ADELAIDE.- The David Roche Foundation has formally appointed Julian Bickersteth as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr Bickersteth trained as a furniture conservator after reading Theology at Oxford University and has spent more than 30 years in the museum and heritage world. He is currently President of ADFAS, the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, and is passionate about interpreting and making decorative art collections accessible to the public.

He founded and manages Sydney-based International Conservation Services.

‘’The David Roche Collection is a jewel in the South Australian cultural scene. Its collection of 3600 extraordinary and diverse pieces collected from all over the world is unparalleled in Australia and a huge gift to benefit South Australia,’’ said Mr Bickersteth.

‘’Having known David Roche and been involved in the development of the Museum, I know how pleased he would be in what we are achieving and what we have planned. It is such a privilege to take on this role.’’

Mr Bickersteth stepped up as acting Chair in April when Fiona Roche, a property developer and niece of David Roche, resigned from the Board.

The David Roche Foundation also announced that Adelaide-based Marc Allgrove joins the Board of Directors immediately.

Mr Allgrove brings both business acumen and a love of arts and culture to the role. He has more than 20 years experience in the wine industry and is a Director in consulting services firm Evans + Ayers.