Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at The Red House when it’s closed for the winter season? We spoke to two of our volunteers, Carole and John, to hear more about why they love volunteering at the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, and just what it is they get up to when all the visitors have gone.
What made you want to volunteer at The Red House?
John – Ever since I first heard a recording of a performance of the War Requiem in the late ‘60s, I’ve been hooked on Britten. I first came to the Aldeburgh Festival in 1976, and saw Britten’s hand waving out of the box in the Concert Hall, the only time I ever saw a glimpse of him. The first time I came to The Red House, however, was in the 1980s when there was a Britten and Shostakovich weekend. I’ve always felt a connection to this place, the music and the people. Working here is a fulfilment of that connection.
Carole – For me, it started with holidays to the area. My husband and I came as visitors to The Red House, a couple of years before Covid, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere, so calm and just a nice place to be. We decided to move to the area, as we wanted to be near the coast, this coast in particular, and I like volunteering so I rang and was soon connected to Ella Roberts (Head of The Red House). That connection brought me here, and I quickly found that it was the perfect fit for me.
Tell us a bit about what your responsibilities as a Steward involve?
John – During the winter, under the direction of Julia Mael who cares for the house and collections, we close down the house for its hibernation. Wrapping and cleaning the collection and learning about conservation. The conservation aspect is the most important part. Keeping the house alive, as it was when Britten and Pears lived here, whilst also making it available and accessible for visitors. We’re very lucky that Britten and Pears recorded everything, as we know photographically what was in what room at any particular time, and that helps to inform how we restyle the house for the next open season.
Carole – Yes, it’s finding that fine balance between conserving the collection and caring for it to ensure it’s future, whilst keeping that homely, open feel that’s so unique to The Red House, alive. Julia is very assiduous in her care for the house and in making sure we know why we’re doing what we do, and it gives you a greater understanding of your part in caring for The Red House.
The conservation process in winter really helps with the responsibility of stewarding the house for the public in summer, and it means you can explain more to the visitors about the pieces around them.
What are some of your highlights?
Carole – There are many highlights for me. Some of the best days are the behind-the-scenes days. The enthusiasm and atmosphere is always wonderful, as visitors are always so excited to find out more and see the things you wouldn’t usually get to. Which is definitely one of the benefits of being a volunteer – getting to go to all areas in the house – and it really does add to that home-like feeling.
John – I think that is what’s really special with this place, is that everything you see is genuine. Britten and Pears could have passed away yesterday, and we’d could have only just taken over. My favourite thing to do in the winter, is caring for the books. We individually take each book out in the library and house, and brush [the dust from] it, and this is the perfect time to take a peek at any dedications. It feels very personal. Overall, though, the real highlight is sharing my enthusiasm with others, particularly when leading the conducted tours. Those moments of engaging with people and finding out you might’ve attended the same concert 30 years ago or something particular like that, is always enjoyable.
Carole – I agree, its those moments when you meet repeat visitors who you can share information with and learn from. A real highlight was when Janet Baker came to visit. It was a lovely moment to think that person has stayed here when it was a home, and Britten had written something specially for her, it really makes this a living history, to think of all those memories that person has of this place.
Another way the Red House is really brought to life is, is when music is performed here. Last year saw a particularly special moment for Peter Pears’ birthday, when a pianist and a tenor rehearsed in Pears’ study. Hearing music on site, whether as part of a formal recital or informal playing in the library and house, is very special.
What do you feel you gain as a volunteer?
John – Meeting other people. You make friends and really feel a part of something. The staff and how the site is run feels very inclusive and friendly, and that spreads to all who work here. Everyone listens and really makes you feel a part of it, I guess because we’re all here for the same shared objective.
Carole – The other volunteers are all fascinating, sharing stories, knowledge and connections is always wonderful. It gives you the opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t usually meet.
