more structured approach to the running of the gallery in order remain sustainable in the face of rising costs and increased competition for funding and grants. Whilst we started to receive a modest income from both careful investment of the legacy Ken left from the sale of his house and the rental of the car park, there is still much to be done.
We therefore invested in a senior business development role for six months to put more efficient operational systems in place and raise the profile of the organisation. We also focused more effort into attracting external funding and sponsorship. This resulted in a very welcome grant from Bristol City Council’s Originators Fund to support our Collections Project, where students and young people responded to the Collection with their own artistic interpretation of the meaning of the word.
We also introduced consistent ticketing, a decision that was a difficult one after a history of mainly free entry. But we could not financially sustain this business model and felt that entry to three floors and a changing temporary exhibition merited a small charge, with some concessions. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response.
A long look at our programming strategy means we are now planning much further in advance, staging fewer exhibitions but increasing their quality. 60 degrees North, focusing on our rich Scandinavia glass and ceramic Collection and sponsored by Clevedon Salerooms, ran for some five months and was extremely popular.
In the last quarter of the year we collaborated with the Women’s Engineering Society to showcase Bristol’s All Electric House, which attracted a wide visitor profile keen to look back nostalgically at post war domestic design.
We continue to invest in our engagement with young people and students, with interns sponsored by both University of Bristol and Art Fund who bring another rich dimension to The Collection.
Of course a very sad moment in the year was the closure of The Guild in Park Street, where Ken Stradling honed his career as a pioneer in modernist design as both its buyer and, latterly, Managing Director. Nothing will replace it.
As we look forward to the future, we continue to be ever grateful to our volunteer stewards without whom none of this would still be possible. Volunteering is a labour of love and we know they all love this Collection as much as we do. Thank you.
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Activities
The Ken Stradling Collection is a growing collection providing opportunities for education and inspiration to all those interested in good design and craftsmanship. It has close links with art and design students in Bristol, Bath and beyond.
Financial review
As shown in the Accounts on page 4 income amounted to £397,552 and expenditure to £68,660.
Trustees
As at 31st December 2024:
K White (Chair), D Beech, P Dunscombe, J Elsworth, G Flanagan (Hon Treasurer), F Hallworth, J Inkson, R Jones (resigned 8/24), J Lanyon.
Bankers
NatWest and CAF
Independent Examiner
Manson Accountants Ltd. 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU
1
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the trust deed the Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of income over expenditure.
In preparing those financial statements, generally accepted practice entails that the Trustees:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting by Charities have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are required to act in accordance with the trust deed and the rules of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
2
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 4 to 6.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to my attention:-
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
22 September 2025
Manson Accountants Ltd. 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU
3
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| all figures to the nearest £ Incoming Resources Legacy Donations and subscriptions Grants Rent Lectures and Tours/Events Sales Interest received Tax repayment Asset sales Loan Direct Charitable expenditure ( Note 1 ) Other expenditure ( Note 1 ) Asset purchases Tax payment Total Payments Excess of Income over Expenditure Reserves brought forward Reserves carried forward Resources Expended |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 343,873 343,873 3,912 500 4,412 30,054 30,054 816 816 1,015 1,015 6,530 6,530 5,173 5,173 0 0 391,373 500 391,873 5,679 5,679 0 397,052 500 397,552 16,288 - 16,288 52,372 52,372 0 0 0 68,660 0 68,660 328,392 500 328,892 31,921 31,921 360,313 500 360,813 |
Last year £ 0 9,982 25,038 0 1,785 3,845 0 2,095 42,745 4,227 0 46,972 35,573 12,045 0 0 47,618 -646 32,567 31,921 |
|---|---|---|
These Accounts were approved by the Trustees on 18 September 2025 and were signed on their behalf by
……………………………………….. 22 September 2025
K. White
4
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| 1. Resources expended all figures to the nearest £ Direct charitable– Printing/publicity/exhibitions Grant costs Administration Other- Staff Electricity, Rates and Water Storage Telephone and Communications Other Insurance Accountancy and Professional Costs Subscriptions Equipment/Computer Property expenses Bank charges Acquisitions |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 3,619 3,619 12,481 12,481 188 188 16,288 - 16,288 37,608 37,608 4,026 4,026 2,557 2,557 641 641 1,159 1,159 1,622 1,622 1,632 1,632 1,047 1,047 822 822 756 756 502 502 52,372 - 52,372 0 |
Last year £ 3,086 0 32,487 35,573 0 3,293 0 755 294 1,701 2,810 0 421 2,771 0 12,045 2,841 |
|---|---|---|
2. Trustees’ emoluments
No emoluments or expenses were paid to the Trustees (2023 - nil).
3. Property
The Charity is the beneficiary of a gift of the building from which it operates together with the adjacent car park. The value of this has not been determined.
