Spring 2020 Final 18:12:19

Newsletter FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM SPRING 2020

FLEET AIR ARM and HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUMS see page 5

A DAY AT SHERBORNE CASTLE and MINTERNE HOUSE & GARDENS see page 8

NEW EXHIBITION: GRAYSON PERRY: THE PRE-THERAPY YEARS see page 4

LUCAS CRANACH at COMPTON VERNEY see page 6 2 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US Contents and calendar of events

Jonno’s letter and message from Chris Stephens 3

2020 FUTURE EVENTS Thursday 23rd January Invitation: Exhibition Circle and Patrons’ Private View 4 Friday 24th January Invitation: Friends’ Private View 4 Thursday 12th March A visit to the Fleet Air Arm & Haynes Motor museums 5 Thursday 26th March Lucas Cranach exhibition at Compton Verney 6-7 Thursday 16th April A day trip to Sherborne Castle and Minterne House 8-9 Friday 1st May A musical evening celebrating Frank Brown 10-11 Saturday 9th May Expert wine-tasting at the Holburne 12 Sunday 10th May The Holburne Plant and Produce Sale 13 Tuesday 12th May A rare chance to visit Kentchurch Court & Rudhall Manor 14

Holburne Insights: new acquisition of Bow porcelain 15

Recent event reports 16-18

Exhibition Circle & Patrons members events 19-21

Holburne news and fundraising update 22-23 Thursday 11th June Save the date: Exhibition Circle and Patrons 24 Private View - Canaletto Call-out for produce jars for Holburne Plant Sale 24 Holburne Supporters Committee 24

Credits/captions for front cover images: Friends membership 2020 Clockwise from top left: In Spring 2020 there will be small increases to our Friends membership subscriptions: £40 per year for an individual and £60 for joint membership. Sherborne Castle grounds, This is the first rise since 2016. photo courtesy of the Wingfield Digby family at Sherborne. You do not need to do anything now. When it comes to your annual membership renewal we will write with the new rate. For those who pay Chevrolet Corvette, image courtesy of by Direct Debit (the Museum's preferred method), we will write to you Mohamad Shahriman Ariff in advance of your change in payment.

Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472 - 1553) Subscription money helps the Holburne bring some of the world’s greatest art Portrait of Sigmund Kingsfelt to Bath and also to deliver engaging educational programmes for everyone. about 1530, oil on wood panel © Compton Verney (CVCSC:0191.N) The ever-increasing cost of running an independent museum means a large proportion of the budget relies on charitable support in the form of donations, Grayson Perry (1960 - ) grants and gifts. We would delighted to hear from you if you would like to get Self Portrait cracked and warped more involved in helping us. 1985, Glazed Ceramic, Private Collection Photo: Todd-White Art Photography We value your continued support enormously - thank you. © Grayson Perry. Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro, London/Venice WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US 3 Jonno’s letter, and message from Chris Stephens

Dear Holburne Supporters all, We have some very special with your membership My thanks are due to our out- events lined up exclusively gaining unlimited access to going Chairman, Antonia for Exhibition Circle members many exciting exhibitions. Johnson for her admirable work and Patrons, including an In January we will open our in leading the Friends through exciting opportunity to meet much-anticipated show of many changes over recent Grayson Perry in person and Grayson Perry’s early work: years. Many thanks also go to VIP tickets to COLLECT, the The Pre-Therapy Years. Undine Concannon as the international art fair for modern If you haven’t seen them yet, Friends’ Membership Secretary craft and design in London. do catch displays of new and Sidney Morton as Treasurer, work by Candace Bahouth who are stepping down after I hope to see some of you at and Mark Clarke before they many years of invaluable service. these events, and wish you a close in early February. very happy 2020. Thank you 2020 brings an array of exciting for supporting the Holburne. The summer brings Canaletto: events and day trips for all our Painting Venice, a famous set supporters. Do join us to help of paintings never before celebrate the generosity of shown outside their usual Jonno Davis Frank Brown, when virtuoso Chairman, Holburne Supporters home at Woburn Abbey, and players Nathaniel Mander and an extraordinary group of Sam Brown have asked two Message from Chris Stephens mediaeval Islamic metalwork. promising young musicians to Let me start by adding my Thomas Lawrence’s wonderful join them for a wonderful thanks to Jonno’s for all that portrait of Arthur Atherley, evening of fine music-making. Antonia, Undine and Sidney which our supporters have done to make the Friends helped us buy in 2016, will be If classic cars are your thing, such a lively and successful the centrepiece of a show come along on a visit to the organisation. The Holburne exploring the artist-prodigy’s Haynes Motor Museum. If you would not be what it is with- meteoric ascent in the autumn enjoy ﬁne wines, oenophile out their energy and commit- when we’ll also be showing Allison Cocklin will present a ment over many years. And the work of two fantastic fun and interesting wine thank you to Jonno and contemporary artists, Tracey tasting evening. Mark Hake has committee members old and Emin and sculptor Nicholas organised special day trips to new for taking up the mantle. Pope. There is something beautiful houses with unique for pretty much everybody. collections, and we are striking 2020 promises to be an So I am conﬁdent it will be out a little further afield with amazing year for the Holburne a happy new year! a day trip to Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park to see the exhibition Lucas Cranach: Dr Chris Stephens Artist and Innovator. Director of the Holburne

Right: Jonno Davis; a modern take on Left: Chris Stephens the silhouette, pictured at Olafur photograph © Clare Green Eliasson’s Tate Modern exhibition. 4 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS You are invited to a private view of the new exhibition:

Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years

Exhibition Circle and Patrons’ Private View Thursday 23rd January 2020 5:30-8:30pm

Friends’ Private View Friday 24th January 2020 6-7:30pm Refreshments in the Ballroom Exhibition Circle and Patrons are also invited to attend this private view if the date is more convenient.

