The Henry Moore Foundation

Join us for a full day trip to the picture-postcard village of Perry Green, to visit the Henry Moore Foundation, where we will have a private guided tour of Henry Moore’s studio and garden and visit the house where Moore lived and worked for over 40 years until his death in 1986.

Itinerary

8.30am         Depart King’s Lynn – Tesco Gaywood                                                 

8.50am         Depart Downham Market – Lynn Road, Memorial Playing Field     

10.45am       Arrive and Introduction, Tea/coffee (included in price)   

11.00am        Tour Hoglands, Henry & Irina Moore’s Family Home   

12.45am       Light Lunch (included in price)                                     

2.00pm         Guided Tour of Studios, Sculpture Park and Gardens   

3.30pm         Free time for shop visit, further exploration etc                 

4.30pm         Depart                                                                                 

6.45pm         Return to King’s Lynn

Price per person - £70 to include return coach, admission, tea/coffee, light lunch.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To book your place please email Ivor Rowlands ivor@surprisingtown.co.uk as soon as possible, providing your:

·       Name, phone no, how many places you would like, which pick-up point you will be using

·       Any dietary requirements/allergies

·       Confirmation that payment has been made.

Closing date for bookings is 30th April 2026

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Please make payment to TASKL, preferably by bank transfer:

BACS information: Account Name: The Arts Society KL Sort Code: 30-99-77 Account No: 00147703. Please confirm your post code to identify your payment on our bank statement

Alternatively, you can pay by cheque: Payable to: The Arts Society KL to Paul Smith, Hon Treasurer – TASKL - 71 Otter Road, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 8JE

What to see

Sculpture Gardens

With over 70 acres of gardens and rolling fields, see Moore’s world-famous monumental sculptures as he intended, against the landscape he created.

Studios

Preserved as Moore would have used them in his lifetime, six studios reveal the artist’s processes of drawing, etching, carving and model making.

Tapestries in the Aisled Barn

A reconstructed 16th century farm building, the Aisled Barn is the only place in the world to see Moore’s unique tapestries permanently on display.

Hogland, the Moore’s family home

Hoglands was home to Henry Moore and his wife Irina for almost 50 years. It now houses Moore’s personal art collection and the curiosities that often inspired his sculpture.

Henry Moore's Tube Paintings

These iconic wartime artworks depicting Londoners seeking refuge in the Underground during the Blitz are to be exhibited for the first time at the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens throughout 2026

Photos from day in Gallery section

On Tuesday 13th May from 6pm our friend Veronica Sekules at GroundWork Gallery is hosting a fascinating art-science discussion featuring Anna Dumitriu and Caroline Hyde Brown who will be talking about their various researches on legumes and how this led to art - together with colleagues from John Innes Institute talking about the science part! Veronica has kindly offered a 2 for 1 offer for tickets to members of TASKL so for just £15 two people can go along and this also includes a drink. Use the code 241BEAN when booking your tickets. See www.groundworkgallery.com for full details and book your tickets via Norfolk and Norwich Festival link https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/  

Visit to award winning gallery of the environment in King's Lynn, Groundwork. In particular we will be able to view the wonderful new exhibition PlantPower and have an introduction to the work from gallery owner and curator Veronica Sekules. She will also discuss the ethos of this unique gallery. 

Meet at the gallery at 11am. Refreshments will be provided and donations will be welcomed. All welcome to come along.

Walter Dexter (1876 –1958) was an English artist, painting in oil and
watercolour. He also worked as a commercial artist, illustrating books and
producing posters. He lived in King's Lynn for much of his life, and many
of his pictures show the area.
Guests welcome. Pay at the door: £10. For catering purposes please email
in advance to the Treasurer at: taskl.treasurer@gmail.com

Mannington Hall, near Aylsham, was built around 1480 and has been a Walpole family home since it was sold to Horatio, brother of Sir Robert Walpole, in the mid-18th century.

The Hall is very much a family home despite its imposing moat and drawbridge. Famous for its Rose Garden, there is a sensory garden and extensive woodlands to explore.

We will meet for homemade refreshments at 10.30 in the café in the grounds, run by Grace, Lady Walpole’s daughter before a tour of the house led by Laurel, Lady Walpole.

Lunch may be ordered in advance from the café or you may wish to try The Walpole Arms at Itteringham or Saracen’s Head at Wolterton.

20 places are available at £25 per person which includes refreshments on arrival, guided tour of the Hall and access to the gardens and woodlands.

Booking form has been emailed to members or can be found in the documents section.

Day trip to Boston where you will have the opportunity to join a guided walking tour of the town and a visit to St Botolph's Church to see their historic book collection that dates back as far as 1170. Participants will travel to Boston independently - no transport will be provided.

We shall meet in The Refectory for refreshments at 10.30, there will be two guided visits to St Botolph’s newly restored Medieval library. (https://parish-of-boston.org.uk/explore/the-library/ ) One commences at 11.15 and the second at 12.00. Each is restricted to ten participants. Established in 1634, the highlight of the collection is St Augustine’s work on Genesis which is over 850 years old. This visit is free of charge but donations are encouraged.

Lunch is not included but a list of nearby cafes will be provided.  We will gather for the walk at 1.30 at Fydell House, South Street, for a guided tour of key sights. Cost is £5 each payable to the guide on the day.Sights include the Guildhall, St Botolph’s, the Maud Foster Windmill, and other hidden gems.

Your journey to Boston from King’s Lynn should take just over an hour. Maps, parking information and a list of cafes will be sent a week before the visit.

Numbers are limited to 20 and  must be booked in advance. If for any reason you have to cancel, please contact the organiser to free up a place for another member.

