ART AND HERITAGE OF CARDIFF AND SOUTH WALES

5 DAY 4 NIGHT TRIP     18TH TO 22ND JUNE 2026

Including Cardiff Castle, Tintern Abbey, Principality Stadium, St Fagans Museum and much more.  For full detail and how to book (Booking is online only):

Go to the documents section of this website under 'our society'  OR   Pick up a copy of the flyer and booking details at a lecture  OR Request an email copy from Stefanie at rsweedon1@gmail.com, or Rosalind at rosalindedwards2@gmail.com          

Visit - Henry Moore: Monumental Nature - at Kew Gardens - Wednesday, 20th May 2026

We would like to invite you to experience the awe-inspiring scale and beauty of Henry Moore's sculptures in a stunning landscape. This is the largest outdoor exhibition of Moore's work ever presented and features over 100 pieces (including 30 monumental sculptures) set throughout the Gardens and inside (the) Temperate House. There will also be over 70 works on paper, models, and smaller pieces displayed in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.

The cost is £45 per person (to cover coach and entry) and payment is invited - by BACS - to ‘The Arts Society St.Albans’, sort code 30-97-25, account No.00405477 - with ‘KEW’ as the reference.

Once you have paid, please send an email to lufbrabob@yahoo.com so that your name can be added to the list and a ticket issued. It would be appreciated if you could advise a mobile number and your choice of pick up point, from the choices below:

• Marshalswick, Bus stop by library 08:30
• Chime Square , Bus stop opposite 08:40 
• Westminster Lodge (running track car park) 08:50
•  

We are pleased to announce that booking is now open for the visit to GAINSBOROUGH'S HOUSE in Sudbury, Suffolk on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. 

The childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88) - one of Britain's greatest-ever artists - is a Grade I-listed Merchant house with a beautiful historic garden, impressive new exhibition galleries and a café, of course.

A major redevelopment - completed in 2022 - has transformed the site, with a new, three-storey exhibition wing and the international centre for Thomas Gainsborough is now the largest gallery in Suffolk.

With over sixty oil paintings and works on paper - spanning the whole of his career the collection offers a unique opportunity to see the artist's entire oeuvre in a very special setting. His achievements as a portrait-painter can be seen from his Suffolk-period, together with images of aristocratic patrons in full finery from his Bath-period and large-scale exhibition pieces produced at the height of his career as a Royal Academician in London.

We will also have entrance to a special exhibition: 'Masterpieces from Kenwood: The Splendour of British & French Painting'. This places Thomas in the context of his contemporaries, including Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Romney and Angelica Kauffman. The loan of these works will end shortly after our visit.

We will have the opportunity to purchase tea / coffee on arrival and light meals are available later, at The Watering Place cafeteria. More information will be supplied in advance

The cost of the visit is £49 pp, with a reduction - to £41 pp - for Art Fund members (who must present their cards on the day).

Included are the cost of the coach, entrance into the House and a 40-minute guided tour focussed on Gainsborough. Thereafter, we are free to self-guide through house and gardens.

As we have no lecture until September, we ask that tickets be purchased online, by post or by phoning the Visit Secretaries (see below).

Payment by BACS is preferred, to 'The Arts Society St Albans', sort code 30-97-25, account number 00405477 - giving the names of attendees as the reference. 

Members are invited to bring friends.

There will be three pick-up points: Marshalswick Library (08:30), Chime Square (08:40) and Westminster Lodge car park, by the athletics track (08:50).

You will be contacted in good time and asked from where you wish to be picked up, and to ensure that you know the times. We will aim to leave Sudbury at 16:00.

We hope that you can join us.

Ann and Bob Moore,

Visit Secretaries

Telephone: 01727 839181

Email:  Ann - gardens.galore@yahoo.co.uk

            Bob - lufbrabob@yahoo.com

THE ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM OF ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY OXFORD

REVIEW

On 23rd April 2025, thirty-two members set off for an enjoyable visit - by coach - to The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

As well as being St.George’s Day, it was also J.M.W.Turner’s 250th birthday. Therefore, it was appropriate that one of the many paintings seen on the day was his fine one of Oxford.

The museum has - in the past few years - been extended by approximately 70% and so houses vastly more than when Elias Ashmole donated his collection in 1677.

We began our visit with a one-hour tour, conducted by two excellent guides. This highlighted objects that we were able to study at our leisure, later.

