Events 2013

Gothic Bookclub - Heart of Darkness

28 February 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

New Perspectives : Dusk & Daylight at Strawberry Hill

2 March 2013, Until 7 July.

An exhibition of photographs of Strawberry Hill both in daylight and twilight by architectural photographer Kilian O'Sullivan.

Viewing of this exhibition is free and available during Strawberry Hill's admission times.

Generously supported by Fanshawe LLP.

No booking required.

Inspired by Strawberry

2 March 2013, until May 02 2013

A selection of work by a community art group who’ve been “Inspired by Strawberry”.

The artists are taught by Karen Iredale Lucas (www.kareniredalelucas.com) and meet at Constables Boat Yard (www.constablesboatyard.co.uk).

Viewing of this exhibition is free.

No booking required.

Twilight Tour

27 March 2013, from 7:30pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Gothic Bookclub - Wuthering Heights

28 March 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

Sold out

Twilight Tour

10 April 2013, from 7:30pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Landscape Tour

24 April 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Free Event: Celebrating Adult Learners Week

21 May 2013, 10.30am to 12noon

A Taste of Strawberry Tuesday

Find out more about Strawberry Hill House, the fairy tale Castle right on your door step with a guided tour of the House, refreshments and chance to find out more about the opportunities that the House has to offer.

Sold out

Twilight Tour

22 May 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Landscape Tour

22 May 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

All events: Children & Families

Free Event: Celebrating Adult Learners Week

22 May 2013, 12:30pm to 2pm

Horace Walpole’s Strawberry Hill

Horace Walpole (1717 – 1797) discovered Chopp’d Straw Hall in 1747 when it was one of the last remaining sites available on the banks of the Thames in fashionable Twickenham. Join us for a talk and discover more about Horace Walpole’s Gothic Castle. Refreshments will be provided.

Fairy tales for the under 5’s

27 May 2013, 1pm to 2pm

Come along and join in for some fairy-tale fun.

£3.50 per person

All children must be accompanied by an adult

Sold out

All events: Children & Families

Gothic Comics

29 May 2013, 11.30am to 3.30pm

Develop a short story through role play, object handling and costume. Then with the House as a back drop use photography to create your very own Gothic Comic Strip.

£15 per participant for 8+ year olds

Please bring a packed lunch

All events: Children & Families

Strawberry Story Glass

1 June 2013, 1pm to 3pm

Take inspiration from the House and paint your very own Strawberry Hill piece of stained glass (we will be using clear acrylic) to decorate your home.

£4.95 per participant

For 8+ year olds

It's Sherlock Holmes!

4 June 2013, 7.30pm

A dazzling recreation of the long running American radio series featuring the stories of Sherlock Holmes. There will also be a cash bar available on the night.

All events: FoSH Exclusives

Landscape Tour

5 June 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Exclusive FoSH Visit to Houghton Hall

11 June 2013, All Day

The Hermitage Museum in St Petersberg is lending Sir Robert Walpole's paintings, which were sold to Catherine the Great, for an exhibition at Houghton Hall in Norfolk this summer. Wherever possible, the paintings will be hung in their original positions within the house, and Houghton will be shown as it was in 1779 before the paintings left for Russia.

Built in the 1720s by Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton is one of England’s finest Palladian houses and is set in beautiful grounds. We have booked a guide to show us both the house and the paintings and it should be a wonderful visit. We suggest that you may wish to take a picnic, but it should be possible to get lunch there if you wish.

Twilight Tour

12 June 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Fan Making Masterclass

15 June 2013, 1pm - 3.30pm

Get ready for the Strawberry Summer Ball and make a co-ordinating fan with Caroline Allington from The Fan Museum, Greenwich.

Join her and make two fans; one of the traditional Chinese shape, the other of the Fontange shape, an early 20th century design.

Sticks and equipment are provided by the Museum, all you have to bring with you is two different sheets of paper. Gift wrap is suitable, but not too shiny or folded.

Lecture Supper: Manus Noble Recital

19 June 2013, Recital at 7pm. Supper in the Cafe at 8pm.

A multi-award winning guitarist, Manus will talk about and play music from Walpole's time to the present day, in the opulent surroundings of the Gallery.

The recital will be followed by an optional supper in our cafe. www.manusnoble.com

Landscape Tour

19 June 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Herbal Day

22 June 2013, 10am - 12.30pm

Work with a horticulturalist and medical herbalist to learn about growing herbs and their medicinal properties. There will be workshops on growing herbs from cuttings and making a scented lip balm to take home.

£9 to include all materials and refreshments.

There will also be an opportunity to buy Strawberry Hill herbs.

Herbal Day

22 June 2013, 1pm - 3.30pm

Work with a horticulturalist and medical herbalist to learn about growing herbs and their medicinal properties. There will be workshops on growing herbs from cuttings and making a scented lip balm to take home.

£9 to include all materials and refreshments.

There will be an opportunity to buy Strawberry Hill herbs.

Twilight Tour

26 June 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Gothic Bookclub - An Artist of the Floating World

27 June 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss Kazuo Ishiguro's An Artist of the Floating World.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

Download more information on the exciting Strawberry Summer Ball (pdf)

Strawberry Summer Ball

28 June 2013, 7.15pm - Midnight

Step back in time and enjoy an evening of dancing in Horace Walpole's gothic castle at the Strawberry Summer Ball!

Horace Walpole spent many hours enjoying festivities and Lady Waldegrave hosted magnificent balls at Strawberry Hill.