Grayson Perry (1960 - ) Cocktail Party 1989, glazed ceramic, H41 x 22 cm (GP239) © Grayson Perry. Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro, London/Venice WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS 5 Pioneering naval aviation and the UK’s largest collection of international motor vehicles

Left: a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 Pick-up with V8 engine Image © Haynes Motor Museum

Below: Concorde G-BSST, prototype 002, on display in Hall 4. Assembled at the BAC plant at Filton, maiden ﬂight in April 1969. Photo © Fleet Air Arm Museum

Thursday 12th March 2020 The exhibits range from the an entire hall of sports and A full day trip to visit the pioneering development of grand-touring cars all in red! Fleet Air Arm Museum and naval aviation since 1909, to the Haynes International aircraft used in both World Tickets are £70 to include Motor Museum near Yeovil. Wars, the Falklands conflict private coach transport, arrival and the first British-built coffee, entry tickets, lunch and We shall visit the Fleet Air Concorde, prototype 002. curator talks at both venues. Arm Museum in the morning, Please add £6 if you’d like to and have an introductory We will head over to the park at St Mary’s, Bathwick. talk about the history of the Haynes Motor Museum for collections followed by free lunch and the rest of the This visit is being organised time to explore the exhibition afternoon to discover the UK’s by Jonno Davis, please galleries and Halls. biggest collection of over 400 complete and return booking cars from around the world. form 1. Do allow us time to The museum preserves the respond to your booking history of the Royal Navy’s Highlights include cars and as we are volunteers and are flying arm, including over 90 bikes from the late 1800’s, not based in the Museum. aircraft and is the largest classic cars from the 1960’s, Thank you for your patience. museum of its kind in Europe. great British marques, and 6 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS Lucas Cranach at Compton Verney

Thursday 26th March 2020 Broke, undertaken by but an ambitious £45m A full day trip to Compton Oxford master mason John rebuilding and expansion Verney Art Gallery and Park Townesend who had project saw Compton Verney in Warwickshire where we worked at Blenheim Palace re-open in 2004 as a gallery will have private tours of both and a number of Oxford to house the Moore family’s the main collection as well colleges. Further re- eclectic art collections. These as the special Lucas Cranach modelling took place by focus on six areas: British exhibition. There will also Robert Adam between Folk and “naive” art - be free time for independent 1762-68 while Capability Compton Verney has the exploration of the art gallery Brown transformed much largest such collection in the and the Capability Brown- of the landscaping a country, a diverse mix of designed grounds. decade later as well as furniture, paintings, shop designing the ice house, signs, farming equipment Compton Verney estate greenhouse and chapel. and children’s toys; British (shown below) can trace its Tudor portraits; the Chinese origins to the early 16th The Verney family remained art galleries, (including one century although there had owners of the estate until of the ﬁnest collections of been a manor house here shortly after WW1 at which bronze ritual vessels from the as far back as the mid-12th point it changed hands twice Shang to the Han dynasties); century. Much of the until being acquired by The a collection of paintings Palladian house we see Peter Moores Foundation from the “Golden Age” of today was the result of (of Littlewoods Pools fame) Neapolitan art, from 1600- a re-modelling commissioned in 1993. By this time both 1800, (including religious by George Verney, the 12th house and grounds were in a and mythological scenes Baron Willoughby de seriously dilapidated state and landscapes); a series Photograph © Jonathan Davis © Jonathan Photograph WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS 7

Lucas Cranach at Compton Verney continued

of rooms display Northern Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472 - 1553) European art from the Venus and Cupid mid-15th to mid-17th centuries: about 1525, oil on (portraits, wood carvings, beechwood panel © Compton Verney bronzes, statuary and (CVCSC:0339.N) silverware); ﬁnally, the Marx- Lambert collection comprises works produced by Enid Marx as well as those collected by Marx and her close friend Margaret Lambert - together, this is a wonderfully varied range of textiles, books, ceramics and works on paper from the 1930s through to the 1960s.

Compton Verney also has a beautiful series of spaces for temporary exhibitions, and this visit is timed to coincide with a unique opportunity to see: Lucas Cranach: Artist and Innovator. works by Cranach, but loans exhibition and highlights of from the National Gallery, the main collection. If you Cranach (1472-1553) was Waddesdon Manor and the would like to park at nearby born in Franconia, central Royal Collection. There will St Mary’s, Bathwick, for the Germany, and in his long also be examples of works day please add £6 to your career rose to become court by modern and contemporary payment and tick the box on painter to the Electors of artists such as Pablo Picasso, booking form 2. The coach Saxony. He was also a close Michael Landy and Claire will leave the Museum friend of Martin Luther and Partington which will show promptly at 8.15am, returning in his later years many of Cranach’s continuing at about 6.30pm. his religious works sought inﬂuence on the art world. to depict this emerging This trip is being organised new strand of Protestant by Mark Hake. Please allow Christianity. He also produced time for us to respond to numerous woodcuts for Tickets are £60 each to your booking as we are Luther’s bible translations. include return coach transport, volunteers and not based at light refreshments on arrival, the Museum, thank you. This show will display not a light lunch and private tours only Compton Verney’s own of the Lucas Cranach Photograph © Johnny Hathaway © Johnny Photograph 8 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS A day at Sherborne Castle and Minterne House & Gardens