One needs more than just visit to take in the vast array of art and historical objects and, by the time we returned to the coach we were ‘dizzy’ with the extensive sights into which we had immersed ourselves.

Whether it be fine paintings, fine furniture, jewellery, Japanese kimonos, coins and much more, there was something for everyone’s taste.

It was a fine day out with a friendly group of people.

DETAILS

 As mentioned on their own website, The Ashmolean’s ‘world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time’.

Our visit will begin with tea / coffee, followed by a guided tour of the museum.

We will then be free to view the Ashmolean’s collections and any of the free exhibitions. These currently include spectacular kimonos, a substantial, first UK show of artworks by Cheung Yee (and other Hong Kong artists) and coinage featuring Sir Winston Churchill (marking the 150th anniversary of his birth).

The cost of the coach, tea / coffee on arrival and the guided tour is £40.

Payment by BACS is preferred, as we are now charged 50p to pay each cheque into the bank. BACS payments should be made to ‘The Arts Society St.Albans’, sort code 30-97-25, account No.00405477 - with ‘OXFORD’ as the reference.

REPORT on the DAY

On 26th February 2025, a ‘full complement’ of galanthophiles set off for Cambridgeshire, despite a plethora of road works in St.Albans.

Upon arriving at the National Trust’s property, we were met by Joe, who walked us through aconites, colourful willows, colourful dogwood, petite irises and an amazing array of statues before we satisfied our quest for snowdrops, in abundance … and in great variety.

Joe explained how Anglesey Abbey develop and extend the number of varieties of this simple, but cheerful plant. We were given exclusive access to walks through a myriad of ‘names’.

Following Joe’s informative talk (‘on the hoof’), we were able to explore the old watermill (established in 1086) and the house, built on the site of Anglesey Priory (and still looking as if nothing had changed since Jacobean times, apart from its metamorphosis into a comfortable home for Lord Fairhaven in the 1930s).

Inside were fine furnishings, paintings by baroque painters such as Claude Le Lorrain and homely images from the likes of Landseer - all watched over by a threatening bust of Oliver Cromwell.

Another prominent feature was the multitude (and variety) of clocks: both ornamental and grand.

Most took lunch in the Redwood Restaurant and then ventured out again, before the journey home. A grand day out - with lovely people - and a general wish to return one summer.

February 2025 Trip - now on sale

ANGLESEY ABBEY

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Wednesday 26th February 2025

A passion for tradition and impressing guests inspired one man to transform a run-down country house and desolate landscape.

At the age of 30, the future Lord Fairhaven began to create his first home. Wanting to inspire and surprise visitors, he created a spectacular garden with planting for all seasons and a cosy house in which to entertain. Life revolved around horse racing and shooting, and guests enjoyed 1930s luxury.

Inside, you will find fine furnishings, books, paintings, silver and rare clocks give a feeling of opulence.

However, first, we will have a guided tour of the snowdrops.

The cost of coach, guided tour of the snowdrops and self-guided tour of the house is £35 for National Trust and RHS members (plus £16.15 for others – this sum being payable on the day to the venue).

Payment by BACS or cash is preferred, as we are soon to be charged 50p to pay each cheque into the bank. BACS payments should be made to ‘The Arts Society St.Albans’, sort code 30-97-25, account No.00405477 - with ‘SNOWDROPS’ as the reference.

REVIEW OF THIS VISIT

TASSA visit to Southill Park House, Bedfordshire - Tuesday 11.06.24

Twenty nine lucky members travelled to the Whitbread family home, near to Biggleswade, where we were hosted by Mr.Charles Whitbread - the present incumbent - assisted by James Collett-White (archivist). ‘Lucky’ (in part) because the house is only open for one week per year.

Southill Park House is a Grade One-listed, early-Georgian building, described in Country Life as “a complete work of art” and by Pevsner as “one of the most exquisite English understatements” and has been the home of the Whitbread family for more than 200 years, having been bought by Samuel Whitbread in 1795,.

It was built c. 1720-1729 then remodelled in the 1790s, by Henry Holland, who was also responsible for remodelling Carlton House in London, as well as Woburn and Althorp, home of the Spencers. The grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown in 1777.

In 1750, Samuel (the elder) had created the first purpose-built mass-production brewery in the UK, on the eastern edge of Georgian London. However, Charles and James concentrated more upon the family’s collection of art … and their historic commitment to political change.

