ABOUT US > Ronald Summerfield > The History of the Trust > The Trustees > Administration of the Trust > Legacies and Donations

The History of the Trust

Ronald Summerfield set up the framework for the Trust just weeks before he died in March 1989. At the time, only his few closest friends were aware of the legacy he was to leave behind. 

It took a team of 10 men four months to sort through and catalogue the two million items stored at his shop and home including paintings and artwork, silverware, jewellery, textiles, clocks, ceramics, statues, furniture and books. The treasures went under the hammer at a series of auctions carried out by Christie’s of London,Sotheby's and Gloucester-based Bruton Knowles, raising a total of £7 million. Virtually all of the money raised was left to the Trust and was invested. With the help and foresight of the founding Trustees - Earl Fortescue who was working at Christies Auctioneers at the time, and Cheltenham solicitor Martin Davis - the money raised from Ronald Summerfield's estate continues to support many charitable projects and good causes throughout Gloucestershire today.

Above are images of some of the auction catalogues from the sales held in Cheltenham and London (scanned from originals), and photos of the contents of Ron's home and shop (photos courtesy of Simon and Martin Reynolds).

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Click the image to view report

More than 20 Years of Grant-Giving in Gloucestershire

Since its inception in 1989, the Summerfield Charitable Trust has donated more than £7 million in a total of more than 2,300 separate grants. These grants have directly benefited many different charitable projects and good causes in Gloucestershire. 

To commemorate our 20th Anniversary in 2009 we produced a report giving a background of grants awarded over the years. Click on the thumbnail image to view the report.