Thursday 16th April 2020 Heritage, and what was once feel, complete with ogee We return to Dorset this Raleigh’s hunting lodge, into windows and flamboyant spring to see two of the which the Digby family arches. Other highlights county’s finest properties - moved in the late 17th-century, include Raleigh’s Great Sherborne Castle and but now much altered and Parlour with its vast Victorian Minterne House and Gardens, added to over the years. fireplace, as well as the Red both still in the hands of It is this which we will visit. Drawing Room with its branches of the extended The hunting lodge forms elaborate plasterwork ceiling Digby family. We have a the kernel around which showing the Digby crest. private tour of each house, numerous further wings, (at Minterne we will salons, towers and courtyards A succession of richly be shown round by Lord were added to, resulting in furnished parlours, boudoirs Digby himself) and there what Simon Jenkins refers and receiving rooms leads will be free time at Minterne to as “one of the oddest the visitor into the old to explore its gardens. houses in England”. entrance hall and Oak Room, where solid oak furniture, Originally built by Sir Walter Sherborne Castle’s interiors bare flagstone floors and Raleigh, but lived in by the were extensively remodelled unadorned fireplaces show Digby family for the past 400 in the latter part of the 19th- that we have returned to years, Sherborne Castle has century - intriguingly largely Raleigh’s old hunting lodge. had two incarnations- the along Jacobean tastes, with original castle, now in ruins the notable exception of the Below, Sherborne Castle facade and owned by English Library which retains a Gothic Photograph © Paul Dibben WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS 9 A day at Sherborne Castle and Minterne House & Gardens continued

Minterne is known as much and seeds that Victorian plant The marble chimney piece in for its gardens as for its hunters brought back from the hall was originally made wonderful arts and crafts their expeditions to the for Eaton Hall, the Duke of house. There is some irony Himalayas and central Asia. Westminster’s seat. in this fact as it was neigh- bouring Sherborne Castle that Of the house itself, both Tickets are each £70 to employed Capability Brown exterior and interior are more include return private coach but Admiral Robert Digby eclectic and individual than transport, private tours of would ride over to call on his the label “arts & crafts” would both houses, and a 2 course relatives whenever Brown was suggest - the facade has lunch. If you would like to park there and use the opportunity elements of Tudor, Queen at St Mary’s, Bathwick, for the to “pick the brains” of the Anne, and Regency for day please add £6 to your landscape architect. So at example. Inside, the three cheque and tick the box on Minterne a small natural principal reception rooms booking form 3. The coach stream was transformed into which give out onto the will leave the Museum at the series of lakes and ponds garden are individually 8.30am prompt, returning that we see today, formal distinct: namely 17th-century, about 6.30pm. This trip is gardens removed and Stuart and Adam. Meanwhile being organised by Mark Hake. numerous trees planted. In the main hall is a nod to the Please allow time for us to the late 19th-century dozens Gothic style, being of two respond to your booking of shrubs were introduced - storeys, but with an adjoining as we are volunteers and not azaleas and rhododendrons “classical” arcade, with a based at the Museum. especially - from specimens barrel-vaulted ceiling. Thank you for your patience.

Minterne drawing room; photograph courtesy of Peter Booton 10 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS A musical celebration for Frank Brown

Friday 1st May 2020 they are to give us another and exciting? I am sure that at 7:00pm recital on May Day. In each many of us have had an A constant in the past five of the past five years, Nat has epiphany when hearing a years of the Frank Brown presented various artists to new musical voice has made Celebration has been the form a different ‘Holburne us sit up and want to shout wonderful keyboard playing Ensemble’ and hence a fresh YES! In discussion with Nat of Nathaniel Mander who mixture of musical colour. and Sam we have agreed was introduced to us by the that they will bring us such late Christopher Hogwood The first year, the Ensemble young musicians who have CBE. It seems appropriate was a string ensemble which excited them and who they that our ‘constant’ should Christopher Hogwood judge to be future stars. be a harpsichord virtuoso, organised, whilst last year as it was Frank Brown who we welcomed one of Chris's This year they are to be persuaded Bath University closest musical partners, joined by Charlotte La Thrope and the Museum to purchase Dame Emma Kirkby. It was and Sergio Bucheli. Charlotte the unique Schantz Forte- a memorable occasion and graduated from Durham piano which Nat plays so one which could have filled University, with a first class well in our recitals. the top gallery twice over! degree and with ‘The Most Outstanding Soloist Award’. We hope that a date with We hope that these Frank She has now taken up a Nat and his partner, Sam Brown evenings, focused on scholarship at the Royal Brown, will become a regular the Schantz pianoforte, will Academy of Music under part of our musical offering continue. How do we marry the care of Lillian Watson. at the Holburne. This year, the ‘constant’ with the fresh Charlotte now performs

Sam Brown, left, with Nathanial Mander Photograph courtesy of David Percy Photograph © Mark Hake Photograph WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS 11

