Research Role

Research and Interpretation Commission: Highbury Glasshouses and Global Connections
Commission Value: £5,000
Duration: Six Months

Background
Chamberlain Highbury Trust (CHT) seeks proposals from an experienced researcher, historian, heritage practitioner, or interdisciplinary consultant to undertake a six-month research and interpretation project exploring the stories behind Joseph Chamberlain’s glasshouses, plant collections, and their wider global connections.

The commission forms part of CHT’s ongoing programme of heritage interpretation linked to the restoration of Highbury’s historic gardens and landscape. The focus is not solely on academic research, but on uncovering compelling stories, objects, images, voices and themes that can be shared with the public through future interpretation, exhibitions, learning programmes, tours and digital content.

Project Themes
The successful consultant will investigate and develop material relating to four interconnected themes:

1. Chamberlain’s Glasshouses and Plant Collections
• The design, operation and significance of Highbury’s glasshouses.
• The types of plants cultivated and collected.
• The role of exotic plants, orchids and tropical species within the estate.
• The place of glasshouses within the identity and status of prominent Victorian households.

2. Empire, Colonialism and Plant Collecting
• The relationship between Victorian plant collecting and the British Empire.
• The routes through which plants, seeds and botanical specimens travelled.
• The individuals, institutions and networks involved in collecting and exchanging plants.
• The ethical and historical questions surrounding colonial extraction, ownership and knowledge.

3. Tropical Medicine, Science and Botanical Exchange
• Connections between plant collecting, scientific research and tropical medicine.
• The role of botanical knowledge in imperial trade and administration.
• The relationship between plants, disease prevention, medicines and public health.
• Links between Birmingham, global trade networks and scientific innovation.

4. Victorian Britain and the Glasshouse Craze
• The popularity of glasshouses, ferneries, orchids and exotic plants during the nineteenth century.
• Social trends in collecting and displaying plants.
• The influence of technological advances and global trade on horticulture.
• The wider cultural significance of plants in Victorian society.

Scope of Work
The Researcher will:
• Undertake archival and desk-based research using relevant collections, archives, publications both in person and online resources.
• Identify stories, people, objects, images and historical sources suitable for public interpretation.
• Build relationships with relevant archives, museums, universities and specialist organisations.
• Identify opportunities for future partnerships and collaborative interpretation.
• Develop recommendations for how the research can be shared with diverse audiences.
• Produce material that can support future exhibitions, interpretation panels, tours, learning activities and digital content.

Expected Outputs
The commission should result in:
• A final illustrated research and interpretation report.
• A catalogue of key stories, themes and potential interpretation content.
• Recommendations for future exhibitions, public programmes and learning activities.
• Identification of relevant archives, collections, images and partner organisations.
• A bank of source material suitable for future use by CHT staff, volunteers and partners.
• At least one public-facing presentation, talk or workshop sharing findings during the project.

Approach
CHT welcomes proposals that combine rigorous historical research with creative interpretation and public engagement. Applicants may draw upon expertise in heritage, local history, environmental history, colonial histories, museum interpretation, horticultural history, public history or related disciplines.
The commission should seek to present multiple perspectives and encourage thoughtful public discussion around the historical, environmental and social contexts of plant collecting, empire, science and horticulture.

Support
CHT will provide:
• Access to relevant project documentation and existing research.
• Introductions to project partners and stakeholders where appropriate.
• Regular review meetings throughout the commission.
• Support in identifying relevant archives, collections and contacts.

Budget
The total available budget for this commission is £5,000 inclusive of all fees, travel and expenses. With an additional £700 set aside for memberships/subscriptions, research trips, purchasing publications etc

Submission Requirements
Applicants should submit:
• A brief proposal outlining their approach.
• Relevant experience and examples of previous work.
• An indicative timetable for delivery across six months.
• A budget breakdown.
• Details of any proposed partners or collaborators.

Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed against:
• Understanding of the project themes.
• Quality of proposed methodology.
• Experience in heritage research and interpretation.
• Ability to communicate complex histories to public audiences.
• Value for money and deliverability within the available budget.

Proposals should be no longer that 2 sides of A4 and submitted by November 1st 2026, 5pm to Lucy Bailey-Wright, Activities Planner
chamberlainhighburytrust@outlook.com

This commission is offered as part of the Gardens Project made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Chamberlain Highbury Trust has been able to begin work  to restore the grounds of Highbury Hall to their original splendour.

The project would not have been possible without the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, our other funders and partners. To see who has supported the project click here.