The market town of Sudbury in Suffolk has a surprising history. Regarded today as Great Britain’s most important centre for silk manufacture, Sudbury produces nearly 95 per cent of the nation’s woven silk textiles from its three working mills: Vanners Silk Weavers, Stephen Walters & Sons and Gainsborough Silks. Dating back to the late 1700s,...
This exhibition in our Lift Gallery, displays a group of three pastel drawings and can be attributed with some certainty to the talented draughtswoman Lady Helena Rawdon, née Perceval (1717–46). They were originally presented en suite with a rare image of a female pastellist at work, possibly depicting Lady Helena herself. Accompanying the portrait of...
Join us on Monday 19 June, 6-8pm to celebrate the launch of Noël Riley's latest book The Accomplished Lady: A History of Genteel Pursuits 1660 - 1860. Noël Riley is a writer and lecturer on the decorative arts, and a consultant at Sotherby's Institute of Art, London.
An illustrated author’s talk and book signing. We are delighted to host an evening with Sudbury born author Liz Trenow. Liz, whose books feature in the New York Times Best Sellers list, will talk about how she has returned to her family’s silk weaving roots for her latest novel, The Silk Weaver. The book is...
Friday 23 and 3o June 2017 Explore the work of the artist, designer, conservationist, and socialist William Morris, whose ideas laid the foundations for the Arts & Crafts Movement and revolutionised the appearance of Victorian crafts and the home. A man of prodigious talents and energy, Morris urged his contemporaries to “Have nothing in your...
Friday 23 and 3o June 2017 Explore the work of the artist, designer, conservationist, and socialist William Morris, whose ideas laid the foundations for the Arts & Crafts Movement and revolutionised the appearance of Victorian crafts and the home. A man of prodigious talents and energy, Morris urged his contemporaries to “Have nothing in your...
Learn all about three very special printmaking techniques; Carborundum, Chine Collé and Collagraph. The course aims to convey ‘Omne Trium Perfectum’, three techniques that are perfect for expressing creative ideas. Exploring an abundance of textures, colour options and layered structures and their registration, we use studio friendly products, processes and practice on this innovative course....
Both Gainsborough and Constable loved painting the BIG East anglian skies. Create your weather pictures, record the weaterh and celecbrate our fantastic skies. This family drop-in session costs £2 for children and £3 for adults. Admission to Gainsborough's House is included in the price. Recommended age from 4 - 12 years. Children must to accompanied...
Lithography is often thought of as the closest printmaking technique to painting and drawing because of its direct mark-making. Working on stone, zinc plate or aluminium photo plate, the technique is taught in easy to follow stages. Students are able to work on several images during the course using their own reference. Colin Gale directs...
It's all about the face - come along and create portraits and masks inspired by Gainsborough and Constable as well as artists throughout time. This family drop-in session costs £2 for children and £3 for adults. Admission to Gainsborough's House is included in the price. Recommended age from 4 - 12 years. Children must to...
Come and bring our portraits to life in this interactive drama workshop led by Ruth Mariner of Gestalt Arts. Get creative with mini drama games and activities. 11am - 1pm and 2 - 4pm. Booking essential. Limited places available. Just for children aged 7 - 11 (no parents allowed!) £7.50 per child
This event is now fully booked. Join us at Gainsborough's House for the Suffolk launch of James Hamilton's new book Gainsborough, A Portrait This exhilarating new biography - the first in decades - reveals Gainsborough in his many contexts: the easy-going Suffolk lad, transported to the heights of fashion by a natural talent; the rake-on-the-make...