A musical celebration for Frank Brown continued

regularly as a soloist across Power and Vilde Frang and a the UK. Her most notable “Night Shift” concert with the recent performances include Orchestra of the Age of the solo arias in Bach’s Enlightenment. As a continuo St John Passion at Ely player for oratorio and opera Cathedral, Bach’s St Matthew Sergio has taken part in the Passion in Romsey Abbey recording of Handel’s Brockes and Monteverdi’s Vespers of Passion with Jonathan 1610 in Milton Abbey with Cohen’s Arcangelo as well the Bishop’s Consort. She has as a concert performance also performed in Mozart’s of Handel’s Theodora with Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Arcangelo at the Konzerthaus Patrick Hawes’ Requiem in in Vienna. Durham Cathedral. Her Richard Frewer, Supporters Committee operatic roles to date include Susanna in Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Pamina in the Do join us for what promises Magic Flute, Iris in Semele, to be a delightful occasion L’Enfant in Ravel’s L’Enfant not only to hear wonderful et les Sortilèges and Eurydice music in a lovely setting but in Monteverdi’s Orfeo. also to meet to meet some of the Museum’s supporters Above: Charlotte La Thrope Mexican born Sergio Bucheli at a convivial party in the Below: Sergio Bucheli came to the UK to study the Museum’s Garden Café after guitar at the Yehudi Menuhin the concert. School thanks to a bursary awarded by the Rolling Tickets for the concert, Stones. Since September 2016, with food and drink at the Sergio has been dedicated full party afterwards, are £30 time to the study of the lute each. For tickets, please family as a post graduate at visit: www.holburne.org, the Royal Academy of Music or call in at the front desk with (appropriately) a in the Museum. Christopher Hogwood Scholarship. Sergio is a keen chamber musician and has recently taken part in performances of Baroque Concertos with Lawrence 12 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS Expert wine-tasting at the Holburne

Saturday 9th May 2020 Theme for the evening: 6:30 to 8:30pm Spring Into Summer Allison Cocklin from It’s All As the seasons change, About Wine (shown in we move from the rich caricature, right) has kindly reds around the fireside to offered to host a wine-tasting some lovely fresh white at the Holburne this spring. wines and lighter style reds for the warmer days ahead. Sixteen years ago Allison decided to get serious about After some fabulous fizz on her love of all things vinous arrival, we will taste white and started studying wines and rosé wines before taking a and spirits. She now runs a break for cheese and charcuterie. monthly Wine School and Then it’s on to the reds and Gin Club at Nurstead Court in something deliciously sweet to Kent along with a monthly finish the evening…perfect! pop up at a local farm shop. Tickets are £40 each to Her aim is to “Create a Passion include generous tastings and for Tasting” - exciting people fine cheeses and charcuterie. about what they are drinking, This event is being organised and encouraging organic, by Jonno Davis, please biodynamic and natural complete and return booking wines. The wines she shows form no. 4. Do allow us time are made by people who are to respond to your booking as as passionate about their we are volunteers and are not craft as she is about tasting based at the Museum, thanks. their wine! WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS 13

The Holburne Plant and Produce Sale Sunday 10th May 2020 10:00-2:30

This year the Holburne's Plant Calling all gardener Friends Sale is joined by our first ever If you have surplus plants produce stall. Please help us Biscuits and cakes needed! to offer for the sale, or clay by donating some of your home Please help us by baking pots that you don't want, or made produce in jars to sell and cakes or biscuits to sell at are happy for me to come and raid your garden - by raise funds for the Museum. our pop-up cafe on the day, which I mean lift and divide See p.24 for details. Many of or perhaps help serve tea and take the unwanted extras our regular plant stalls will be and coffee. Do get in touch away, offering advice at the returning this year, including with Sally Roche on same time if you like - please gardening experts from Florrie 01225 315706 or email on get in touch with Antonia Harris Herbs, In Clover, Necia [email protected] Johnson on email via: West Plants, Wild Thyme, and if you can offer help with [email protected] Willow Cottage Plants. any baking and catering. Thank you for your help! 14 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR ALL MUSEUM SUPPORTERS A rare chance to visit two privately owned manor houses in Herefordshire

Tuesday 12th May 2020 an estate that is the ancestral vegetable garden. There is In the morning we ﬁrst visit home of the Lucas- also a rhododendron wood, Grade 1 listed Rudhall Manor, Scudamore family who have and in the wider grounds, a set in 10 acres of grounds been living here for almost deer park: a former Royal and dating back to the mid- 1,000 years. Alice Glendower, hunting ground that was once 14th century. The manor is daughter of the last Welsh owned by the Knights Templar. timber framed, with several Prince of Wales, married a additions over the centuries Scudamore while another, Tickets are each £70 to and a restoration in the 19th- later, Scudamore, Sir James, include return coach century. Many period features was Elizabeth 1’s jousting transport, private tours of remain. Admiral Nelson was a champion. The house has both houses, and a 2 course regular visitor and reputedly elements designed by John lunch. If you would like to first met Emma, Lady Hamilton Nash and internally there is park at nearby St Mary’s, here. The manor was also an impressive barrel-vaulted Bathwick, for the day please a temporary home for ﬁfty ceiling in the main hall and add £6 to your payment and Chelsea Pensioners evacuated Grinling Gibbons carvings in tick the box on booking form here during the Blitz. the dining room. no.5. The coach will leave the Museum promptly at From Rudhall, we have a short Surrounding the house are 8.30am, returning about drive over to the Kentchurch some 25 acres of gardens, 6.30pm. This visit is being Court estate, where we will laid out in “picturesque organised by Mark Hake. have lunch before being given landscape” style. There is As we are volunteers and a private tour of the house. a formal Walled Garden, a not based at the Museum Afterwards there will be free mature apple orchard, beyond itself, please allow us time to time to explore the gardens. which herbaceous borders respond to your bookings. Kentchurch Court is part of open out onto a working Thank you for your patience.