To book your place please email Irene Andrews at artichoke@btinternet.com

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY IS BY CLIMBING 24 NARROW AND STEEP STEPS.

COFFEE ON THE QUAY - Our next social event will be an informal Coffee Morning to be held at Marriott's Warehouse on the South Quay, King's Lynn, in the Fred Hall Room on the 2nd Floor (lift available). This will be held on Friday 24th November from 10.30am. Come along to enjoy coffee/tea and biscuits for a small donation. It will be an opportunity to meet old friends, welcome new members and meet with the committee to discuss possible future activities for our Society. We will also be welcoming well known local artist Anne Roberts who will be talking talk about her colourful and striking work. There will also be an opportunity to buy locally produced cards.
It would be really helpful if anyone intending joining us could let Irene know in advance to enable us to make adequate catering arrangements by emailing artichoke@btinternet.com or Tel 01553 676712.
Non members are very welcome to come along and find out about our society.

The trip to Sudbury to took place on Monday 15th May 2023. The coach trip departed at 9.30am and returned at approximately 6pm so there was plenty of time to visit all areas of the Centre and explore the market town of Sudbury.
 

In 1958 Gainsborough’s House Society was formed to purchase the house and establish it as a centre for Thomas Gainsborough. The Museum first opened to the public in 1961 and has operated as an independent charitable trust.

In 2019, the House commenced a transformational refurbishment with £10m invested into the site so we were able to see the refurbished exhibition spaces and facilities. The museum also focuses on other Suffolk based artists like John Constable and Cedric Morris who greatly admired the works of Thomas Gainsborough.

There was also a beautiful garden is at the heart of Gainsborough’s House. It is maintained by a devoted body of volunteers who exclusively cultivate plants that were available in Gainsborough’s lifetime; including a Mulberry Tree which is over 400 years old.

The weather was not promising for our visit to Oxburgh Hall but no one was going to let that spoil the day. An early fact we learned was that it is no longer called “Oxburgh Hall” but “Oxburgh Estate” as the National Trust has purchased 150 acres of land, that once belonged to the estate, to create a larger walking area. 

We met our guides for the morning, Anne Guymer and Diana, in the courtyard and were shown the dormer window, whose collapse in 2016 had started the investigation and eventual £6.5 million conservation work on the remaining dormer windows, plus tiles and chimneys. Curiously, the building problems had nothing to do with the original structure from 1482 but the Victorian additions. By good fortune, Bulmer Brick makers still had the original casts and 12,000 individual bricks were made for the 27 mock-Tudor Victorian chimneys.   

The Bedingfeld’s were and remain, Catholic and royalist, which must have called for some nimble manoeuvring on their part to survive through the centuries. Cavalier Sir Henry was present at the Siege of Lynn and fought for the king at Marston Moor.   

We are fortunate that the Hall exists for a builder from Brandon wanted to demolish it for the bricks, timber and fireplaces and cut down the wooded area around the estate. Thankfully this did not become a reality.  

 The moat is decorative but also performed the function of receiving waste from the latrines. The moat could not be drained for the conservation work because the foundations would crack, so the scaffolding had to rest on breeze blocks with a foundation of sandbags. None of the scaffolding was allowed to touch the building.  

 A bat colony had to be moved during work on the roof and were housed in a "Bat Hotel.” On their return, it was discovered that the 14,000 pantiles were too smooth for them to climb and therefore the tiles were sprayed with a sticky substance to help the bats. 

Our tour included a visit to the King’s Room (so named in commemoration of Henry VII’s stay at the Hall – though it is unlikely that he would have slept in this room) and the Priest's Hole, both within the imposing Gatehouse. No priests were discovered in the raids at Oxburgh.  

 After lunch we joined new guides for a tour inside the Hall, including a National Treasure, the Marian Hangings, embroidered by Mary, Queen of Scots and “Bess of Hardwick.” 

 Thank you to everyone involved for making this a memorable and enjoyable visit.

 Review from Alan Leventhall

Our visit to Ware Hall House at Wells-next-the Sea began under threatening grey clouds but as the morning wore on they receded and we had a sunny, if cool day. The visit to the house in Ware that Miss May Savage dismantled and rebuilt in Wells proved fascinating. Miss Savage’s niece and current owner of the house, Christine Adams, served coffee and biscuits before telling us the story of her aunt’s dogged determination to save the old house and of her, some would say, eccentric life. She bought the delapidated house at Number 1 Monkey Row, Ware, in Hertfordshire. The house had been built in 1450 following the “hall house” pattern of the time, in which the living quarters surrounded a two-story, vaulted minstrel’s gallery. May Savidge, self taught in carpentry and brick-laying,  began to lovingly restore the house to its former glory until, in the mid 1950's, the local Council decided it had to be demolished to make way for a new road. After failing to persuade the Council to spare this historical treasure May Savidge began disassemble the house with the aim of moving it to another site. There were many twist and turns to the story before the house could be reassembled at Wells-next-the-Sea. We had a tour and saw past TV interviews with Miss Savage. Visits are by arrangement only, but if you get the chance I’m sure all those who went would recommend it.

Stuart Dimmock

Arts Society visit to the Warner Textile Archive and Coggeshall

On Tuesday the 22nd October members of King’s Lynn Arts Society visited the Warner Textile Archive in Braintree and followed this with an afternoon spent in Coggeshall. It was a sunny autumn day and this only enhanced what was to prove a fascinating day out.

Warner’s Mill closed in the 1990s but the archive preserves a treasure trove of hand printed silks, block printed wallpapers and trimmings. After coffee and biscuits we listened to an interesting talk on silk production and the history of Warners from their beginnings as dyers. The silk produced was both for furnishings and dresses. There was a royal connection, with not only curtains for royal residences but also the fabric for the future Queen Mary’s wedding dress. Pulling out display drawers showed samples produced by the company and then in smaller groups we saw samples of silk woven using a jacquard loom.

