Stanley Herbert Picker (b. 1913 - d. 1982) was an enthusiastic and passionate patron of the arts who formed a very individual collection of twentieth-century sculptures and paintings. 

The house which was designed by Kenneth Wood, was completed in 1968 and is an outstanding time capsule of late 1960s luxury; set in a quiet cul-de-sac on Kingston Hill the house was built on steeply sloping ground which both inspired and challenged Wood when planning the modern ‘post and beam’ split-level design of the house with Stanley. 

The open plan interior was designed to display Stanley’s beloved art collection, while its spaciousness allowed for social gatherings with friends, family and business acquaintances. Stanley believed in living and working amongst his art collection and so paintings and sculptures are sited all over the house as well as in the garden where they contribute to the atmosphere of this very special place. Many of the pieces were purchased before the house was constructed and were integrated into the design process, with special placement for certain items considered by Kenneth Wood and Stanley from the outset.

Stanley often bought multiple works from artists when he particularly admired their work, often encouraging them to experiment and develop their practice where possible. He derived pleasure not only in adding to his own very personal collection, but also from the support he gave aspiring artists, the collection of paintings and sculpture is often described as wide-ranging and deeply personal.

In 1976 Stanley again worked with Kenneth Wood to build the Pavilion Gallery in his garden to house the greater part of his collection.  He purchased works of art purely for the appeal they held for him personally and not as investments, however he used the addition of the new space on site to consider his collection as a whole and what it would mean in the future. The Gallery construction and first endowment of the trust coincided nearly perfectly, enshrining Stanley’s long held belief in preserving his collection so it might be shared with students and enthusiasts for many years to come.

Stanley Picker died in 1982 leaving his house, the pavilion gallery and art collection in trust; now the Stanley Picker Trust ensures that that those interested in the arts may visit and enjoy the wonderful home he created.  A lasting tribute and touching insight into a truly remarkable man.