Left: Chelsea Pensioners stationed at Rudhall Manor during World War Two Right: Kentchurch Court seen from the deer park WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US 15 Holburne Insights: new acquisition of Bow porcelain

Just before Christmas, a Cellar of rock work and shells; Tanner and her collection wonderful new addition to the with 3 shells for salts”, now led to the research, Holburne’s collection arrived: attributed to Bow (C273). The conservation and exhibition the Geoffrey Freeman Collection James Calder bequests of 1944 project. It was thanks to of Bow porcelain which has and 1954 included six pieces of the support of many donors now been transferred to the Bow, including some of the best who contributed to the Museum. Accredited museums early examples in our collection. successful Big Give campaign are required to look after the Four of these are on display in in 2017, and due to your collections they have legal title the Fletcher Gallery. In 1981 Miss support that made the to in perpetuity, so transferring K.A.M. Harper gave a group of publication of Ellen Tanner’s to another museum is a way to figures, many of which formed Collection of Middle Eastern make the most of items that the dessert setting on the Art a reality. would otherwise be stored. In Ballroom table display. The this case, Pallant House Gallery majority of the figures on I am grateful to all Museum in Chichester had shown the display are from this bequest. supporters for their passion porcelain in a setting by Bouke Two important acquisitions for the Holburne’s collections, de Vries but their displays of early Bow are the figures and for your financial support changed and they began of Catherine 'Kitty' Clive as which makes much of our seeking a suitable home for the The Fine Lady (given by the curatorial work possible. collection in the long term. Holburne Society in 1946 in A Holburne visit to the V&A memory of James Calder) and collection at the Wedgwood English porcelain and Bow in Henry Woodward as The Fine Museum, where I start work particular are not well Gentleman (purchased in 1967), in 2020, would be a great way represented in our collections, both about 1750, and both on to continue the connection! so the Freeman collection fills display in the Fletcher Gallery. Catrin Jones, Curator 2014-19 many gaps, including rare early shapes and larger figure Since I joined the Holburne in groups. The Bow factory was 2014, the Friends and Patrons active between 1747 and 1776 have encouraged me to shine a and is famous for its soft-paste spotlight on the collection by porcelain and decoration supporting work behind-the- inspired by imported Chinese scenes. Storeroom visits have and Japanese ceramics. been a lovely way to look closely at the collection and to Seven pieces of Bow porcelain discover and share lesser- in the Holburne have links to Sir known objects and their stories. William Holburne, including a They proved a fertile testing sweetmeat dish described in ground to see which parts of the original catalogue of the the collection would also Holburne Museum’s collection capture the imaginations of our Bottle, with Kakiemon decoration, Bow Porcelain Factory, soft-paste compiled by William Chaffers in visitors – early conversations porcelain c.1755. Museum no. B.061. 1887 as “A Plymouth china Salt with supporters about Ellen Image courtesy Pallant House Gallery. 16 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US A round-up of recent events

Going North The general impression of Next was Auckland Castle, We arrived in Durham in the North is of turbulence once the home of the Prince perfect sunshine. The glorious and restless change. A place Bishops of Durham, a place of weather lasted until we left ravaged by strife, rebellion, lavish entertainment, hunting the North. We had excellent Vikings, Scots and Welsh and networking possibilities! guides whose enthusiasm, with but a few periods of The visit began with an knowledge and humour were stability in the Dark Ages. overview of the restoration infectious. Simon Johnson Castles, churches and abbeys project from the Auckland deserves special mention were built, knocked down, Tower — a new construction for his breadth of knowledge rebuilt and of course knocked referencing a medieval siege and the patience with which down again. engine which has splendid he shepherded our group. views from the top. The Durham Cathedral, which we castle has undergone major visited on the ﬁrst day, was restoration and we were Escomb Church Photograph © Tim Locke an exception to this relentless privileged to be guided destruction because its around before it opens to the position is unassailable. Simon public. We saw the Zurbaran introduced us to the Cathedral paintings of Jacob and His as we stood on the lawn Sons, hung as they had been outside which covers the originally in the dining room. bodies of 1,700 Scots who We then had a short visit to starved to death as prisoners the Mining Gallery to see art in the Cathedral — a strange works by miners and their feeling! Construction of the families; touching and graphic. Cathedral began in 1093 to replace the humble resting Last, we visited Escomb place of St Cuthbert whose church one of three complete corpse had been trundled Anglo-Saxon churches around the North (with the remaining in England. Built head of St Oswald) seeking between 670-700 AD from refuge. It is an awesome stone gathered from the example of Norman building. nearby Roman fort including The Galilee Chapel, where one announcing (albeit upside the Venerable Bede is buried, down) the VI legion. Largely has wonderful chevroned unchanged since it was galleries. The stone vaulted built, the church is tiny and ceiling of the Cathedral is appealing in its simplicity with supported by pillars as round small Saxon windows high in as they are high, incised its walls and traces of medieval with geometric patterns. paint in the chancel arch. WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US 17

