Here’s what’s happening within the four museums operated by Bath Preservation Trust from September through to December 20th!
Herschel Museum of Astronomy Exhibition
Making Light of It – The art and science of light in the 18th Century
This exhibition looks at William Herschel’s work on the sun, infra-red and telescopes. Art Historian and biographer of JMW Turner, James Hamilton, examines the influence of scientific discoveries relating to light on the artists of the period.
The exhibition also examines domestic lighting in the 18th Century in grand houses and in a modest town house like 19 New King Street.
Also on display is a series of works by local artists Ione Parkin, Carol Arnold and Jennie Gilling focusing on the theme of ‘light’.
The museum offers a range of activities including a new family trail, schools workshops and an outreach programme linked to our theme of ‘Light’ for 2013.
http://www.herschelmuseum.org.uk
From now until 26 November
Buildings of Bath Collection Brutal Bath Building Post-War Bath Exhibition
Post-war Bath is not celebrated for its outstanding architecture but the buildings stand out. This exhibition investigates the ideals behind Brutalism and the innovation it offered architects during the realities of post-war Bristain. Revealing the buildings that, whether loved or hated, are all part of the architectural development of Bath.
www.buildingsofbathcollection.org.uk
September 2013
Wednesday 4 September 12 noon-1pm
Herschel Museum of Astronomy Lecture: Windows of the Night
£5 on the door at the Herschel Museum
Domestic lighting in the 18th Century by Dr CathrynSpence. ww.herschelmuseum.org.uk
Tuesday 10 September 6.30–7.30pm
Buildings of Bath Collection Lecture: Brutal Bath
£5 on the door at Building of Bath Collection.
The architecture of post-war Britain divides opinion and inspires strong reactions. In this lecture Dr Amy Frost explores the impact of this period on the architecture of Bath.
www.buildingsofbathcollection.org.uk
Wednesday 11 September 12 noon–1pm
Herschel Museum of Astronomy Lecture Beyond Human Vision –Infra-Red Radiation
£5 on the door at the Herschel Museum
Professor Francis Ring DSc ASIS FRPS FRAS. This lecture is free to university and secondary school students. Please pre-book as space is limited. Email debbie-james@btconnect.com or call +44 (0) 1225 446865
Thursday 12 September 6.00pm
Beckford’s Tower Lecture: Beckford and Wyatt
Tickets £5 on door at Beckford’s Tower
To mark the Bicentenary of the death of the architect James Wyatt, Dr Amy Frost explores the tempestuous relationship between Beckford and Wyatt which led to the creation of one of Wyatt’s most significant buildings, Fonthill Abbey.
Sunday 15 September 11am – 3pm. Free entry
Buildings of Bath Collection Southcot Burial Ground Open Day
Bath Preservation Trust owns and manages this hidden oasis in the centre of Bath, a haven for wildlife as well as history. Dr Tony Walter, Director of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath will give talks at 12.00 and 2pm. Craft activities for families will be available all day. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Monday 16 September 3.00pm
Building of Bath Collection
Jane Austen Festival Lecture: The Shades of Pemberley: The English Country House and its role in Pride & Prejudice.
£12 through Bath Box Office http://www.janeausten.co.uk/2013-festival/
The Georgian Country House was the ultimate status symbol for the English Gentleman. It also played a part in defining the English nation through the style of its buildings. Join Dr Amy Frost as she investigates the meaning behind the architecture of the country house, and reveals how Austen cleverly manipulated that meaning in the houses she created in Pride and Prejudice.
Wednesday 18 September 6.30pm
Building of Bath Collection – Strawberry Hill Gothic
£5 on the door at Building of Bath Collection
When Horace Walpole visited Bath in 1766, a year after work at Strawberry Hill was largely completed, he commented on the ‘true Gothic windows’ of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel. Dr Amy Frost explores the Gothic Revival of the 18th Century, revealing how Walpole’s little gothic house helped establish a style that would go on to dominate the following century.
Wednesday 18 September 4.30-5.30pm.
No 1 Royal Crescent
Jane Austen Festival Lecture: Were the Austen’s upstairs or downstairs? – Food and social status in Austen’s lifetime
Tickets £8 through Bath Box Office http://www.janeausten.co.uk/2013-festival/
An illustrated talk by food historian Holly Newton, on the food of Jane Austen’s era; with particular reference to the differences between eating habits of the rich and the poor. Where did Jane fit on the social scale and how did the food she consumed reflect this?
Wednesday 18 September 12 noon–1pm
Herschel Museum of Astronomy – Looking at the Sun
Lecture: £5 on the door at the Herschel Museum
As part of the Autumn lecture series. JMW Turner and William Herschel’s Big Idea – James Hamilton, biographer of Turner.
