The Polytechnic Lodge

The Charterhouse is delighted to announce the appointment of Major General Andrew Ritchie CBE as the new Chair of the Governors, and Julian Marczak as the charity’s first Director of Operations.

Andrew Ritchie was a career soldier and former Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst who was until recently CEO of Goodenough College. He comes with many years’ experience of Board leadership and involvement in charitable institutions. Andrew takes over from Sir Michael Graydon on 20th November, and Julian will be leaving his role as Deputy Director of the Almshouse Association to take on this new role at the Charterhouse on 18th January 2019.

This month the Charterhouse will also be bidding a very grateful and fond farewell to Donna Birkwood who has served here for over 18 years, originally as Registrar and from 2002 as Clerk to the Brothers.

The Master, Ann Kenrick, who has overseen the opening of the Charterhouse to the public over the last 19 months, very much looks forward to working with both Andrew and Julian.

“I am delighted Andrew is joining us and bringing his own extensive experience to build on the wise, proactive and innovative role that Sir Michael Graydon has contributed so well for 20 years, the last 12 as Chair. Sir Michael has partnered four Masters here at the Charterhouse and has not only been a consistently steady hand on the financial tiller, but has also manifestly cared very deeply for our mission and for the wellbeing of the Brothers. I wish Sir Michael all good wishes for the future, and want to personally thank him for his invaluable leadership during these changing times at the Charterhouse.

I am also very pleased to welcome Julian Marczak and look forward to working with him to ensure we are running our almshouse and maintaining and conserving our exceptional buildings in harmony as well as efficiently, and with an eye on the future. Julian’s distinguished career in the third sector, and specifically working with almshouses and property portfolios, means he will be bringing excellent expertise and credentials to the team here at the Charterhouse”.

Sir Michael Graydon, outgoing Chairman of the Governors of the Charterhouse said, “I am delighted we have made two such excellent appointments to enable us to carry on maintaining and developing the Charterhouse. I have a strong and deep commitment to this very special organisation and feel assured that after my 18 years as Chair I am passing its future into good hands.”

Andrew Ritchie commented:
“I am delighted to play a role in the Charterhouse at such an exciting time in its history.”

Julian Marczak added:
“It is a tremendous privilege to be involved in this next very significant chapter of the long and illustrious history of the Charterhouse. I have viewed developments having been a great admirer of it for some time and look forward immensely to contributing to the next stage of its development. Overseeing progress of the museum and learning centre, enabling a wider audience to appreciate the glorious gardens and encouraging the wonderful catering team to support the private functions are all stimulating challenges.”

The Charterhouse, set deep within stone walls in the heart of Clerkenwell, is a remarkable assembly of historic buildings dating from the 14thcentury.  Over the years it has been a monastery, a grand Tudor mansion, a school and, as it has remained for over 400 years, an almshouse. In January 2017 parts of the Charterhouse opened to the public for the first time in its 660 year history, revealing to the public the great story of this sprawling urban oasis at the heart of London.

With partner the Museum of London, the Charterhouse created a new museum within the Tudor mansion, as well as a Learning Centre and an exhibition space, which tells the story of the Charterhouse and its role in key moments in English history, using artefacts from its own collection, together with others from the Museum of London and other collections. This exciting new facility brings to life the history of the building, highlighting its place in national affairs and securing its future.

For further information, interviews and photographs please contact Charlotte Borger on charlotte.borger@thecharterhouse.org

Editors’ notes
* Andrew Ritchie was Director of Goodenough College from 2006 to 2018 and was previously Director of Regular Forces Employment Association (a military charity) and has senior roles at other colleges and charities. His career has been with the army, and he has held a range of senior army appointments including Director of Army Communications & Public Relations.
* Julian Marczak was appointed as Deputy Director of the Almshouse Association in 2012 having previously worked as Assistant Director, Fundraising.