Coggeshall Village has numerous listed buildings, many dating from Medieval times. Paycocke’s House was a National Trust property built around 1500. It was a house and showroom built to impress, with stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling all based on wool trade money. The Grange Barn was even earlier. Built in the 13th Century it was an enormous tithe barn and is one of Europe’s oldest timber framed buildings.

Most of us managed to find lunch and explore the garden of Paycocke’s House all before getting back on the bus and returning to Norfolk. It was a busy day but enjoyed by all. Thanks to Susan Ingleby for the superb organisation of a wonderful visit.

A Visit to Martyn Clarke: an afternoon of early music and history – October 14, 2019

As someone not especially knowledgeable about music, why was I attracted by the Arts Society billing of ‘an afternoon with Martyn Clarke’? Several reasons: it sounded intriguing, it offered me insight into something outside my musical experience, and it would be an autumn afternoon with friends in the pretty village of Oxborough. 

The afternoon exceeded all expectations. In a beautiful music room containing Martyn’s instruments, the audience sat amongst these precious items and appreciated them both visually and musically. Martyn gave an informed description of each instrument - harpsichord, clavichord, early piano – with a brief history of the place they were made (London held supremacy over Vienna in this sphere) and their ownership. Martyn illustrated his talk with short recitals on each instrument, so letting his audience absorb the beauty of the music coaxed from such beautiful instruments. 

The interval provided an opportunity to enjoy tea, coffee and cake, but also to appreciate what a lovely house Martyn and his wife had kindly invited us to share. Not only that, we were able to wander in a garden ‘wrapped around’ the house, with intriguing topiary and delightful autumn colours.

As the afternoon closed there was a suggestion that we might return for another visit. If so, I’ll certainly be there.

Kate Gordon

A Grand Day Out

The trip to Delapré Abbey and 78 Derngate in Northampton on 3 April was most enjoyable and informative.  In order to accommodate the numbers it was organised so that half went to one venue in the morning and then after lunch the groups changed round.  The arrangements ran like clockwork.

Delapré Abbey owes its name to the Abbey of St Mary de la Pré founded on the site some 900 years ago.  However in 1538 the community of Cluniac nuns was expelled on the orders of Henry Vlll and the buildings fell into disrepair. The estate came into the hands of the Tate family and the remains of the abbey were swept away as they created, over some 200 years, most of the buildings that exist today.  In 1749 the Tate family connection came to an end when the only heir, Mary, died soon after her marriage to Admiral Sir Charles Hardy, who was responsible for building the Stable Block.  

In 1764 the house was sold to Edward Bouverie for £22,000 and for another 200 years the estate, which became known as Delapré Abbey, was in the hands of the Bouverie family.  When Mary Bouverie died in 1943 the house and many acres of land were bought by the local council but were sadly neglected.  A proposal to demolish the buildings in 1954 was only dropped after a successful campaign by a group led by Miss Joan Wake.   For some forty years the house became the Northamptonshire Record Office but when this was moved to new premises in the late 1990s the future of the buildings was again in doubt.  The Friends of Delapré Abbey led a campaign to restore the buildings so as to create a venue to be enjoyed by local people and visitors to the area.  After some years, the Delapré Preservation Trust, supported by Northampton County Council, was successful in gaining a £3.65m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out restoration work on part of the buildings and this was completed in 2018.

Rooms in the stable block and the main house are open to the public and displays tell the story not only of the house and estate but also of significant other historical events.  Nearby is one of the four remaining Eleanor Crosses built by Edward l after the death of his wife, Eleanor of Castille. An important battle also took place on the doorstep of the Abbey -  in 1460 Henry Vl was defeated at the Battle of Northampton by Richard of York and taken prisoner.

The Grade 2* listed Georgian house at 78 Derngate is tall and narrow.  It was extensively renovated and re-decorated in 1916-17 to plans by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928).  He was employed by the owner W. J. Bassett-Lowke who had been given the house as a wedding present.  The two did not always agree and some aspects are more Bassett-Lowke than Rennie Mackintosh, for example in the use of plastic in some of the decorations.

Externally two balconies were added to give garden views, while internally extensive re-modelling transformed the four-storey house.  It was the first in the town to have electricity and upstairs plumbing.  Two rooms, the entrance hall/lounge and the guest bedroom are typical Rennie Mackintosh in style.  The former involved two separate units being merged and the stairs re-located.  Geometric shapes, especially squares and triangles, predominate, as does the colour yellow which the partially colour-blind owner could see well.  Our group’s opinion was divided but most liked the unusual grid of black squares rising up the stairs and the beautiful stained glass.  The bedroom has striking black and white floor-to-ceiling stripes behind the beds.  Some of us liked them but others shared the disapproval expressed by George Bernard Shaw.  However the turquoise-coloured bedspreads and chunky washbasin, with piped hot water, in a recess, were appreciated by everyone.  The bathroom was also ahead of its time with a large free-standing bath, large shower head and wallpaper with a tiny tile pattern.  The remaining rooms show less influence of Rennie Mackintosh.

In 1926 Bassett-Lowkes moved to New Ways, close to Abbington Park in Northampton, a pioneering modernist house with much more space.  78 Derngate had a chequered history subsequently and for a time was used by Northampton Girls’ High School.  By 2002 it was in a bad state of disrepair and the local council started a programme of restoration using the many photographs taken during the Bassett-Lowkes period as a guide.  Some decorations have been removed to reveal the original; in other rooms original patterns have been re-created.  Similarly some of the furniture is original; some has been remade.

