Spring Antiques Holiday

February 17th - 22nd 2008

PROGRAMME

Rothay Manor has been running Antiques holidays for over 13 years in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District. The holidays are designed for people with an interest in fine art and antiques, the emphasis being on a pleasant and relaxing time in the company of fellow enthusiasts, rather than formal teaching. Groups are limited to 25, and are well suited to anyone on their own. Once again the course tutor will be Nicholas Merchant.

* Newby Hall, A Grand Tour House with Nicholas Merchant. Newby Hall in Yorkshire in the 18th century was the epitome of everything to which a dilettante of the period would aspire. William Waddell was a “Grand Tourist”, and filled the house with treasures from the Tour, not least of which was the unique set of Gobelins Tapestries and the unparalleled collection of Antique Statuary.

* Silversmiths of the 20th Century with Paul Hollis. As the reign of Queen Victoria drew to a close, so the art of silversmithing saw an end to its derivative styles, and under the influence of the Arts & Crafts movement, a new wave of designers emerged such as C.R. Ashbee and later Leslie Durbin and Gerald Benney.  
   

* ‘Fabergé since Perestroika’ with Nicholas Merchant. The luxurious work in precious stones, metals and enamels of Peter Carl Fabergé needs little introduction. Renowned for his Imperial Easter Egg and his minature animals, the work can veer from the sublime to virtual kitsch. With the advent of ‘Perestroika’, much has been added to our knowledge through the opening of formerly closed archives.

* ‘Gillows of Lancaster’ with Susan Stuart. In the 19th century the cabinet makers work was at the forefront of manufacturing, and considered one of the country’s leading furniture makers. Susan Stuart’s new book includes her research into the Gillow’s archives and sheds new light on this dynamic company.
    

* ‘Royal Lancastrian Pottery’ with Lawrence Burton. Royal Lancastrian Pottery was established by our lecturer’s grandfather in 1891. With a reputation for experimentation in glazes, it quickly acquired a high reputation, particularly amongst those interested in the Arts & Crafts movement. Lustreware was particularly successful with work carried out on chargers, vases and tiles.
     

* Peter Hall Cabinet Makers Staveley. A visit to the workshop with a practical insight into how furniture is made, with a brief introduction to the various techniques.
    

* ‘The Prince Regent and His Collecting Mania’ with Nicholas Merchant. George Frederick Augustus, later Prince Regent, had little to occupy his time for 58 years until he came to the throne in 1820. Clothes, scents, mistresses and horses were all collected and discarded. More lastingly he purchased silver, jewels, furniture, pictures and sculpture. The expenditure was stupendous but his unrestrained extravagance, in retrospect, made him one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Royal Collection, a view not shared at the time.
    

* Visit to Lancaster. Starting with a guided tour of Lancaster Town Hall, a late 19th century monument to civic pride with visits to the Ashton Hall, the Mayor’s Parlour, the Court Room and the Cells. Judge’s Lodgings, the one-time home of the judiciary on circuit and now a museum of Gillow furniture, with portraits by Romney, Wright of Derby and Lawrence, and the Museum of Childhood. Lunch (included) at the canal-side Whitecross Pub. Finally Lancaster University’s Peter Scott Gallery, with its extensive collection of Royal Lancastrian Pottery.
     

* Arthur Devis, Painter Lancashire’s Own Gainsborough with Stephen Sartin, who is a leading authority on this Lancashire artist who was born in Preston but spent much of his career in London. He painted mostly small Conversation piece works and intimate portraits. His other claim to fame was that he looked like “Bonnie Prince Charlie”.

A diverse range of subjects, which allied with the comforts of the Rothay Manor, will ensure a thoroughly rewarding and stimulating break.
    

    
The Tutor
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 mid-day Friday, and the price is per person and includes early morning tea, full English breakfast, morning coffee, 5 course dinner and V.A.T. 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 by cheque or credit card. This is non-refundable unless the room is subsequently relet, and cancellation insurance is available.