Tim Knox Named New Patron of Bedford Park Society

Replacing Sir Donald Insall who has served in the role for 24 years

Tim Knox. Picture: Bedford Park Society

September 27, 2025

The Bedford Park Society has appointed Tim Knox, CVO FSA, as its new Patron, following the retirement of Sir Donald Insall CBE after 24 years in the role.

Mr Knox currently serves as Director of The Royal Collection, a position he has held since 2018. In this capacity, he oversees the department of the Royal Household responsible for the care and presentation of the British Royal Family’s art collections. His appointment to the Society comes after decades of work in architectural conservation and museum leadership.

His previous roles include serving as Architectural Historian at the National Trust, Director of the Sir John Soane’s Museum, and Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. During his tenure at these institutions, Knox was involved in significant restoration projects, including the conservation of Sir John Soane’s Museum. He is also a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces and Patron of the Mausolea & Monuments Trust. Earlier this year, he was recognised in the Birthday Honours with a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

In a statement, Mr Knox expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying he was “pleased and proud to assist in some small way with the preservation of Bedford Park and in making its architecture and social significance better known.”

His appointment follows the long-standing patronage of Sir Donald Insall, a prominent conservation architect whose practice has contributed to major restoration projects at Windsor Castle, the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, and Kew Gardens. The Society acknowledged Sir Donald’s contributions, noting his strategic guidance and expertise in listed building issues over more than two decades.

Sir Donald Insall

The Bedford Park Society continues its work in preserving and promoting the architectural heritage of Bedford Park, often cited as the first garden suburb. More information about its activities can be found at www.bedfordpark.org.uk.