We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of Peter Hearn. Our community will know Peter as a hugely important figure at Trinity Laban and Blackheath Halls, with a passion for making the performing arts accessible to all.
For over 14 years, the Hearn Foundation has been supporting scholarships at Trinity Laban. Peter’s incredible generosity made it possible for many UK students to study at Trinity Laban regardless of their socioeconomic background. Following the death of his close friend, Mirella Bartrip, Trinity Laban’s former Director of Dance, Peter established dance scholarships in her name for students undertaking the BA in Contemporary Dance. More recently, Peter supported scholarships for the BA Musical Theatre students, due to his interest in this area of our work. Through the Hearn Foundation, he also ensured that our Vocal students received support through the funding of Ailish Tynan as Trinity Laban’s International Artist in Voice.
Peter was a passionate supporter of the arts, with his generosity extending to significant funding of Blackheath Halls, supporting educational programmes run by the National Theatre and the Old Vic, supporting bursaries at Blackheath Conservatoire, and the creation of a performing arts space at his former school, Central Foundation Boys’ School.
Professor Anthony Bowne, Pricipal of Trinity Laban said: “Peter’s generosity in supporting scholarships at Trinity Laban was magnificent. He believed in nurturing the next generation of performing artists and making a significant difference to the economic situation of those students he supported. The young people who have held a Mirella Bartrip Scholarship or a Hearn Foundation Musical Theatre Scholarship will be a living legacy for Peter. We will never forget all he has done for Trinity Laban.”
We will miss Peter as an astute friend and a familiar face in our audience. We are hugely appreciative of all that Peter has done for Trinity Laban and Blackheath Halls, and for the lasting difference his generosity has made.