Madeleine Bessborough OBE FRCA started the New Art Centre in Sloane Street in 1958. It was a non-profit gallery to help young artists establish their careers. The trustees included Lord Clark of Saltwood, Lord Sainsbury, Sir Robin Darwin and Sir John Rothenstein. Madeleine was on the Council of the Royal College of Art from 1962 until 1973.

In 1993 the gallery moved to Roche Court in Wiltshire to concentrate on modern and contemporary sculpture. The gallery was asked by Sir Alan Bowness to represent the Hepworth Estate. Since 1997 a contemporary Gallery, the Artists House (modelled on Kettle’s Yard) and other ancillary buildings have been added to the facilities at Roche Court, all designed by Stephen Marshall RIBA.

The Roche Court Educational Trust and the ARTiculation Prize has developed from the New Art Centre’s activities at Roche Court, with the support of exhibiting artists.

Madeleine Bessborough is a Lay Canon of Salisbury Cathedral. Married in 1963, her husband died in 2002. She has two sons and has eight grandchildren.