On Friday 28 June, guests will be able to enjoy dancing with The Covent Garden Minuet Company in 18th century dress and modern dancing with The Allbeats. There will also be an opportunity for guests to view the house and garden at twilight.

Tickets for the fundraising event are £35 including prosecco and strawberries. Dine in the Committee of Taste restaurant at Strawberry Hill or bring a picnic. Raffle on the night.

The Committee of Taste Restaurant is delighted to offer guests the option of booking a table to dine with us at the Strawberry Summer Ball. There are two sittings available, 7.30pm & 9.15pm - the two course dinner menu is available to download here.

To book a table for dinner and for further information, please email:
info@committee-of-taste.co.uk

18th Century Fans, A Collector's Collection

1 July 2013, until 6 November 2013.

The Fan Museum, Greenwich, will exhibit at Strawberry Hill a number of 18th century fans elegantly decorated with illustrations of the social and political scene that Walpole regularly described in his correspondence.

The fans are shown in Walpole's own display closets, where he kept a range of curiosities from his own collection.

Viewing of this exhibition is free and available during Strawberry Hill's admission times.

No booking required.

Landscape Tour

3 July 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

The RFU Strawberry Hill Music & Fun Day!

7 July 2013, From noon

The return of this popular summer event with live music, food, drink and family entertainment. Generously supported by the RFU.

Although this is a free event, donations collected on the door all go toward the ongoing restoration and care of Strawberry Hill.

No booking required.

Twilight Tour

10 July 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Evening Lecture and Garden Tour

11 July 2013, 7pm

The lecture will discuss the recent restoration of house and landscape at Strawberry Hill, Horace Walpole’s Gothic castle. Gardener in Charge, Patrick Green, will discuss the practical details of the planting schemes and plant choices.

Followed by Prosecco and canapes. A ticket to this event will include a readmission ticket to the House during open times until 6 November 2013.

Landscape Tour

17 July 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Exhibition: Curtains to Costumes

21 July 2013, until 1 October 2013.

An exhibition of costumes created by the hardworking volunteer Strawberry Sewing Bee.

Viewing of this exhibition is free and available during Strawberry Hill's admission times.

Supported by generous donations from John Lewis.

No booking required.

Twilight Tour

24 July 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Landscape Tour

31 July 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Twilight Tour

14 August 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Landscape Tour

14 August 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Twilight Tour

28 August 2013, 7:30pm (doors open), tour begins at 8:00pm

An opportunity to tour the House at a magical time of day. Arrive for 7.30pm for a complimentary glass of Prosecco, tour begins at 8pm. Recommended age 18+

Landscape Tour

28 August 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Landscape Tour

11 September 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Lecture Supper: The British as Art Collectors

17 September 2013, Lecture at 7pm. Supper in the Cafe at 8pm.

Lecture given by Charles Sebag-Montefiore, co-author of the prestigious book of the same name, published by Yale.

Landscape Tour

25 September 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Gothic Bookclub - Death in Venice

26 September 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss Thomas Mann's Daeth in Venice.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

Wallpaper History Study Day

3 October 2013, 9.45 registration

An introduction to the history of wallpaper, and in particular will follow the development of materials and techniques of production used in the early 18th century through to the 20th century. The programme will combine illustrated lectures with the opportunity, in small groups, to handle and examine historic wallpapers with a behind the scenes tour of recently discovered Strawberry Hill papers.

Download more details.

Cost £55 per head which includes morning coffee, lunch is not included but can advise of the options nearer the time.

East Meets West

5 October 2013, 7pm - 11pm

A spellbinding evening of classical music from Europe and Asia in the stunning surroundings of Walpole's Gallery at Strawberry Hill.

Landscape Tour

9 October 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Lecture: 18th Century Fans, A Collector's Collection.

23 October 2013, 7.30pm

Helene Alexander MBE, Director of The Fan Museum, Greenwich, will give a talk on the museum's collections, the fans displayed at Strawberry Hill, and her experience as a collector.

The lecture will be followed by an informal wine and canape reception in the cafe.

Landscape Tour

23 October 2013, 3.30pm

Enjoy a short walking tour of Strawberry Hill's garden and surrounding area. Includes discussion of the themes and properties that influenced the design of Horace's garden and placing it in the context of the historical landscape. Starts at 3.30pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Tours are free of charge and there is no need to book, just show up on the day.

No booking required.

Gothic Bookclub - Possession

24 October 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss A.S.Byatt's Posession.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

Gothic Bookclub - The Sea, The Sea

21 November 2013, 7.30pm

Join us to discuss Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The Sea.

There will be an introductory talk, then be a short reading and afterwards an opportunity to take part in a discussion on the set text with other guests.

Discussions are informal, but hugely entertaining, and often extremely lively!

Guests are invited to speak as much or as little as they wish, and there is always a strong feeling at these meetings of a diverse community of literary enthusiasts. There will be a cash bar available on the night.

Event is free, but due to high demand, please book your space here.

More information can be found at www.gothicbookclub.co.uk

Christmas Flower Demonstration & Wreath Making Masterclass

7 December 2013, 11.30am - 4pm

Local florist the Divine Flower Company demonstrate how to put together festive displays before leading a masterclass in creating your own wreath.

Lecture Supper: Mr Walpole's Private Rooms at Strawberry Hill

10 December 2013, Lecture at 7pm. Supper in the Cafe at 8pm.

Lecture given by Kevin Rogers, Architectural Historian, Strawberry Hill.

There will also be a chance to see these rooms under restoration.