At Delapré Abbey there was an informative introduction to the visit using a power point presentation while at 78 Derngate we viewed a DVD in which Eric Knowles talked about the features we would see on the visit.  At both venues the groups had knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.  There was also for those who visited 78 Derngate in the afternoon the pleasure of tea and cake in the café at number 82 which together with number 80 is part of the visitor centre. 

Elaine Robinson and Elke Hellman are to be congratulated on their excellent planning of the trip and the way they adjusted the timings of the visits to take account of transport delays.  There was total unanimity about the success and enjoyment of the day.

Elizabeth and Michael Walker

Viking: Rediscover The Legend and John Sell Cotman in Norwich and London

Meet: historian Dr Paul Richards at 11.00 am 

at Tales of the Old Gaol House, Saturday Market Place.

Cost: £4.00 per person - to be paid on the day

No need to book in advance

The1½ hour walk ends in the Tuesday Market Place – and will demonstrate the development of the Town, its power and wealth, from 1100 to the present day and takes in familiar and less familiar buildings including The Minster, Hampton Court, Hansa House, Quayside, Thorseby College, The Custom House, King Street and St George's Guildhall.

The walk will end at about 12.30. 

Around the Tuesday Market Place there are various restaurants where you can make your arrangements for lunch:

Prezzo

The Riverside

The Duke's Head

The Maid's Head

The Globe

The Corn Exchange 

NB There is no 'resting' place until St George's Guildhall towards the end of the walk – be aware that access to the Guildhall is by stairs.

Richard Morley

Coach trip to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, UEA and Guided Tour: £23.

In October 2017, to mark the anniversary of the Russian Revolution, the Sainsbury Centre will stage the Russia Season contrasting Russian art and life, before and after the Revolution. Royal Fabergé explores the extraordinary production and glittering saga of Fabergé, the leading artist-jewellers during the decades preceding the First World War. A highlight will be the Sandringham animals illustrating the naturalistic genius of Fabergé which so appealed to Royal tastes both in Britain and in Russia.

Radical Russia

Radical Russia will show how in a few short years a new approach to art emerged. The exhibition includes pre-revolution works, showing the way in which Russian abstraction included specific Russian themes – especially relating to the Russian peasantry. The exhibition also includes a wide variety of objects, ranging from suprematist ceramics that utilised revolutionary symbolism, to book covers, which exemplify the unity between the written word and the visual arts.

A highlight will be the dramatic model of Tatlin’s Tower, one of the most iconic architectural projects to have been designed in the Soviet era. The ten-metre high model will be on display near the Sainsbury Centre.

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“Situated in the remaining elements of Charles II’s sporting palace and stables... it spans five acres and comprises the National Horseracing Museum, the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries of British Sporting Art.”

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Perfect weather.  By train to London, and  the “tube” to Bank Station, emerging into the beautiful sunshine, and surrounded by fine, classical buildings.  Morning coffee at the impressive Royal Exchange – an opportunity for refreshment, but also “people-watching” as the city goes about its business.

Our City of London Guide was again Tony Tucker, who was wearing a Frank Sinatra-style trilby hat – a useful marker in the fast-moving crowd, and a change from the usual umbrella held aloft (which is the usual mark of a tour guide).

Tony's almost encylopeadic knowledge, and informative commentary showed his passion for the square mile as he brought alive two thousand years of history.  Anecdotes, curious tales  and eccentric details were revealed in this informative and enriching tour.  I think that I was expecting a more Dickensian atmosphere in the Alleys, but in this prosperous area ,where building works are in constant progress, much of that aspect of old London has long gone.  Turning into an alley with its fine, classical architecture, a starling view of one of the several modern buildings is often framed by an older world.  The “Shard”, Cheese Grater”, “Walkie Talkie” and the “Gherkin” created an remarkable visual impression.  Somehow ancient and modern seemed to sit together well.

To Gracechurch Street for lunch at The Crosse Keys restaurant (which used to be an old bank).  This was followed by a visit to Leadenhall Market, an elegant shopping arcade.  Fine shops (with eye-watering prices!)

Although Churches were not on our agenda, we did call in at beautiful St Olave's in Hart Street.  Elaborate memorials, civic sword rests, silver plate on display.  This was where Pepys' worshipped, and his memorial, and that of his wife face each other across the arcading.  I noticed that the archade arches were blackened.  Initially I thought that this might be the result of fire during the blitz, but no; it was the result of the Great Fire of London.  This added to the impression of history in this compact and fascinating area.

Near the end of our tour, at St. Peter's Alley, we paused at St. Peter's Garden.  It is allegedly the oldest site of worship in London.  So many burials took place in the 19th century, causing the graveyard levels to rise significantly above the path.  Dickens remarked that here the dead rest above the living.

Finally, I ask my fellow N.A.D.F.A.S. Members who enjoyed this day to forgive the sketchy nature of my report.  The stream of information that Tony gave us, and the wealth of interesting sights that we saw simply cannot be adequately summed up in this brief report. I heartily recommend such a visit to anyone who is thinking about attending a future walking tour.

It only remains for me to give very sincere thanks to Tony Tucker, our excellent guide, and to Margaret and Nick Thursfield for arranging this visit.

Neil Adams

We knew something special was afoot when we signed up for the Burghley House and Gardens trip but that expectation was enhanced with the arrival of our transport for we were to make ‘history’ as the very first coach party to travel in a brand new, sparkling red coach.  It was a unique experience that was the beginning of a wonderful day: and we were off to Burghley House.  It made me think of WH Auden's thought "Man is a history-making creature who can neither repeat his past or leave it behind.  "For here we were going to visit a glorious house designed and built by William Cecil, the First Lord Burghley (1520-1598).  A house so well-known and valued that Goebels himself forbade the bombing of it during the war.  Seemingly he was looking forward to accepting ownership.