Friday 20 September 8.00–9.30pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Jane Austen Festival Lecture: Exclusive Twilight Tours of No.1 Royal Crescent
Tickets £30 through Bath Box Office http://www.janeausten.co.uk/2013-festival/
As part of the Jane Austen Festival, the Trustees of No. 1 Royal Crescent are providing an exclusive and delightful event. This atmospherically lit evening visit includes a guided tour of the house followed by a glass of something bubbly and small eats. Regency costume encouraged but not essential.
Wednesday 25 September 6.00pm
Beckford’s Tower
Lord of London: William Beckford and the politics of the mid-18th Century.
The Beckford Birthday Lecture held at the Building of Bath Collection, in aid of building repairs at the Tower. Tickets £10.
Join Dr Perry Gauci, author of the ground breaking William Beckford First Prime Minister of the London Empire, as he reveals the power of the elder William Beckford and his contemporaries in the political arena of 18th Century London. Bringing the father our from the shadow of his more famous son, William Beckford of Beckford’s Tower.
To book, email beckford@bptrust.org.uk or call +44 (0)1225 460705
October 2013
Tuesday 1 October 6.30–7.30pm.
Building of Bath Collection – Lecture: Bath between the Wars
£5 on the door at Building of Bath Collection
Robin Pakes investigates the 20th Century buildings and developments of Bath between 1918 and 1939, revealing how new ideas mixed with tradition to create interwar modernity.
Wednesday 9 October 6.30pm-7.45pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Recreating a Georgian Feast
Join us for a special evening talk with Peter Brears, one of Britain’s leading Food Historians. Peter’s skills and expertise as a historic house consultant and expert on 18th Century dining have helped transform the dining table and kitchens of No. 1 Royal Crescent. Tickets £8.
Tuesday 15 October 7.00pm–8.30pm
No 1 Royal Crescent
The Great British Pudding Banquet (as part of The Great Bath Feast festival)
Indulge in delicious puddings inspired by 18th Century recipes whilst enjoying a talk on what makes a great pudding from Bath Food Historian Jean Seymour. At the end of the evening, vote for your favourite dessert. TO BOOK please contact Kate Rogers, Exhibitions and Events Officer on +44 (0) 1225 428126 or email krogers@bptrust.org.uk.
Places are limited, so book now for this special evening event at No. 1 Royal Crescent.
Tickets £18.
Wednesday 16 October 6.00pm.
Beckford’s Tower. Lecture: Beckford’s House of Card.
£5 on the door at Beckford’s Tower
Join Dr Amy Frost as she explores the use of models by architects in the 18th and early 19th Centuries in a celebration of the Fonthill Model, one of only two surviving models for projects by James Wyatt.
HERITAGE OPEN WEEK RUNS FROM 26TH OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER
Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November
Herschel Museum of AstronomyWilliam Herschel’s Big Idea – Looking at the Sun
Free to local residents with a current B&NES Discovery Card
A family activity suitable for all ages.
Part of Heritage Open Week.
Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November (closed Monday 28 October)
Building of Bath Collection:The Haunted House in association with the Big Draw
Free with normal admission.
Free to local residents with a current B&NES Discovery Card
Join in The Big Draw and create a spooky sight to add to our giant Haunted House. Will it be a ghost in the garden or a skeleton in the sitting room? Suitable for all ages.
Part of Heritage Open Week.
Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November 10.30am-4.30pm (12.00-4.30pm on Mondays)
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Still Drawings, in association with the Big Draw
Free with normal admission, free to local residents with a current B&NES Discovery Card. Part of Heritage Open Week.
Drop in and have a go at drawing still life in our artist’s corner. Take a seat and use our drawing equipment to produce your masterpiece. You can even pin it up in our gallery for everyone to enjoy. Suitable for all ages.
Tuesday 29 October 11.00am to 1.00pm
No.1 Royal Crescent – Hand Puppet Characters
Drop in and decorate your own hand puppet. Why not choose to decorate one of the people who lived at No. 1 Royal Crescent? If you have time you could create your very own Georgian puppet household. Suitable for ages 5+.
Free with normal admission and free to local residents with a current B&NES Discovery Card. Part of Heritage Open Week.
Thursday 31 October
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Halloween Tales
Hear storyteller Richard Selby weave family- tales of mysterious goings on at No. 1, then enjoy some hair-raising craft activities.
Story telling 11.00-11.30am and 2.00-2.30pm. Crafts 11.30am-1.30pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm.
Free with normal admission. Free to local residents with a current B&NES Discovery Card. Part of Heritage Open Week.