A round-up of recent events continued

Day two started with a in part from 783 AD though Northumberland for over journey through the glorious substantially rebuilt over time 700 years. The castle is Northumberland countryside to repair the depredations fabulous, retaining the look following in part Hadrian’s of violence, mostly Viking, of a Norman border fortress. Wall, and stopping for photos and neglect. The Abbey’s Inside, the staterooms are and a clamber on the walls existence was inspired by lavish and Italianate with for those so inclined. We went St Wilfrid’s visit to Rome paintings by Raphael, Dobson, on to Vindolanda, an extensive and its construction sourced Canaletto, Van Dyck among fort which is still being from Roman stone taken from others, chandeliers (one so excavated with more finds all the nearby fort at Corbridge. heavy it fell down), silk wall the time. One of the most The Abbey has many coverings and carved, painted significant discoveries to date interesting artefacts notably and gilded ceilings. The library is of the Vindolanda tablets the medieval panel paintings, was my favourite containing which at the time were the some of which are narrative, nearly 15,000 books with its oldest surviving handwritten with a surprisingly jolly Victorian “weather station”, documents in Britain. The ‘dance of death', and the Frith sadly no longer operative as size of playing cards, the Stool which it is thought was the anemometer makes a tablets were shopping lists, Wilfrid’s stone seat made racket! The gardens are letters and party invitations when he founded the gorgeous with an impressive all written on thin slivers monastery. It is actually short cascade whose sudden of wood. and small and perhaps he eruptions may soak the unwary. was too? To complete our day we At the end of our trip we had visited Hexham Abbey which On our final day we headed seen some splendid places is one of the earliest seats of to Alnwick Castle and Garden, and learnt a great deal. Christianity in England dating home to the Dukes of Janet Locke

Left, Holburne group explores Hadrians Wall, right: in Durham Cathedral with Simon Johnson Photographs © Tim Locke 18 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US

A round-up of recent events continued

One Dorset Day (Many thanks Westonbirt wherever she looked there to organiser, Mark Hake) What better way to spend a would be something to paint. damp autumn morning than A sunny drive through Dorset to join Mark on one of his On our tour we were shown fair | A grand old house in mid- lovely outings! We were three giant Redwoods, planted repair | From Nigel Thimbleby, warned to take spare shoes in honour of Robert Holford’s a tour | Of Wolfeton House and or wellies on our visit to the three daughters. As our guide days of yore. Arboretum which proved pointed out, Holford’s eldest A whippet’s portrait: “What a good advice. Although the son George inherited the 600 life | his master shows his dog, weather was cold it didn’t acres of Westonbirt but the not wife!” | There’s Country Life spoil our enjoyment, walking three girls got one tree each! o’er holes galore | From death- amongst the trees with watch beetle in the floor. their breathtaking beauty, After a delicious lunch at the particularly at this time of year Kings Arms at Didmarton, Fascinating, worth our while | with the Japanese Acers our next stop was stately Now on to see a stately pile | turning a russet red. In 1838, Westonbirt House, now a But first, a yummy, scrummy landowner Robert Stayner school which Robert Holford meal | To slake our thirst, our Holford’s vision was to create completed building around hunger heal. an exotic garden with planting 1872. He knocked down his In Puddletown (‘twas to create picturesque views, adjacent manor house, where Piddletown) | We disembarked, encouraged by his artistic he had realigned the main we wandered down | To wife. The idea was that road in front of the house and Athelhampton’s Tudor spread | moved the village so that his The Holburne group with Allan With tales of history not dead. Moth (at left), a Westonbirt guide views and privacy were not photograph © Jonathan Davis impeded. We were given a tour There ghosts abound, not all of the impressive main rooms the norm | One passage boasts in the house, where all but a monkey’s form! | Such one are in need of restoration. splendid architecture, bold | The patterned wallpaper in ‘Midst gardens 13 decades old. the rooms is faded and the The Great Court: twelve cost of restoring the satin enormous yews | Stand wallpaper in the library alone sentinel amongst the views | was £250,000! A dovecote, huge, the birds in flight | Like soft white snow, We were treated to afternoon on roofs alight. tea, sandwiches and scones and had an hour or so to But time is all too short for explore the grounds, chapel, dreams | We must return to delightful camellia house, and Bath it seems | A scone, formal Italianate gardens. A some tea, the coach – it ends | very enjoyable, well organised Such fun we had with outing, thank you Mark. Jo Lane Holburne Friends! Seana Brennan WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR EXHIBITION CIRCLE & PATRONS 19 Exhibition Circle and Patrons members events

The following events are open Thursday 23rd January 2020 Thursday 27th February 2020 to members of the Holburne’s Exhibition Private View COLLECT tour & private Exhibition Circle and Patrons collection visit who throughout the year play Join us for a glass of a vital role in supporting wine and the first private We are thrilled to be able to the Museum’s exhibition and view of our new exhibition offer you VIP first day tickets learning programmes, along Grayson Perry: to COLLECT, the international with the care of our collection. The Pre-Therapy Years art fair for modern craft and with an introduction from design at Somerset House If you would like to attend any Grayson Perry himself. in London. of our special events, please RSVP to Oliver Merchant-Hall Guests will be given a tour by at [email protected]. curator and collector, Preston Event invitations with further Fitzgerald. The day will information will follow. include a very special visit to a private art collection in If you are currently a Friend Belgravia. Spaces are limited. and would like to increase your support to join us, please get in touch with Ollie.