On arrival we were presented with a mini-guide and a short introduction that keyed us up for our journey round the house with an account of its incumbents.  Our journey through the-house was a mind-bending experience!  Meeting with the atmosphere created by the beauty and skilful work of the many craftsmen men and women and artists of the past.  We gulped at the ingenious engineering of the mechanical aids of past centuries.

Amidst all this heart stopping splendour were the voices of the guides in each room whose profound knowledge was the result of two years study: a paid occupation which required them to be able to undertake duty in every room.

As we passed from room to room we passed by windows that exposed the cultured panorama beyond, the result of Capability Brown's twenty plus years of creative sensibility.  Again and again we gaped at the wholeness of his sensitivity his ability to caress the landscape whilst upholding the practical requirements of a large household.  So many features too - the ice house, the ancient trees together with all the recent additions including much fun for children.  Then to top it all the many creative works of modern artists whose imagination and spiritual insight is heart-warming.

A freelance group were at work creating a massive "Trojan Horse" out of Oak Logs.  They were a freelance group who had worked in Bulgaria and were to be off to America next to undertake "Meadows in the Mountains".  After talking to them I smiled as I thought of Pablo Picasso's words "God is really only an artist.  He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat.  He has no real style he just goes on trying other things".  The ingenuity of the creative spirit using natural and manufactured materials within and without Burghley House was just thrilling.  A précis of the spirit and history of a very privileged family over five centuries.

Once again we thank Susan Ingleby for another wonderful and inspiring visit.

Ralph Cartmill

Gothic Voices 7pm Nowel Syng We Bothe Al and Som Late Medieval English Music for the Christmas Season

A special programme of carols and songs for the season together with festive mass movements by composers such as John Dunstable (c.1390-1453) and Leonel Power (c.1370-1445). A small consort of four voices formed more than twenty years ago by Christopher Page, Gothic Voices is established as one of the leading vocal ensembles in Europe. As its name implies, the consort specialises in medieval music from all over Europe, but it also performs modern music, much of it commissioned by the group. Gothic Voices has performed in all the great cathedrals at home and throughout Europe and at major early music festivals worldwide. The group has a discography of more than 20 recordings and their recording inspired by the music of Hildegard of Bingen is one of the best-selling CDs of pre-classical music of all time. Their singing was described in The Times as “sustenance for the soul – a short-cut to bliss

Visit to 1. Gainsborough's House, Sudbury http://www.gainsborough.org 2. Little Hall Museum, Lavenham http://www.littlehall.org.uk/

A day of warmth and sunshine joyed our journey to Sudbury and Lavenham and home again. For those of us who had never been to Gainsborough’s birthplace it was an especial blessing – I think it was a Frenchman who suggested that the object of art was actually “to give life some shape: to make it truer than true.” Certainly a walk around the rooms of Gainsborough’s house was quite overwhelming. As each portrait eye-balled us, as we stepped upstairs, we imagined the eyelids of at least one or two widening in exasperation. We were warmly welcomed, treated to a “bijou” précis of Thomas Gainsborough’s birth and career, both concise, beautifully illustrated and informative. Then time to stop and stare at the many canvases in the rooms where the artist trod before. As we left we knew we would return again and soon! Stepping into the garden was like sliding into bygone years: medlars, quinces and a Mulberry Tree which emphasised the quote in the brilliant “What’s On” booklet – “nature was his teacher and the wood of Suffolk his academy” and “later landscapes continued in miniature with broken stones, dried weeds and pieces of looking glass.” We particularly enjoyed the earlier address when the speaker informed us that the model for the top of one landscape tree was a broccoli. All too soon we were off to a delicious lunch and jolly conversation and the joy of knowing that there was more excitement to come. On our arrival at Lavenham we thought we were approaching a 15th Century film set for we had entered a Mediaeval Wool Town 1450-1500; yet this was an upstanding veracity that unveiled the reality behind the words. Then the visit to the Little Hall and the restoration of the house by the twins Gayes-Andersons (soldier brothers), one of whom was an Egyptologist and responsible for the odd Arabic words and books around the house. It was here that we were treated to an erudite and fascinating introduction about the history of the house and the depth, humanity and sensitivity which the brothers revealed in the manner by which they undertook to buy and restore the house to its former state. The introductory talk which we were given revealed both the history and the gentle loving spirit of the two brothers. So it was no surprise on our way round, to espy photographs of London children, there during the war finding safety from bombs! The Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul (1485) is a very large church with a tower which has been labelled as “the sentinel of the countryside” and at 142 feet, the title is well chosen. There wasn’t time for more but we’re longing to return. Much thanks to Susan for bringing the joy of such a memorable visit and especially for enabling us to be so relaxed on what was a wonderful day.

Ralph Cartmill

Macbeth at The Globe

I would like to say how much we enjoyed visiting the Globe to see Macbeth. There were some adverse comments by the critics but (as lovers of Macbeth and Shakespeare) we found this production to be powerful; passionate, exciting and innovative. Many thanks to Jane Byrne for purchasing our tickets and giving us this opportunity to enjoy a unique experience. The Globe itself, the atmosphere, the dedicated players and even seeing the rain falling all added to the special day. A memory to cherish. Joan Evans

It is "an English expression of French style" or "The English Versailles" a home rich in the decorative arts. There are 150 acres of landscape parkland surrounding the house.

