Celebrating 3,000 Volunteer Hours – Isabel Trafford

This year, we are proud to celebrate volunteer guide Isabel Trafford, who has reached a remarkable milestone: 3,000 hours of volunteering.

During this landmark anniversary year, Isabel has played a key role in helping audiences connect with the Painted Hall’s history. She delivers film, dome and private tours for specialist and community groups, and works closely with the Learning and Engagement Team to support a wide range of visitors.

Whatever the group or setting, Isabel is consistently adaptable, knowledgeable and attentive to individual needs. Her calm professionalism has helped ensure that visitors of all ages and backgrounds feel welcomed, informed and inspired throughout the 300-year celebrations.

Here, Isabel reflects on what the 3,000-hour milestone means to her, what she has learned along the way, and why she would encourage others to volunteer.

Volunteer reflection – Isabel Trafford

Over time, I’ve learned so much about the Painted Hall’s history and developed detailed knowledge of Sir James Thornhill’s mural painting and its wider context. Volunteering during the Painted Hall’s 300-year anniversary has felt particularly special, as it celebrates the success of the major conservation project carried out between 2017 and 2019.

It was a huge privilege to lead ‘ceiling tours’ during that period, when visitors climbed the scaffolding stairs and stood on a platform just two metres from the ceiling for an hour-long guided experience.

That project has protected the ceiling for the next 100 years and helps ensure visitors can continue to enjoy these remarkable murals as part of our tours.

I’d encourage others to volunteer for the opportunity to build knowledge, develop guiding skills, and feel supported by colleagues and the management team. What’s special is the shared experience you create with visitors. It’s a real joy when people tell you they’ve enjoyed the tour – and even more special when they say they plan to return with friends and family.

A note from the Volunteer Supervisor

Salvatore Capuano, Volunteer Supervisor

“Reaching 3,000 hours of volunteering is a remarkable achievement —and more so during such a significant year for the Painted Hall and the Old Royal Naval College.

Isabel’s dedication, versatility and commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences — from film and dome tours to learning-focused sessions and private visits — make a lasting and meaningful impact.”

We are immensely grateful to Isabel for everything she has contributed, and proud to celebrate her achievement as part of the Painted Hall’s 300-year anniversary.