Our visit was a unique opportunity to see works by Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Garrard (featuring paintings and models of prize cattle and horses) and George Romney (a painter of leading society figures … whose appreciation society is chaired by the car dealer, Glyn Hopkin!)

Our attention was also directed to furniture designed by the house’s architect, the afore-mentioned Henry Holland.

The money raised by our visit goes to the family trust, to help worthy causes in Bedfordshire.

After a short walk around the Southill gardens, we enjoyed lunch at the nearby Jordans Mill, followed by a walk around the mill gardens … and purchases of cereals, plants, etc. from its shop.

All senses were catered for!

For those who have tickets the pick up times are as follows: Marshalswick Library 08.55, Chime Square 09.05 and Westminster Lodge 09.20.

Summer Visit to Southill Park House and Garden: 11th June

This Grade I listed house, owned by the Whitbread family of brewers for two hundred years, is rarely open, so this is an opportunity not to be missed. The interior, remodelled by Henry Holland has remained unchanged since the late 1790s. There are art works by Gainsborough and Reynolds with original furniture by Holland and gardens by Capability Brown. Numbers are limited for a guided tour by the present owner, Charles Whitbread. This will be followed by a visit to Jordans Mill, Biggleswade, for lunch (not included) garden and mill shop. Tickets for the coach, guided tour including tea or coffee on arrival, will be on sale at £45 in the Club Room at the April meeting.

Committee

FULLY BOOKED

Glasgow Trip 16th - 19th May 2024

Rosalind Edwards has organised an exciting and competitively priced trip to Glasgow, partnered with Success Tours.  This 4 day, 3 night visit includes such attractions as The Burrell Collection, The Willow Tea Room, the Mackintosh house, Kelvington Art Gallery and much more.  Cost £915pp with £180 single supplement.  The price includes 3 nights at a 4* Hotel with breakfast and supper, plus 1 light lunch at the Willow tea room and afternoon tea at Dumfries House.  Also one day fully guided but no tour manager.  There will be a medium amount of walking.  The price also includes return flights from Luton Airport with luggage. 

Please see full details on this Website under the Documents Section under 'Our Society'.  Details can also be collected at lectures.  An email copy can also be obtained from Rosalind Edwards rosalindedwards2@gmail.com or Stefanie Weedon rsweedon1@gmail.com.

Should anyone want to make their own travel arrangements please contact Success Tours directly on 01225 764205.

Any queries please contact:

Rosalind Edwards on rosalindedwards2@gmail.com or 01727 867072               or  Stefanie Weedon on rsweedon1@gmail.com or 01727 858174

Review

On 17th April 2024, a group of our members visited Leighton House, on Holland Park Road, London W14, home of Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), President of The Royal Academy (1878-1896).

After tea and coffee, we were treated to a 90 minute tour by our excellent guide, Angela Bolger.

We were informed that the house was built as a home, as a studio and as a space to entertain and to exhibit his work. The land was purchased from the neighbouring Earl of Holland, when Kensington was on the very edge of the capital. Due to its bespoke nature, the house did not sell upon his death, but has been open to the public since 1929 and is now owned by The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Leighton travelled extensively - in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa - and met the house’s architect - George Aitchison - in Rome in the early 1850s. This friend continued to work on Leighton House after its initial construction, being responsible for further building work, interior design and furniture design over a 30 year period.

Our tour commenced in the entrance hall and moved through to the dining room, with Angela informing us that all of the contents were sold after Frederic’s death - on his instructions - in order to provide for his friends, family and models. However, much has been bought back and is now on show, together with some copies. The decoration of the house has also been returned to as it was in Leighton’s time (including William Morris wallpaper).

The light and airy drawing room features work by Leighton and by his friend, Sir John Everett Millais. From here, we moved to the tiled Narcissus Hall which leads to the impressive, domed Arab Hall. Work on the latter began - as an extension - in 1877 and features beautiful, 16th and 17th century tiles from Damascus. The colours reflect those of a peacock, of which there have been many in Holland Park for centuries.

Upstairs, we were treated to works by Frederic Watts, John Singer Sargent and Millais, in The Silk Room (added in 1894-95), to replace what had been a roof terrace. From here it was possible to look down through a mashrabiyya - a wooden screen, also from Damascus - into the Arab Hall.

