The Furnishings team
Meet the Landmark staff who furnish and craft items for our historic properties. We also depend on external contractors and craftspeople across Britain; such as thatchers, stonemasons, plasterers, carpenters, joiners and decorators.
Rachel Allen
Head of Furnishings and Interiors
Rachel leads on the presentation of Landmark’s interiors, continuing a distinctive aesthetic approach that has evolved and developed over the past 60 years. Rachel is an interior designer by trade, having run her own business specialising in period residential properties. She built her knowledge and experience at the likes of Robert Kime Limited and Christie’s. Rachel lives on a canal boat in London, which she also designed and built.
Eric Perkins
Warehouse Manager
Eric says, ‘I originally hail from the state of Oregon, USA and I joined The Landmark Trust not only for the conservation of these buildings and their historic stories, but the teachable moments to inform the next generation’s ownership of them. My goal is to provide world class customer service to all Regional Manager’s; Regional Assistant’s; and Housekeepers by supplying the replenishment of supplies for our historic and unique self-catering buildings by giving them a second life or possibly a third life. I oversee all the order fulfilment and stock level management for Landmark properties, and I am the face of Landmark to many of our suppliers and couriers.
I also assist Rob Walden (Furnishing Operations Manager) with maximising storage space for furnishing and stock supplies to co-exist in our warehouse. Everyday has a new challenge to overcome but the team at Honeybourne are a little family that can weather any challenge presented to it!’
Rob Walden
Furnishing Operations Manager
Rob says 'I love the concept of The Landmark Trust and how it preserves historic buildings and restores them to their former glory. After working closely with John Evetts (Furnishings Consultant) for 18 months, I applied for the role of Furnishings Operations Manager and I was elated when my application was successful. My job involves lots of spinning plates, but at base level I ensure that all our existing properties across the UK are furnished to a high quality and also facilitate the removal and replacement of any damages that may occur.
I oversee our warehouse in Honeybourne and work closely with Eric Perkins (Warehouse Manager). I really enjoy the day-to-day challenges we’re faced with, and every day is different to the last! I hope to be able to contribute to the success of Landmark for years to come.'
Mark Smitten
Workshop Manager
Mark says ''I’ve been involved with Landmark Trust first as a contractor and now as an employee for over thirty years. My work is always varied - but the best jobs are the one-off oddball things, like making all the fireplaces for Belmont. I trained with Gordon Russell's in Broadway, one of the original Arts & Crafts-inspired cabinet makers, and sharing the craft with others today feels like passing on a great tradition.''
Matt Cannell
Assistant Bench Joiner
Originally from the Isle of Man, Matt served his apprenticeship in joinery and is a graduate of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, in Washington State, USA. He studied traditional boat building and repair and restoration.
Matt was attracted to his role at Landmark because it offered new and interesting projects, not found in regular joinery shops. Helping to restore important features of historic buildings was another draw for Matt.