Thursday 31 October 6.30 – 8.30pm.
Building of Bath Collection – After Dark at the Haunted Chapel
Be prepared for thrills and chills when you explore the museum by torchlight. Are you brave enough to win a Halloween treat by finding all the hidden ghouls? There’s an extra treat for anyone wearing a creepy costume! Free entry.
Part of Heritage Open Week
November 2013
Friday 1 November 1.00– 2.00pm.
Building of Bath Collection. Walk for Heritage Open Week: Bath and Buchanan
Join Amy Frost on a walk exploring the impact of the 1965 Buchanan plan on Post-War Bath. Starts at Building of Bath Collection. Free but booking recommended. Contact jhunter@bptrust.org.uk or call +44 (0) 1225 333895.
Wednesday 6 November and consecutive Wednesdays until 11 December 10.15 – 11.00am.
No. 1 Royal Crescent – No.1 Toddler Time
£3.50 per carer+child ticket
If you have a child between 2½ and 4 years, you are cordially invited to attend a creative and fun workshop in the Servants’ Hall. History will come to life through themed songs, stories, drama and craft, all with a traditional twist. Plus there are Georgian toys to play with, too. Places are limited to please call Polly Andres to reserve a place on +44 (0) 1225 333895.
Monday 18 November 10am-3.30pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent – No.1 Royal Crescent Guide to Restoring Georgian Interiors
Tickets £45, includes a sandwich lunch
Meet with historic house professionals to learn how they have recreated the past and helped to restore to restore No. 1 Royal Crescent. Gain advice on how best to refurbish a Georgian house. This study day will cover a variety of topics including colours, wallpaper, lighting, and fixtures and fittings. After the morning talks, join a tour of the house with the specialists.
TO BOOK please contact Kate Rogers, Exhibitions and Events Officer on +44 (0) 1225 428126 or email krogers@bptrust.org.uk.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Thursday 21 November
Building of Bath Collection.Worth saving? The heritage value of 20th Century architecture.
A day symposium exploring the value of 20th Century architecture to the built heritage of Great Britain. What is worth saving and what do we learn when building new today? Speakers include Elain Harwood (English Heritage) and Alan Powers (20th Century Society).
Tickets £35.To register interest or sign up for more information contact jhunter@bptrust.org.uk or call +44(0)1225 333895
Monday 25 November – Sunday 15 December
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent
Come and see a spectacular display of beautiful floral arrangements and marvel at the visual richness of Georgian dining. From sumptuous sweets and jellies to wholesome pies, meats and fish. Free Christmas trail available for children. Free with normal admission.
Friday 29 November 7pm-10pm.
No. 1 Royal Crescent – An Evening with the Gin Lane Gazette
Join us for an enchanted evening of Georgian entertainment as we welcome Caricaturist and Author of The Gin Lane Gazette, Adrian Teal, and historian Hallie Rubenhold to take you back to an age of elegance and excess. Listen to 18th Century readings, meet with costumed Georgian characters and visit the Drawing Room for music from our Harpsichordist. Tickets £40. Gin punch, canapés and other refreshments.
TO BOOK please contact Kate Rogers, Exhibitions and Events Officer on +44 (0) 1225 428126 or email krogers@bptrust.org.uk.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Saturday 30 November 11am-4.30pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Preparing for a Georgian Christmas
Come and see our Georgian Cook preparing the house for Christmas. Discover just how hard it was to provide for a Georgian household. Between 11-1pm drop in to our Children’s Christmas Workshop. Put on your apron and pull up your sleeves to make delicious Georgian sweets to take home from this festive workshop. Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free with normal admission
December 2013
Sunday 1 December 2.30 – 4.30pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Make your own Wreath Workshop
Be the envy of all your Christmas visitors this season when you take home your own beautiful wreath from our workshop. Learn new skills as you join our professional wreath maker in producing a fabulous display for all your family to enjoy.
TO BOOK please contact Kate Rogers, Exhibitions and Events Officer on +44 (0) 1225 428126 or email krogers@bptrust.org.uk.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets £25. All materials provided, includes refreshments
Monday 6 January 6.30 – 8.30pm
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Twelfth Night
Come below stairs and celebrate with us on the biggest party night in the Georgian servants’ calendar. Join the revelry as we welcome musicians to entertain in the atmospheric surroundings of No. 1 Royal Crescent. Enjoy games, live music, food and drink; a perfect way to beat the January blues.
TO BOOK please contact Kate Rogers, Exhibitions and Events Officer on +44 (0) 1225 428126 or email krogers@bptrust.org.uk. Tickets £15
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
