Autumn Antiques Holiday              November 23rd - 28th 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.

* The Great Victorian Collectors, and a forgotten “Great Exhibition” with Nicholas Merchant.
The Victorian age saw a change in the attitude to collecting, particularly by the newly-rich manufacturers. Who these people were and what was their legacy we shall discover in this talk.
     

* 20th Century Jewellery - Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Bulgari.
The setting and cutting of stones changed dramatically after 1900, and these companies were in the forefront of the new developments in jewellery design. With Susan Rumfitt, who has her own jewellery business and is a member of the team of experts on the Antiques Road Show.

* ‘Take a Seat….’.
There is more to a chair than somewhere to sit down, as you will discover with Nicholas Merchant.
 

* Furnishing a Country House Library with Nicholas Merchant.
The Library became the hub of many a country house. When so many rooms were dedicated to formal pursuits, the library was a room where the family could enjoy each other’s company, yet still be in a formal and dignified setting
 

* George Romney, the Lakeland portrait painter to rival Reynolds.
With David Cross, author of the biography of George Romney. Born at Dalton-in-Furness, Romney’s portraits graced the great houses of England and his work was much sought after for their elegance and style
 

* ‘The Possession of a Gold Box’.
Miranda Neave is a freelance lecturer associated with the Wallace Collection and the V&A. She will shed light on the etiquette attached to these luxurious objects. For the real 18th century gentleman a gold box was the ultimate accessory…..but how to handle it was even more important.

* Leighton Hall, near Carnforth.
Set in a bowl of parkland, the neo-gothic facade was superimposed on an 18th century house. The owner Mrs Reynolds, a descendant of the Gillows family of cabinet makers, will give us a guided tour. On show are C18th pieces by Gillow of Lancaster, some fine pictures, clocks, silver and objets d’art.
 

* Visit to Carlisle.
Depart hotel for all-day expedition, starting with a visit to the ancient red sandstone Carlisle Cathedral, where we will have a guided tour as well as a visit to the Treasury. Lunch in the ‘Friar’s Kitchen’
Private talk on the Porcelain Collection at Tullie House Museum with the Curator Melanie Gardner. This nationally important porcelain collection comprises some 800 pieces of early English ceramics, most notably Chelsea, Derby, Bow and also Staffordshire wares. The talk is followed by a chance to view the actual display of porcelain, not to mention the rest of the Museum’s collection. Afternoon tea is available in the restaurant.
 

All this, and the comfort, food and hospitality of the Rothay Manor in addition to the much-contested Quiz!

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.

Prices

The 5-night holiday runs from Sunday evening through to Friday morning, and the price is per person and includes early morning tea, full English breakfast, morning coffee, 4 course dinner and V.A.T. for the 5 night stay, and a light lunch on the full-day excursion.

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.