Our tour concluded in the well-lit studio, lined with many of Leighton’s works, both as paintings and sculptures. Sadly, there was no opportunity to see his famed Flaming June, although some members have had the opportunity to view this painting at The Royal Academy recently. However, Angela did introduce us to a photo of what is claimed to be Leighton’s inspiration for the painting: ‘Night’ by Michelangelo. This sculpture in white marble is to be found on the tomb of Giuliano de Medici in Florence.

Leighton House is a wealth of art and fascinating history, of which we had but a taste. However, there was more to discover, as our party divided in order - variously - to explore The Design Museum, Sambourne House (an insight into the Victorian world of a famous illustrator for Punch) and the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

Spring trip to Leighton House

Join us on Wednesday 17th April 2024 for a visit to the home and studio of Frederic Lord Leighton (President of The Royal Academy 1878–1896, and famed for his painting, Flaming June), set within The Holland Park Circle, a unique group of Victorian studio houses. From its first construction in the 1860s, up until shortly before Leighton’s death, his studio-house was a constant preoccupation. Absorbing large amounts of his time, money and effort, the house combined spaces for living, working and entertaining and the display of Leighton’s collections. Regularly featured in the press, his home came to embody the idea of how a great artist should live.

The building has step-free access, a lift and a café. The Design Museum and Holland Park (with Kyoto Garden) are a short walk away (both offering refreshments). You can also visit nearby Sambourne House (but note that the staircase is steep and narrow).

The cost of the trip is £45, which includes coach travel and a guided tour of Leighton House.

Pick ups: Marshalswick / Quadrant (08:30) and Westminster Lodge car park (08.50). Return at 15:30-16.00.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now through Ann & Bob Moore (gardens.galore@yahoo.co.uk) or at the February and March lectures.

Payment

By cash, cheque or bank transfer to The Arts Society St Albans, sort code 30-97-25, account number 00405477 (Reference: ‘LEIGHTON’’).

On 28.11.23, a group of 43 members enjoyed a visit to Polesden Lacey in Surrey. This Edwardian mansion was the weekend retreat of socialite, Margaret Greville who donated the house and 1,600 acres of park land to the nation upon her death in 1942.

A self-guided tour allowed an insight into her life and her entertaining of celebrities, politicians and royalty. The timing of the visit also allowed us to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations, on the theme of childhood fantasy: Peter Pan, The Sleeping Beauty, etc.

Margaret and her father (the Scottish brewer and entrepreneur, William McEwan) travelled extensively and collected many paintings by Dutch and British Masters, as well as Italian and Sicilian Maiolica and fine French furniture.

The house and its interior is impressive (having been remodelled by the architects of the Ritz in London) and contains 100 pieces of fine art. On the day we visited, we were blessed with fine weather and so it was also possible to explore the gardens and just part of the extensive walks around the estate.

Many members expressed the wish to visit again, in Spring or Summer.

We were blessed (as had been the case in Northampton) with a fine day for our visit to Stamford.

After an introductory talk, we were free to explore the house – which gives an insight into the life of ‘the great and the good’ from the time of Queen Elizabeth I until present day. It was designed and built by William Cecil (1520-1598) , Lord High Treasurer and Chief Minister to said Queen. The Cecils are known locally as owners of Hatfield House.

Entrance via the kitchen with its vaulted ceiling gave an immediate impression of scale and progression through the multitude of rooms on the first floor brought a display of fine artwork, marquetry, dramatic ceilings and historic references.

After our visual senses had been sufficiently ‘bombarded’, we were able to take lunch and then walk in the extensive gardens - created by Capability Brown – and the Garden of Surprises, inspired by the Elizabethan concept of ‘trick garden and fascination with astrology, astronomy and the classical civilisations’.

Upon arrival outside the Derngate Theatre, we divided into two groups: one first visiting the iconic ’78 Derngate’ and the other going primarily to Northampton Guildhall. After lunch in Northampton Museum, the two groups continued with the alternate visits.

The recently extended and improved ’78 Derngate’ was ‘remodelled – by Charles Rennie Mackintosh – in 1916 for model engineer, W.J.Bassett-Lowke and was his final major commission. It is claimed to be the ‘only place in the world where Mackintosh’s style can be seen in their original setting’ and that ‘Mackintosh was influential on design movements such as Art Nouveau and Secessionism’

The Guildhall is a splendid example of richly-decorated Victorian Gothic architecture. The first phase of the building was completed in 1864.