5
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| All figures are to the nearest £ Assets Fixed assets Collection at valuation Investment fund Current assets Loan Prepayments Bank - current account Bank - deposit account Current liabilities Deferred Income Accruals Net current assets Net assets Represented by: Valuation reserve Excess of income over expenditure bfwd current period |
£ £ 302,043 325,000 627,043 0 1,846 5,814 28,559 36,219 0 -406 -406 35,813 662,856 302,043 31,921 328,892 662,856 |
Last year £ 302,043 0 302,043 10,000 290 25,652 20,000 55942 -21107 -2914 -24,021 31,921 333,964 302,043 32,567 -646 333,964 |
|---|---|---|
Property
See the notes to the accounts
Investments
The Charity has invested the legacy left to them by the Estate of Mr K Stradling in order to provide an income from the interest earned
Liabilities
The Charity has no material liabilities.
6
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Activities
The Ken Stradling Collection is a growing collection providing opportunities for education and inspiration to all those interested in good design and craftsmanship. It has close links with art and design students in Bristol, Bath and beyond.
Financial review
As shown in the Accounts on page 4 income amounted to £397,552 and expenditure to £68,660.
Trustees
As at 31st December 2024:
K White (Chair), D Beech, P Dunscombe, J Elsworth, G Flanagan (Hon Treasurer), F Hallworth, J Inkson, R Jones (resigned 8/24), J Lanyon.
Bankers
NatWest and CAF
Independent Examiner
Manson Accountants Ltd. 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU
1
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the trust deed the Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of income over expenditure.
In preparing those financial statements, generally accepted practice entails that the Trustees:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting by Charities have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are required to act in accordance with the trust deed and the rules of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
2
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
Registered Charity Number 1117689
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 4 to 6.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to my attention:-
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
22 September 2025
Manson Accountants Ltd. 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU
3
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| all figures to the nearest £ Incoming Resources Legacy Donations and subscriptions Grants Rent Lectures and Tours/Events Sales Interest received Tax repayment Asset sales Loan Direct Charitable expenditure ( Note 1 ) Other expenditure ( Note 1 ) Asset purchases Tax payment Total Payments Excess of Income over Expenditure Reserves brought forward Reserves carried forward Resources Expended |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 343,873 343,873 3,912 500 4,412 30,054 30,054 816 816 1,015 1,015 6,530 6,530 5,173 5,173 0 0 391,373 500 391,873 5,679 5,679 0 397,052 500 397,552 16,288 - 16,288 52,372 52,372 0 0 0 68,660 0 68,660 328,392 500 328,892 31,921 31,921 360,313 500 360,813 |
Last year £ 0 9,982 25,038 0 1,785 3,845 0 2,095 42,745 4,227 0 46,972 35,573 12,045 0 0 47,618 -646 32,567 31,921 |
|---|---|---|
These Accounts were approved by the Trustees on 18 September 2025 and were signed on their behalf by
……………………………………….. 22 September 2025
K. White
4
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| 1. Resources expended all figures to the nearest £ Direct charitable– Printing/publicity/exhibitions Grant costs Administration Other- Staff Electricity, Rates and Water Storage Telephone and Communications Other Insurance Accountancy and Professional Costs Subscriptions Equipment/Computer Property expenses Bank charges Acquisitions |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 3,619 3,619 12,481 12,481 188 188 16,288 - 16,288 37,608 37,608 4,026 4,026 2,557 2,557 641 641 1,159 1,159 1,622 1,622 1,632 1,632 1,047 1,047 822 822 756 756 502 502 52,372 - 52,372 0 |
Last year £ 3,086 0 32,487 35,573 0 3,293 0 755 294 1,701 2,810 0 421 2,771 0 12,045 2,841 |
|---|---|---|
2. Trustees’ emoluments
No emoluments or expenses were paid to the Trustees (2023 - nil).
3. Property
The Charity is the beneficiary of a gift of the building from which it operates together with the adjacent car park. The value of this has not been determined.
5
Registered Charity Number 1117689
THE KEN STRADLING COLLECTION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| All figures are to the nearest £ Assets Fixed assets Collection at valuation Investment fund Current assets Loan Prepayments Bank - current account Bank - deposit account Current liabilities Deferred Income Accruals Net current assets Net assets Represented by: Valuation reserve Excess of income over expenditure bfwd current period |
£ £ 302,043 325,000 627,043 0 1,846 5,814 28,559 36,219 0 -406 -406 35,813 662,856 302,043 31,921 328,892 662,856 |
Last year £ 302,043 0 302,043 10,000 290 25,652 20,000 55942 -21107 -2914 -24,021 31,921 333,964 302,043 32,567 -646 333,964 |
|---|---|---|
Property
See the notes to the accounts
Investments
The Charity has invested the legacy left to them by the Estate of Mr K Stradling in order to provide an income from the interest earned
Liabilities
The Charity has no material liabilities.
6