The International Trust for Croatian Monuments

April 2008

Charity Registration No. 1040187

34 Cadogan Square London SW1X OJL

The International Trust for Croatian Monuments was founded in 1991 under the auspices of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS UK) in response to damage and destruction of monuments of culture in Croatia caused by war. It became an independent charity in 1994 and the trustees are Sherban Cantacuzino CBE, the Viscount Norwich, Captain Ante Jerkovic and Sir Henry and Lady Beresford-Peirse. In those crucial times, Sir Roger de Grey, the then president of the Royal Academy of Arts, was also a supporter and a trustee until his untimely death in 1995.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Croatia and to raise funds for the restoration and preservations of those sites that have become threatened either by war, neglect or lack of funding. We have pursued this policy with faith and determination and we believe that help is still needed. Through a series of appeals, articles, lectures, exhibitions and concerts, and with the generous support of many people in this country, from all walks of life, substantial funds have been raised and channelled to Croatia for specific restoration projects.

Among the many events that we have organised since 1991, I would like to mention especially the following:

• Two piano recitals and a concert by Maestro Ivo Pogorelich, the Royal Festival Hall in 1992 and 1999 and in Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, in 1994, in aid of Dubrovnik and Vukovar.
• "The Art for Art Auction", held at Bonhams in 1994 in aid of the cathedrals in Sibenik and Osijek.
• The exhibition "Royal Academicians in Dubrovnik", Royal Academy of Arts in 1996, in aid of Dubrovnik.
• Three exhibitions devoted to the painter Vlaho Bukovac, 1855 - 1922, held at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool in 2005 and in the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate and at Bonhams in London in 2006.
• The exhibition dedicated to the work and life of the Croatian soprano Milka Ternina, 1865 - 1943, held at the Royal Opera House in 2006/2007.
• Lecture by John Julius Norwich on Alfred Gilbert held at the Royal Geographical Society in2003.
• Lecture by Sherban Cantacuzino on damage to architecture in Croatia held at the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2000.

The Trust has supported restoration of churches, cathedrals, museums, libraries and works of art. With the help of British specialists we have helped with book and paper conservation in Croatia and established a stained glass workshop in Osijek. We have revived the growing of flax and established a Flax and Linen Workshop in Ivanic Grad. In particular, we have helped with the education and training of young conservators and restorers at institutions of excellence in Great Britain. We believe that investing in young conservators and restorers is our best investment and for that purpose funds are still needed.