We have visited many of the grand houses of Northamptonshire over the years but this was our first experience of Boughton, which lies just north of the ever-expanding town of Kettering. We approached from the other side, through beautiful, rolling countryside with fields of sheep and lambs and villages of thatched, stone cottages, so were surprised to find ourselves arriving at a rather French-looking chateau set in glorious, English parkland. Nearly 500 years old, Boughton is one of several houses which have belonged to the Montagu family, now Dukes of Buccleuch; the family of Princess Alice, the late Duchess of Gloucester. 330 years ago Ralph, the 1st Duke of Montagu began a massive restoration of the old house and although this was not completed, much of what you see today was his work. His son, John, concentrated on the garden and estate, developing extensive formal landscapes which form the bones of today’s water gardens. In about 1750 inheritance disputes meant that the family lived elsewhere and for 150 years everything was covered in dust sheets, only to be revealed in the early 20th century. This has resulted in a house full of wonderful treasures, from state rooms constructed for the visit of William III in 1695, through cosy family rooms still used today, but with fabulous tapestries, furniture and pictures. There are wonderful painted ceilings by Chéron, one of the best private armouries in England, battle plans from the Duke of Marlborough’s campaigns and the tour culminates in the unfinished wing, clear to the roof, where you can marvel at how big houses were constructed three centuries ago. The wet weather precluded a planned afternoon tour of the gardens so a visit was quickly arranged to the nearby village of Warkton to see some of the family memorials, which have only just been cleaned and restored. The specially-built chancel of about 1750 holds four enormous, white marble monuments which took our breath away. A few brave members did manage a wet walk around the walled garden and some of landscape gardens, which will repay another visit in August, when the house and gardens are open to the public. Our thanks must go to Margaret Thursfield for such an interesting and smoothly-run day, our lovely guide, Alan, who told us so much about the locality and our safe and steady driver, Paul.

Pat Bray

Professional ecclesiastical historian, author and broadcaster for over 35 years, John has visited and recorded over 13,000 churches in England and Wales. He is a trustee of the oldest church preservation society in Britain - The Friends of Friendless Churches. Formerly an employee of The Churches Conservation Trust, John has also served as Photographic Curator of The Kempe Trust and Hon. Secretary of The Ledgerstone Survey of England and Wales. In his spare time he has written 12 books, leads specialist church tours and is a tutor at Denman College. John now lives in Norfolk and gave a series of talks last Autumn, which some of you may have attended, in Kings Lynn on Norfolk and Marshland Churches, which he is repeating in the Spring

About 30 members enjoyed a day visiting four Norfolk churches under the expert guidance of John Vigar. Taking the theme of “patronage” we first visited St Michael and All Angels, Booton, a church designed and built by the Reverend Whitwell Elwin in the nineteenth century. From the outside the building is a riot of pinnacles of all shapes and sizes. Inside, the windows are a complete series of angel themes in beautiful muted colours and in the roof enormous angels jut out from the hammer beams. The next church just down the road was St Agnes, Cawston. There are more angels in the roof but the pride of the church is the Screen which was paid for over some years by people from the village in the early 16thcentury. St Mathew wears a pair of spectacles which had just come into fashion! We then had a break for lunch at the Black Boys pub in Aylsham before travelling on to St Botolph, Banningham a smaller church with very old wall paintings and some interesting medieval glass collected in one of the windows. Our final church was St Bartholemew, Hanworth with a magnificent view to Hanworth Hall across the fields. Another simple church with many interesting features including a ledgerstone which we recognized as being carved by a Kings Lynn letterer Michael Losnetz. It was a very interesting day and enjoyed by all. Perhaps this could become an annual event as we have such a wealth of medieval churches in Norfolk?

Alison Wakes-Miller

King's Lynn Corn Exchange 7.30pm £36.00 but may be able to get a discount for early booking Meet at The Dukes Head Hotel at 6.00pm optional Please let Jane Byrne know 01553 840207 (leave a message with your phone number)

1. 8.27am train from Kings Lynn 2. Timed admission 11.30 am. To be sure of getting this time we must book fairly quickly. 3. Only exhibition tickets will be booked 4. Everyone will arrange their own rail travel including underground or using their own Oyster card. 5. After the Exhibition everyone will be free to make their own individual arrangements for lunch/meeting friends/shopping. 6. Everyone will make their own way home on the train of their choosing The usual price is £16 but £15 for seniors (over 60), NADFAS and Art Fund members. I will have a form to take numbers and details and cheques with me on Thursday and the usual 'refunds only if substitute can be found' will apply. Numbers limited to 20 as it may be difficult to manage a bigger group? Penny Sheerin 01485 540 926 penelopelees@gmail.com

King's Lynn Arts Centre. 7.30pm £10.00 concession Meeting at The Duke's Head at 6.00pm optional Please let Jane Byrne know. 01553 840207 (leave a message with your phone number)

On Thursday 17th September a group from King’s Lynn DFAS visited Bletchley Park. Recent television programmes such as that about Gordon Welchman and the Radio 4 programme about ‘The Bletchley Girls‘ had prepared us for the huts but not for the beauty of the park. We did not expect to find a lake with a fountain and an attractive landscaped area. Luck was with us with regard to the weather and the sun shone all day. We were free to wander around as we wished but most of us elected to join a guided tour. The guides were without exception knowledgeable and interesting. The tour that I joined reminded us how young most of the people working at Bletchley were, how frightening it was to sign the Official Secrets Act and how well the secret had been kept. Hut 8 gave us the opportunity to try out our skills as cryptographers and probably most of us wondered how we would have fared at Bletchley. A bonus on this trip was a visit to ‘The Imitation Game’ exhibition which included some of the costumes from the film and parts of the Mansion used as the set. An enjoyable day out, thanks to Chris Cawthorne, Penny Sheerin, Margaret Thursfield and Gillian Savage for their organisation and input. Jean Meldrum (Please visit the Gallery to see photographs of this visit.)