Our attention was drawn to the statues of monarchs and famous people associated with the town and county, at the front of the building. Inside, points of interest included stained glass windows in The Great Hall, which had been displayed at The Victoria & Albert Museum before installation.

The guides at both venues spoke extensively about the two buildings (about which they were – rightly – proud) and so, unfortunately, there was no time to view the extensive collection of footwear at the Museum.

On 10.12.22, thirty-four fortunate members were treated to an evening of word and song by The Purcell Club (made up of former choristers) at Westminster Abbey.

After a drive through London’s Christmas lights and a supper in the cloisters, we made our way to The Nave, where our well-informed hosts gave us an informative history of the Abbey, beginning in 960 AD.

From there, we moved on to The Quire, where we sat to listen to stories of coronations since William the Conqueror’s on Christmas Day 1066. Here, we could imagine being amongst the nobility when crowns would have been placed, marriage vows exchanged and royal lives honoured.

In The Sacrarium, we gathered around the Cosmati Pavement, laid down in 1268 - by order of Henry III - by Roman craftsmen and, according to medieval interpretation, “symbolising the world, or the universe, and its end.”

We then had the unique opportunity to pass behind The High Altar and view the shrine containing the body of St Edward the Confessor. Also in his chapel are the remains of five Kings and three Queens.

Beyond, lies the magnificent King Henry VII’s chapel, hung with the banners of the Knights of the Order of the Bath and housing (in side chapels) the tombs of Elizabeth I, Mary I and Mary Queen of Scots.

Pausing at Poets’ Corner and passing through Musicians’ Aisle, we returned to our starting point, where we sat as the mighty, 7000-pipe organ filled The Nave with a powerful rendition of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.

At each point of our journey around The Abbey, we were ‘transported’ by the singing of the Purcell Club members and their final contribution was a most moving hymn, sung at The Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Having spent two (thoroughly rewarding) hours in a time capsule of British history, we headed back to the environs of its protomartyr, St.Alban … and recovered our frost-encrusted cars from below his abbey.

Other notes:

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established as a military order by Letters Patent of George I on 18th May 1725. However, it was a revival of an older custom going back to medieval times when part of the ceremony of knighthood included a ritual bath symbolic of spiritual purification and a vigil the night before receiving the honour.

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of  13 kings and 17 queens (amongst 3,300 burials - in the church and cloisters) and contains over 600 monuments, and wall tablets.
It is neither a cathedral nor a parish church; the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (to give it its correct title) is a "Royal Peculiar" under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign and not to any archbishop or bishop.

The church became known as the "west minster" to distinguish it from St Paul's Cathedral (the east minster) in the City of London. 

The Lady Chapel  built by King Henry VII - the first of the Tudor monarchs - which now bears his name has a spectacular fan-vaulted roof and the craftsmanship of Italian sculptor Pietro Torrigiano can be seen in Henry's fine tomb. The chapel was consecrated on 19th February 1516. 

Lisbon and its surrounding area is the treasure trove of Portugal: rich in art, history and architecture. Our tour includes the highlights of the city - such as the gem of Jerónimos Monastery, the traditional Tile Museum, art in the Gulbenkian - but we will also explore further afield. The palaces around Sintra are world famous and we visit the Pena Palace as well as Queluz Palace with its beautiful gardens. We will be based in the elegant, coastal town of Cascais, with winding lanes leading to small museums, cool gardens, a picturesque marina and a pedestrianised old town.

£949 per Person

Click here for:

Application Form

Full Trip Details

City of London Walking Tour
with Ian Swankie
Two Alternative Dates
Friday 20th September or Friday 4th October

Check the Area Website for full
details

EY Exhibition at Tate Britain
Van Gogh and Britain
Friday 21st June comprising a lecture
Timed entrance to the exhibition and refreshments

Check the Area Website for full
details

Ballet at  The London Coliseum.

Kenneth MacMiillan's full-blooded ballet of love, decadence and passion

Music by Jules Massenet

Thursday 17th January 2019

Ticket plus Coach - £48 each

from Rosalind Edwards - Phone 01727 867072, Fax 01727 760340

Wednesday 7 November 2018 - £32

Important - Please note the change of date from that in the programme card!

Coach leaves Westminster Lodge car park at 9.00am and departs from South Kensington at 4.00pm

Coffee and pastries on arrival

Guided tour of the Hall -  there are a lot of stairs but lifts are available if required

Transport by coach to the South Kensington museums 

Free time for lunch and to explore the V and A or other museums of the 'Albertopolis'.

