Uncover the story of one of the most important river landscapes in the world in a weekend of events at Ham House.
31st August and 1st September
Ham House rests on a special stretch of the Thames and was a centre of politics, pageantry and pleasure in the 17th century. Throughout the years Ham has survived war, changing style and partial neglect to retain a uniquely mysterious aura. Some visitors even claim that it is haunted by the ghosts of its past residents…
The property will be opening its doors to all over the weekend of Saturday 30th August and Sunday 1st September. Picnic baskets are available both days, packed with delicious food, drinks and a walks leaflet.
During the day on Saturday and Sunday try out a Camera Obscura, an invention used by artists for over 1000 years to capture an image of the landscape. Paintings Conservation Adviser Tina Sitwell and various artists will be on hand to talk about the fascinating history of this device and how to create your own drawing.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be rowed out from Ham to explore the historic river landscape in one of the Thames’ historic wooden boats. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land can enjoy delving into the long grass of Ham’s meadow and finding out what’s living there with Peter Brash, Wildlife and Countryside Adviser to the National Trust.
Talks by the National Trust’s leading UK experts will take place throughout the weekend.
There is the unique opportunity to hear from the National Trust’s Head Curator David Adshead and Jason Devney, from the Thames Landscape Strategy, on the historic river landscape and how to preserve and re-establish it.
As part of the evening talks programme, David Taylor, the National Trust’s Curator of Picture and Sculpture will be reliving the excitement of the grand river pageants of Catherine of Braganza, the wife of Charles II.
Evening talks are £7 per ticket to include a glass of bubbly. Normal admission applies during the day (free for members, garden ticket £4.50 for non members). A small fee applies for some events, so visit Ham’s website for details on ticket bookings.