Visit to Bristol

On the afternoon of Monday 19^th May, we will visit Dyrham Park, a National Trust property, near Bristol. The house was created in the late 17^th century by William Blathwayt (1649-1717).  He amassed one of the most important collections of Delft pottery in Britain, including extravagant flower vases, large plant tubs, delicate fruit baskets and much more.

Dr Rachel Conroy, Senior National Curator, North and Decorative Arts, National Trust, will give an introductory talk and accompany the group on a self-guided tour of the house.

The next morning there will be a tour of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The Museum is renowned for its ceramic collections including delftware, Lund’s Bristol, early Worcester porcelain, “Champion’s Bristol” hard paste porcelain and an array of ceramics from China and Japan.

We will meet at 10.30am for coffee and biscuits, when Kate Newnham, Curator, will meet us and give a guided tour.

Roger Massey, former President of the English Ceramic Circle, and an expert on the collections will also be on hand to answer questions, and Robin Hildyard will be showing members the unique Bristol Stoneware collection.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Stradling Collection nearby, which is a remarkable collection of 20^thand 21^st century design and applied arts with over 700 pieces of studio ceramics and 250 commercial examples.

Members may also like to visit the Georgian House Museum, BS1 5RR, with Georgian rooms c. 1790, and the Red Lodge Museum, BS1 5LJ, which includes three of the oldest rooms in Bristol c. 1580.