Coach departs at 4.00

Tickets will be on sale at the 12 September meeting. Please pay by cash or cheque

If you would like to buy a ticket but cannot attend the lecture then contact Sue Bloomfield 07732674377 

Thursday 20 September 2018 - all tickets now sold

Coach leaves Westminster Lodge car park at 9.00am and departs from Ely at 4.00pm

Coffee and biscuits on arrival
Guided tour of the cathedral
Free time for lunch and to explore the City or relax in the cathedral grounds or by the river.
Attractions include Oliver Cromwell’s House and the Stained Glass Museum.

11 a.m. meet at the new Museum (Old Town Hall) The walk includes stories of monarchs, revolting peasants, martyrs, monasteries, monks and heretics.

Cost £20

Includes lunch and coffee at the White Hart Tap.

Tickets will be available before the lecture on April 11th.

If you would like to buy a ticket but cannot attend the lecture then please contact Julie Hirsch: 07885 058727

Beginning the tour at the RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show, set against the magnificent Malvern Hills, the spring festival is packed with flowers, food, and wonderful crafts. Herefordshire is made up of a number of bustling market towns, quaint rural villages, impressive historical buildings and wonderful countryside. Our tour encapsulates some of the area’s highlights, from stately homes and historical artefacts to stunning scenery along the River Wye and the famed black and white villages.

Cost £569 per person

 What’s not included

Single supplement of £40.00 per person              

Travel insurance at £25.00 per person (upper age limit of 85 years)

Admission to National Trust properties. Any non NT members must pay the relevant admission fee on the day.

 What’s included

Executive touring coach

4 nights half board accommodation

Porterage

Welcome drink

 Admission to RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show

Admission & tour of Hereford Cathedral

Admission & tour of Mappi Mundi & Chained Library

Visit to Berrington Hall (NT)

Guided tour of The Black & White Trail

Admission & Castle tour of Hampton Court Castle & Gardens

River Wye cruise

Admission to Sudeley Castle

Gratuities

On this visit we shall have a guided tour of the West Cemetery which contains many impressive architectural features including the Egyptian Avenue, Circle of Lebanon, the Terrace Catacombs, the Chapel and the Mausoleum of Julius Beer.

After lunch we will have plenty of time to explore the  fascinating East Cemetery by ourselves.

Please bring a picnic lunch.

Leave Westminster Lodge car park 9.30am Depart Highgate Cemetery 3 pm

Tickets cost £30 and will be available before the lecture on January 10th.

English National Ballet at the London Coliseum.

Now fully booked.

We will start the day by meeting downstairs at the Gallery at 11.45am for the lecture by a specialist historian. This will give us a detailed insight into the works prior to viewing this fantastic exhibition of more than 50 of Cezanne's portraits from collections from around the world.

Your time in the gallery will be unlimited so you can choose to have lunch after the lecture if you wish. The cafe is available in the basement or there is a restaurant (booking required) if you prefer.

Tickets cost £32 and will be available before the lecture on Wednesday 13th September.

This tour is fully booked.

This tour will explore the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting the State Rooms, Chapel, Atrium and ancient Crypt.

Leave Westminster Lodge car park at 8.45am Depart Lambeth at 3.30pm

In the afternoon we shall visit the beautiful displays of art and the history of gardening at the newly renovated Garden Museum.  A room has been set aside for our lunch break.  Please bring your own picnic.  Tea, coffee and water will be available to be purchased on the day.

Tickets cost £40 and includes guided tours at both venues.

Visit to the Henry Moore Foundation which will include viewing the exhibition ' Becoming Henry Moore'

This is a special opportunity to see some of his early work as well as sculpture from private collections around the world. There will also be work by artists who have inspired him such as Barbara Hepworth.

Our guided tour will also include a visit to Moore's former home, Hoglands, his top studio, etching studio, the Aisled Barn and Gardens.

For this visit we ask people to car share if possible and meet at the new cafe at 10.45am.

Ticket price: £28 to include coffee on arrival and a cream tea at the end of our tour at 4pm.

There is a picnic area for people to enjoy their own lunch in the fresh air.

This visit will explore watercolours by JMW Turner and John Constable as well as prints by Picasso and work by Edward Bawden. The guided tour of the John Bunyan Museum examines his life as a soldier, dissenter, preacher, prisoner and writer.