What a wonderful day it was at the Sainsbury Centre. The whole trip ran smoothly from the start. Steady driving and excellent navigation in the face of slight adversity at the entrance. There was time for a coffee before a ninety minute tour round the Francis Bacon Exhibition. This was presented in a spacious and accessible manner. We wandered round chatting amiably and relaxed with time to assimilate the printed information. It was very interesting to actually meet a gentleman who had known Francis Bacon. It added to the knowledge acquired and also added a certain immediacy. It was exciting to be able to see the Rodin and Rembrandt amonst others. This was followed by an excellent lunch. The whole day was most successful, well organised and the company convivial. Congratulations to Jean Meldrum for giving us such a delightful day. Joan Evans

This was the fourth visit to London arranged by John Hughes and Tony Tucker

A group from KLDFAS visited London on June 11th to join Tony Tucker on another of his guided tours of parts of the City of London. Tony was going to meet us in Trinity Gardens and then we would walk to Blackfriars along the river. For some the tube journey took a little longer than expected but eventually we all arrived at Tower Hill and entered Trinity Gardens where Tony pointed out the many places of interest around. All Hallows at the Tower was visited. Without a guide there was so much we would have missed and Tony pointed out the little details that brought the place to life. Lunch at a nearby pub followed, with the group getting served before it was inundated with city workers. After lunch we set off for the riverside and St Magnus with its magnificent model of the old London Bridge. As the only crossing point in London it must have been extremely busy. The riverside itself was home to a number of important livery companies, some very interesting modern architecture and the point where city rubbish is shipped off down river. Nowadays it is sent in containers but we were reminded of the past as we watched modern day mud larks ‘prospecting’ along the opposite bank. Tony is a mine of information and we were reminded of the pre-eminence of the Lord Mayor within the bounds of the City. Boris eat your heart out because you are powerless here! Thank to John Hughes for organising the trip and Gillian Savage for the efficient management on the day.

Jean Meldrum

Audley End was one of the greatest houses of early 17th-century England. It takes its name from Thomas, Lord Audley, Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor, who converted the buildings of Walden Abbey into a mansion after the abbey’s suppression in 1538. One of England’s finest Jacobean country houses and during WW2, it was used for the training of SOE agents. English Heritage or Art Fund members are admitted free. The visitor route of the house is mainly on the first floor. There is no lift available. At the Fry Art Gallery, with its impressive paintings, prints, wallpapers and decorative designs by 20th century artists and present day local collections. It is best known for its displays of work by the Great Bardfield Artists, including Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious. Bridge End Gardens are located very close to the Fry Art Gallery. It's an English Heritage group of 7 linked ornamental gardens, from around 1828. It features a hedge maze planted in 1870.

Thanks again go to Margaret Thursfield for organising yet another excellent trip for us......and the sun shone! After coach pick-ups at Knights Hill and Downham Market, we first visited Audley End House, a magnificent Jacobean mansion set on the River Cam near Saffron Walden. Armed with a welcoming coffee and a brief guide’s talk introducing the history and families of this extensive house and its magnificent Capability Brown grounds, we were free to explore the glories of Robert Adams architecture, the collection of paintings and a mansion that was surprisingly light and homely. Apart from the main house and childrens’ nursery, were the service wing housing dairy and laundry with splendid kitchens, restored to reflect the mid to late 19th century (thoughts of Downton Abbey). Through the peaceful grounds were the stables, extensive walled kitchen garden, four bridges over the river Cam and more formal gardens and parterre. Still the sun shone and most took lunch from the café al fresco. In the afternoon we travelled the short distance into the historic town of Saffron Walden to the small but select Fry Gallery and adjacent peaceful Bridge End Gardens. Most also had time to visit Saffron Walden’s grand Parish Church of St Mary with it’s high light interior and magnificent spire. As often with KLDFAS trips, we were free to make small groups or wander at will at ones’ own speed, always finding oneself chatting to someone different or a new acquaintance at different stages of the day. We headed home, the sun still shining, feeling better educated and with new memories of a very full day in excellent company. For anyone new to NADFAS or NADFAS visits, I would commend them to you.

Fiona Sconce

(Please visit the Gallery to see photographs of this visit.)

This tied in with our March lecture on the Abbey from a former Bishop of St Albans, Christopher Herbert.

After an inspiring lecture from Bishop Christopher a group from KLDFAS set off to St Albans on Thursday 19th March. We arrived in St Albans at the Cathedral by 10.30am and so we had ample time for a very welcome cup of coffee. The group was split in two and at 11.30am we were taken on tours of the Cathedral. Both tour leaders were excellent, informative but with a lightness of touch that made the hour tour fly by. Interest was aroused to the extent that after light lunches in the 'Abbots Kitchen' the majority of the group were found visiting various areas that they felt required further exploration. The group then moved on to Verulamium and visited the museum and part of the site. The cold wind was not conducive to spending a long time at the archaeological site but the museum proved to be well set out and contained interesting artefacts. The group returned to King's Lynn having spent a day that both complimented the previous week's lecture and was very enjoyable. Thanks to Margaret Thursfield for her hard work in organising such a successful visit.

Jean Meldrum

(Please visit the Gallery to see photographs of this visit.)

This was the final performance after two decades at the Maddermarket and touring the country of the Locrian Ensemble – a group of West End Performers. They gave a delightful candlelit performance of Baroque and classical music and Christmas carols.