Above: Grayson Perry (1960 - ) Biker Pot, 1992, glazed ceramic © Grayson Perry. Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro, London/Venice

Right: art object at COLLECT 2018 photograph by Oliver Merchant-Hall 20 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR EXHIBITION CIRCLE & PATRONS

Exhibition Circle and Patrons members events continued

Tuesday 17th March 2020 Thursday 19th March 2020 The collection has fine work Telling stories: A day in Oxford: by Elizabeth Frink, Alexander A behind the scenes look a private visit to the Calder, Henry Moore, Terry at Museum Interpretation Pembroke College art Frost, John Piper, Mary with Curatorial Fellow, collection and Young Fedden and Duncan Grant Jill Sutherland Rembrandt at the among many others. Ashmolean Museum Afterwards we will visit a major new exhibition at Exclusively for Exhibition This day trip offers a chance the Ashmolean Museum, Circle: please join us to meet to see the highlights of focusing on the first 10 years our new Curatorial Fellow a rarely-seen collection of Rembrandt’s career, with Jill who will be explaining of modern British art at a private talk from An van her work reviewing the Pembroke College, in the Camp, Assistant Keeper of interpretation throughout company of their curator. Western Art. the Holburne, from making it more accessible to addressing hidden histories.

Do come with ideas as all feedback is welcome! The Curatorial Fellow position is generously funded by a charitable Foundation.

Right: installation view of work in the purpose-built gallery at Pembroke College, showing work by Prunella Clough (top), Percy Wyndham Lewis (left), Julian Trevelyan (centre) and Michael Ayrton (right) Photograph by Jonathan Davis WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US FUTURE EVENTS FOR EXHIBITION CIRCLE & PATRONS 21

Exhibition Circle and Patrons members events continued

Wednesday 1st April 2020 Wednesday 13th – Thursday 11th June 2020 An evening with Sunday 17th May 2020 Exhibition Private View Grayson Perry Visit to the Veneto with Holburne Director Save the date for the opening Patrons and Exhibition Circle Chris Stephens of our next exhibition members attending Grayson Canaletto: Painting Venice, Perry’s public talk at Bath Taking in the Palladian paintings on loan from the Spa University’s Locksbrook masterpieces of the Veneto Woburn Abbey Collection. Road campus (please see region, the group will visit your What’s On guide) are Vicenza, Padua and Venice invited to a special reception over four days. This trip is to meet the artist before the now fully booked. talk begins.

Grayson Perry Portrait, 2016 photograph © Richard Ansett 22 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US Holburne news and fundraising update

“All children and young Cultivating creative minds: people should have “It is a special kind of The Holburne Schools the chance to visit learning because of the Programme and be inspired by way it happens: not by museums…it’s of great means of words on a As a registered charity, the importance to the page… but through objects, Holburne’s mission is wellbeing and prosperity places and experiences Changing Lives Through of our children.” that engage our intellect, Art and our vision is that Darren Henley, CEO, emotions and senses” every child can have the Arts Council England Group for Education opportunity to visit the in Museums Museum and be inspired here. Learning is at the heart of museums, liberating young At the Holburne we oﬀer a One of the best ways people from some of the unique and wonderful we can achieve this is through traditional boundaries of environment in which to our Schools Programme the classroom. stimulate and engage children for primary and secondary with art, design, history, travel, children of all ages and back- In 2018 we reached creative concepts and artistic grounds. We are currently 2,548 children from skill. We welcome whole fundraising to enable this over 25 schools in classes of children to visit the work to continue in 2020. Bath, Wiltshire, Bristol Museum and take part in and Somerset exciting interactive workshops. WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US 23

Holburne News and fundraising update continued

educators - who are trained We hope to deliver at least 60 Between 2010-2018, the teachers. From Going Greek! artist-led workshops for number of hours the arts to Canaletto, ‘messy clay' to school children in 2020 – from were taught in England’s life drawing, we welcome Art and Maths workshops secondary schools fell by children to visit our galleries inspired by Precious and 23%, and the number of and carefully plan activities Rare: Islamic Metalwork from arts teachers fell by 22%. around the Museum’s the Courtauld to thought- Department for Education collection and exhibitions provoking Grayson Perry making it a unique and ever- workshops for sixth formers. At a time when arts education changing experience. in schools is under threat, “Activity-ﬁlled the role of museums and We encourage children to and engaging. other arts organisations in look, think and speak about The children supporting learning, creativity art, through engagement with have LOVED it!” and wellbeing in young people ‘the real thing’ in 3D, rather (teacher) has become increasingly than in a digital or printed important. Our Schools format. Activities help them “I love this place Programme is delivered by the to develop their observational everyone” Museum’s experienced and and practical skills, gain (young student) dedicated Learning Team and understanding of new concepts, a pool of freelance artist- ideas and vocabulary and explore their own creativity.

