Celebrating the Life of Trust Supporter Andrew Trimingham
The Bermuda National Trust offers its condolences to the family and friends of Andrew Trimingham, who passed away in Devon, England on Friday at the age of 82.
Andrew Trimingham was a great supporter and powerful advocate for the National Trust from the time of his return to Bermuda in the 1970s until his death. He was a long-time Council member and President of the Trust from 1985 to 1987. He was also one of a number of Trust members in the 1970s who helped to found the Bermuda Maritime Museum in 1975 and remained a supporter of the Trust’s sister organisation – now the Bermuda National Museum – throughout his life.
Andrew Trimingham’s expertise on Bermuda architecture was invaluable in the evolution of the Old House survey which was driven by his life companion John Adams, the former Government Archivist. The Old House Survey led to the development of the listing system for Bermuda’s old houses, and Andrew Trimingham was chairman of the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee. The Survey also formed the basis for the National Trust’s hugely successful Architectural Heritage Series, and Andrew Trimingham was the author of the first in the series, “Devonshire” and contributed to the second and third volumes on St George’s and Sandy’s.
Andrew Trimingham left Bermuda after his retirement and settled in Devon with his friend and life companion, former Bermuda Government Archivist John Adams. He died there on Friday, shortly after celebrating his 82nd birthday in December.
Friends of Andrew Trimingham will remember that he was a passionate advocate of Bermuda’s built heritage and natural environment. He believed that Bermuda’s organically developed style of architecture, Bermuda-made artefacts and open spaces were what made Bermuda unique and attractive to others and was determined to help to preserve them for future generations.