Our city Guide, Tony Tucker, escorted us around an unexpected number of small hidden gardens which I am sure that many pedestrians never see. The weather was perfect and the showers that were forecast never came. Although looking inside churches was not on our itinerary (apart from the organ recital at 1.10p.m.), Mr. Tucker enthused about St. Stephens Wallbrook so much that we did look at this amazing Wren church – the first domed church to be built in Britain, and regarded as one of the finest churches in the land. It is impossible in this brief report to mention each and every garden visited, but hopefully these notes will give an impression of the highlights of the day. Many of the gardens were overshadowed by tall buildings that are occupied by companies, who in many cases sponsor these pleasant and secluded green spaces. These gardens are often the sites of churches that were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, or during the Blitz, and were never rebuilt. The site of St. Pancras Church was one that was destroyed in 1666, but the site was still used for burials until the large new cemeteries were created in the middle of the 19th centuary. Although the durable Plane trees were very evident in many of the gardens (because of their ability to withstand pollution and shallow, compacted soil) there were more notable specimens to be seen, including a Mulberry tree in the grounds of St. Lawrence Jewry, (time to pause here to see the outside of the fine city Guildhall). After lunch, and then the much appreciated Organ Recital by Birger Marmvik from Sweden, in another fine church – St. Margaret Lothbury, we visited the churchyard of St.John Zachary – the Goldsmiths Garden opposite the London Assay Office. To Postman's Park and there we saw the Handkerchief Tree (Davidia Involurata) in all its glory as the white bracts were fully open. In the same garden we paused at the G.F. Watts Memorial – a wall where the heroic acts of bravery and kindness by ordinary were recorded on ceramic tiles. I personally found this the most memorable and moving part of the day. Onwards to the London Wall Garden which held Gerrards Herb Garden, then to the nearby Barbican with a view of St. Giles Cripplegate. As a new member of KLDFAS. I appreciated the opportunity to get to know some of the established members better. As well as being grateful to Tony Tucker for his knowleable, informative and engaging tour, I am sure that the 28 or so members who enjoyed this day are particularly grateful to John Hughes who arranged this trip and looked after us so well throughout the day. Neil Adams

To quote the publicity: “ this is an exhibition which encompasses over 270 masterpieces including painting, furniture, sculpture, design, jewellery, textiles and stunning treasures all celebrating the artistic heritage of East Anglia”. The group of members who travelled to the Sainsbury Centre at the UEA in Norwich were not disappointed: on arrival small groups were allocated guides who conducted them around the site pointing out exhibits of special interest before members explored independently. The time scale covered by the exhibits was well illustrated by a display case containing a flint axe dating back 700,000 years and a carving by Henry Moore from a piece of ironstone found on the same beach. Besides works by local artists like Gainsborough, Cotman and Crome and more modern names such as Elizabeth Frink and Anthony Gormley there were also pieces produced by artists while visiting the region; Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Stanley Spencer, Lucien Freud and Einstein to name but a few. Proudly displayed was a map of Norfolk drawn by Christopher Saxton in 1574, the first map drawn of any single county and, although explored only on foot and horseback, still very accurate. The only exhibit featuring the once important shoe trade in Norwich was a beautiful court shoe in white calf and kid leather overlaid with gold leaf which was made for a Norfolk Skill and Trade exhibition. Although small, the dormouse, part of a group of animals modelled by Fabergé for Edward V11 who commissioned them for a gift to his wife Queen Alexandra, must be one of the favourite exhibits, difficult though it is to make a choice from the wealth of pleasures to enjoy. Many thanks are due to John Hughes for his efficient organisation of the trip. Any members not lucky enough to have seen the exhibition yet are warned that it closes on 24th February 2014. Brenda Lance

A day out visiting this 16th Century delightful family owned fine late Elizabethan mansion with later Georgian internal redecoration.

Doddington Hall is a stunning Elizabethan family home, which has never been sold, with a superb collection of ceramics, porcelain, textiles, furniture and paintings with 6 acres of wild and walled gardens to discover. A full coach of 47 Members enjoyed their day by all accounts. On arrival we were given coffee and biscuits in the charming Coach House reserved for visiting parties. Then we were escorted in small groups around the house, by enthusiastic guides. The fact that it is still inhabited by descendants of the original family made it personally interesting. Small, charming rooms with some fine paintings, tapestries and china were observed and a huge ballroom is now available for Marriages and Weddings. Lunch, included in the price, was served again in the Coach house on small tables. An excellent meal and then people were free to enjoy the beautiful gardens, especially noting the walled kitchen garden, taking full advantage of the dryer weather by then. Before leaving there was also the chance to browse and buy in the Farm and other on site shops. On return to King's Lynn, we all felt it was a worthwhile and enjoyable visit.

Margaret Thursfield.

(Please visit the Gallery to see photographs of this visit.)

Twenty nine KLDFAS members enjoyed a guided tour around the Exhibition ‘Houghton Revisited’ at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, the former home of Sir Robert Walpole. His collection of paintings had been sold to Catherine the Great to pay off his debts. Two Hundred and Thirty Four years later the paintings returned on loan from Russian museums and were displayed in their original locations.

St Nicholas Chapel is an important historic building which is a venue for a range of community events. It is now in urgent need of extensive repairs, especially to the roof. It is also planned to add new facilities including a kitchenette, toilets and a visitor information centre. The Churches Conservation Trust and Friends of St Nicholas Chapel are trying to raise a minimum of £210,000 to secure a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. KLDFAS is supporting the appeal and in June contributed an Angel to the Festival of Angels which attracted over 4000 visitors. Dr Paul Richards offered to lead an afternoon tour, especially for KLDFAS members (and partners), and will donated his fee to the St Nicholas Appeal Fund and to True’s Yard.

(Please visit the Gallery to see photographs of this visit)