“Our children glow with excitement and enthusiasm when visiting the Museum and they relish the opportunity to be hands on during the workshops. The impact of these experiences cannot be underestimated” (Teacher)

Our Schools Programme is reliant on charitable support. If you would like to support this work by making a donation, however large or small, please get in touch. Thank you. Camilla Johns, Head of Development on email: [email protected] or telephone 01225 3888564 24 WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG/SUPPORT-US

Canaletto: Painting Venice

Exhibition Circle and Patrons private view: save the date Thursday 11th June 2020

Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto (1697 - 1768) Grand Canal looking east from Palazzo Bembo to Palazzo Vendramin-Claergi 1733-36, oil on canvas, © from the Woburn Abbey Collection

Please help stock our new produce stall We’re imagining a well-stocked stall of at the Plant Sale on 10th May! delicious fare in jars of any shape or size. Please encourage friends and family to join If you are producing tasty food in a jar in and make things for the stall. Please (jams, chutney, curd, marmalade, pesto, carefully label all the ingredients, and leave relishes, honey etc) that will last beyond them at the front desk at the Holburne May 2020, please consider donating some or we can collect if you prefer. Contact for us to sell on behalf of the Holburne. Olivia Eliot on 01225 462156. Thank you!

Holburne Supporters Committee The Holburne Museum Jonathan Davis, Chairman; Newsletter Designer and Editor Olivia Eliot, Deputy Chairman and Foreign Tours Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Mary Jane Wilkinson, Honorary Secretary The Museum is open Mon-Sat: 10-5 Committee Members Sunday and Bank Holidays: 11-5 Jennifer Bereska, Deputy Treasurer Closed 24th-26th Dec and 1st Jan Will Darby, co-opted member; Patrons’ Representative Richard Frewer, (former Holburne Trustee), Music Mark Hake, Galleries, Gardens and House Tours Free entry to the collections and special Tim Locke, Supporters’ Web Pages Anton Young, co-opted member; Patrons’ Representative exhibitions for all Museum supporters Printed by Emtone Print Limited BOOKING FORM 1 FLEET AIR ARM/HAYNE MOTOR MUSEUMS THURSDAY 12TH MARCH 2020

I/we would like ……. tickets at £70.00 each For parking at St Mary’s, Bathwick, please add £6 …….…

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances ………….………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name (s) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Address …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1 Telephone …………………………………………………………………… Email (or send stamped self-addressed envelope)………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………….. Please send cheque, payable to the ‘THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM’ to: JONATHAN DAVIS, HOLBURNE FRIENDS, c/o THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4DB IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE A SEPARATE CHEQUE + SEPARATE ENVELOPE FOR EACH EVENT, THANKS

BOOKING FORM 2 LUCAS CRANACH AT COMPTON VERNEY THURSDAY 26TH MARCH 2020

I/we would like …..… tickets at £60.00 each For parking at St Mary’s, Bathwick, please add £6 …..…

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances ………….………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Telephone …………………………………………………………………… Email (or send stamped self-addressed envelope)………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………..2 Please send cheque, payable to the ‘THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM’ to: MARK HAKE, HOLBURNE FRIENDS, c/o THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4DB IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE A SEPARATE CHEQUE + SEPARATE ENVELOPE FOR EACH EVENT, THANKS

BOOKING FORM 3 SHERBORNE CASTLE/MINTERNE ABBEY THURSDAY 16TH APRIL 2020

I/we would like …..… tickets at £70.00 each For parking at St Mary’s, Bathwick, please add £6 ……..

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances ………….………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Telephone ……………………………………………………………………

Email (or send stamped self-addressed envelope)………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………….. Please send cheque, payable to the ‘THE HOLBURNE3 MUSEUM’ to: MARK HAKE, HOLBURNE FRIENDS, c/o THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4DB IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE A SEPARATE CHEQUE + SEPARATE ENVELOPE FOR EACH EVENT, THANKS BOOKING FORM 4 EXPERT WINE-TASTING SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2020

I/we would like …..… tickets at £40.00 each NB Parking will be available at the Museum (charges apply)

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances ………….………………………………………………..……………………………………………

Address …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Telephone …………………………………………………………………… Email (or send stamped self-addressed envelope)………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………….. Please send cheque, payable to the ‘THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM’ to: JONATHAN DAVIS HOLBURNE FRIENDS, c/o THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4DB IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE A SEPARATE CHEQUE + SEPARATE ENVELOPE FOR EACH EVENT, THANKS

BOOKING FORM 5 RUDHALL MANOR & KENTCHURCH COURT TUESDAY 12TH MAY 2020

I/we would like …..… tickets at £70.00 each For parking at St Mary’s, Bathwick, please add £6 ……..

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances ………….………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Telephone …………………………………………………………………… Email (or send stamped self-addressed envelope)………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………..5 Please send cheque, payable to the ‘THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM’ to: MARK HAKE, HOLBURNE FRIENDS, c/o THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4DB IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE A SEPARATE CHEQUE + SEPARATE ENVELOPE FOR EACH EVENT, THANKS

Save the date: 29th June 2020 Frank Brown Concert and party High Glanau and Wyndcliﬀe Court 1st May 2020 Tickets are £30 each A day exploring two delightful formal (walled gardens, topiary, for this event and will gardens in Monmouthshire: High rose gardens) as well as the informal be available from Glanau Manor and Wyndcliﬀe Court. (woodland walks, orchards), and www.holburne.org Both have wonderful “Arts & Crafts” glorious far reaching views. or in person at gardens landscaped by Henry the front desk in Avary Tipping in 1922, the former Tickets will be £70 each the Museum. is Grade II-listed, while the latter to include return coach transport, The ticket price is Italianate in style. refreshments, lunch and private tours includes the concert, of both gardens. All the details, and with food and drink Original features have been retained booking form will be in the Summer in the Garden Cafe in both, and each has a mix of the 2020 Newsletter, due out in May. afterwards.