We organise a range of special events throughout the UK including behind-the-scenes tours, private views and lectures.
Regular events include afternoon talks at the Wallace Collection in London as well as Art Happens, which explores contemporary art and related themes. Art Fund members also receive discounted entry to art fairs and exhibitions across the country.
London Events |
Visit: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House | |
 |
Tuesday 15 July Visit the backstage and front-of-house areas of one of the world's leading theatres as it prepares to open its doors for the evening performance. The tour will include an introduction to the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions. As the Royal Opera House is a working thearte, each tour is a unique experience and may include opportunities to see the Royal Ballet in class, or the magnificent backstage technology in operation. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Visit: Apsley House | |
 |
Tuesday 22 July A private evening view of Apsley House, home to the 1st Duke of Wellington and his descendants, and now run by English Heritage. It was formerly the first house after the tollgates at the top of Knightsbridge, and was consequently known as 'No1 London'. The contents and art collection are a testament to the achievements of the 1st Duke, one of Britain's most famous historical figures. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Walk and Talk: Lord Burlington's Mayfair | |
 |
Wednesday 23 and Saturday 26 July An exploration of the early Georgian quarter around Burlington House, led by guide Dr Simon Bradley, which will follow the trail of its first developer, the connoisseur, patron and amateur architect Richard, 3rd Earl of Burlington. The district combines houses in the fashionable Palladian style with others in the older London tradition, and there is also a Regency masterpiece, the Burlington Arcade. Later buildings include the specialist tailor's workshops of Saville Row, and some intriguing conversions, including the former ducal mansion Queensbury House. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Talk: How Manuscripts Were Made and How Manuscripts Are Conserved | |
 |
Tuesday 29 July Gold, parchment, quills, cinnabar, orpiment, ultramarine – these materials conjure up the creation of mediæval manuscripts. But how were they made? Patricia Lovett - a scribe, illuminator and designer, will demonstrate how tissue-thin leaf gold was added to the pages, and how the miniatures were painted. She will also show how a quill is cut and how the words were written. David Jacobs, Senior Conservator at the British Library, will follow Patricia's session with a talk on the conservation of Eastern Manuscripts. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Walk and Talk: St James's - 500 Years of West End Architecture | |
 |
Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 August Led by guide Steve Denford, this walk explores the buildings of the original West End, a planned aristocratic quarter near to St James's Palace. The royal palace still incorporates Tudor elements. We also take in nearby palaces built for the rich, such as Spencer House and Lancaster House. The area is famous for its gentlemen's clubs and we will consider the various styles of architecture used in their facades. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Visit: Palace of Westminster | |
 |
Saturday 30 August During the Summer recess, when Parliament does not sit, the Palace of Westminster is open to the public. Art Fund members will take a guided tour from the Royal Entrance through the Queen's Robing Room, Royal Gallery, Prince's Chamber, House of Lords Chamber, Peers' Lobby, Central Lobby, Members' Lobby, House of Commons Chamber, and St Stephen's Hall. We have then specially arranged for Estate Archivist Dr Mark Collins to take over our group in Westminster Hall for a talk. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Special Events at the Arts Club: Dinner and Talk with Marina Vaizey | |
 |
Thursday 4 September Art World Va-Va-Voom: Marina Vaizey talks about 65 years in the art world, from her childhood memories of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, to decades as a newspaper art critic, occasional curator, author, museum trustee, and former editor of Art Quarterly. She discusses how and why the art world has expanded, making headlines along the way and enticing millions - both people and money - to major galleries. The event takes place in the gracious surroundings of the Arts Club. It begins in the walled garden with a glass of champagne, and Lady Vaizey's talk will be followed by a three-course dinner including wine. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
Visit: State Apartments at Buckingham Palace | |
 |
Saturday 13 September The Art Fund has arranged an opportunity for members to visit Buckingham Palace while The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland and the Palace's 19 State Rooms are open to the public. The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures of the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sevres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture. This summer, visitors will be able to experience the spectacle of the Palace's Ballroom set up for a State Banquet. The enormous table traditionally used on such occasions will be dressed with a dazzling display of silver-gilt from the magnificent Grand Service, first used to celebrate the birthday of George III in 1811. Visitors end their tour with a walk along to the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake. Booking information: Please call 0870 050
3688 |
|
[ Top of Page ] |
