Spring Antiques Holiday
March 10th - 15th 2013
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The Coronation of Kings
A celebration of the crowning of British Monarchs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation on 2nd June 1953. Nicholas looks at the history of this ancient piece of ceremony and recalls some of the highlights and some of the disasters.
The Royal Collection in the Reign of Elizabeth II with Nicholas.
Much is written about
the Royal collection and in the last sixty years it has not remained static. During this reign many treasures have been added both by gift and purchase, in addition great strides have been made in making the collection available to the public, most notably the Queen’s Galleries in London and Edinburgh.
Church of St Mary, Wreay
A most extraordinary church created by the vivid imagination of Sara Losh in her own inimitable style. Guided tour of the building and the adjacent mausoleum (not normally open to public).
Dalemain
A handsome Georgian façade conceals a much earlier house dating
from the 16th century, furnished with the treasures accumulated over the centuries by the Hasell family. This includes a room with notable Chinese wallpaper and “Chinese Chippendale” fireplace as well as portraits by Johann Zoffany and Arthur Devis. The gardens diligently tended by the present chatelaine should not be missed. Lunch at Dalemain.
Guided tour of the house with free time in the garden.
The Art Of the Stone-Carver
A combined talk and demonstration of this most attractive of skills. Pip Hall is a carver of lettering in stone (see www.piphall.co.uk) and apart from embellishing monuments and garden features this art is most demonstrably to be seen in the Poetry Path, recently completed in Kirby Stephen.
Sizergh Castle
The home of the Stricklands who have been here in their Pele tower since the 13th century. The house harbours a rich harvest of Elizabethan detail, notably panelling, particularly the Inlaid Chamber, but in addition are mementoes of the family’s exile alongside the Stuarts in 17th century France. Introductory talk followed by free-flow visit.
Peter Hall and Son, Staveley
A talk by John Wynn-Griffiths The Re-Installation of the Sizergh Panelled Room. The story behind the return of this exceptional Elizabethan Panelling to its original home, by the Peter Hall and Son. (Own Transport)
The Prince Regent and his Building work
As prolific as a builder as a collector, the Prince Regent built and rebuilt throughout his life to the exasperation of his parents, his people and his parliament.
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The Marking of the Quiz
A diverse range of subjects which, allied with the comforts of the Rothay Manor, will ensure a thoroughly rewarding and stimulating break.
The Host
Nicholas Merchant's career has mirrored his abiding interest in antiques, and embraces architecture, particularly country houses, their Collections and Gardens. Through his work at Sothebys and Phillips, Auctioneers in London and Leeds, he has acquired a wide general knowledge of Antiques.
He is a member of the Furniture History Society, the National Trust, and the Chippendale Society. In addition to conducting travel groups, he is an accredited lecturer with the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts, and has lectured extensively including at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He divides his time between lecturing, valuation work, and his book business specialising in Reference Works on Decorative and Fine Arts. Notes will accompany each talk, and Nicholas will be present and available throughout the course. Items for discussion are welcomed from course members.
The 5-night holiday runs from Sunday evening through to Friday morning, and the price is per person and includes full English breakfast, morning coffee, 3 course dinner and VAT @ 20% for the 5 night stay.
Non-participating partners are welcome, and the cost for them is £50 less than above.
We ask for a deposit of £150 per person for the 5-night holiday, which can be made by cheque or credit card. This is non-refundable unless the room is subsequently relet, and cancellation insurance is available.