Caryatid Heritage & Culture was established to provide practical support to historic houses, estates and cultural organisations. Drawing on extensive experience within the heritage sector, Caryatid helps organisations balance the care of heritage assets with the realities of operating active and welcoming historic places.

About Kate

Kate Ballenger is a heritage professional with more than twenty years' experience working within historic houses and cultural organisations.

Before establishing Caryatid Heritage & Culture, Kate spent nineteen years at Blenheim Palace, most recently as Head of Collections, where she was responsible for collections, archives, education, maintenance and conservation projects, alongside exhibitions, filming and visitor operations.

Her experience combines heritage stewardship with a practical understanding of the challenges facing historic properties today, from caring for collections and historic interiors to supporting visitors, events and commercial activity.

Kate holds a BA in Art History from the American University of Paris and a Graduate Certificate in Preventive Conservation from the University of Melbourne.

Approach

I believe heritage advice should be practical, proportionate and grounded in experience. Having spent many years working within a busy historic property, I understand the challenges of balancing conservation, visitors, events, commercial activity and day-to-day operations. My approach is collaborative, pragmatic and tailored to the individual needs of each organisation