Strutt opened up his own house and gardens at Thorntree House in St. Peter's Street, now the site of the HSBC Bank, as an art gallery and museum, for the benefit of all classes of Derby's citizens, in order to cultivate a common appreciation of works of art.
To foster a sense of artistic unity within Derby's diverse population, Strutt opened his home and gardens at Thorntree House on St. Peter's Street, which is now occupied by the HSBC Bank. This initiative aimed to cultivate an appreciation for art among all social classes.