 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Archive
Newletters
PDF requires free Adobe Reader software available here.
Summer Opera 2010 "The Marriage of Figaro" - Mozart
Opera Brava’s 'The Marriage of Figaro’, sung in English, has all the ingredients of a classic piece of 18th century opera buffa (comic opera). The action takes place in one day and has a liberal sprinkling of farcical humour: “A cast of top-class performers, lavish costumes and period sets – a wonderful cast to perform with,” says Anna Patalong, who plays Susanna.
Opera Brava is now in its 21st year. With many top names from the national and international opera companies in its productions, they have won the acclaim of critics and music professionals, and given pleasure to countless thousands of opera fans.
Jeremy Silver, who has conducted at English National Opera and toured as Principal Conductor in the USA and Africa, is now the musical director of Opera Brava. With the artistic director, Bronek Pomorski, opera fans and newcomers to classical entertainment are in for a real treat this year as Opera Brava comes to Chiswick.
This year, as no seating was provided, opera lovers were encouraged to bring rugs and their own chairs, as required, for maximum comfort.
FOOD VILLAGE
Once again the Food Village will include Fullers who will serve champagne, wine and beer from their pavilion. The newly opened Chiswick House Café (run by Company of Cooks), will provide a hog roast, picnic food and hot beverages from their pavilion. In addition, light pre-opera suppers will be served in the Café. Hampers will also be available to pre-order and will be delivered to the Gardens on the day. (Details sent with tickets)
This year’s opera provided another wonderful community event and is now a mainstay of the June calendar for locals.
www.operabrava.co.uk
www.chiswickhousecafe.com
Chiswick House Friends' Drinks Party - A Wonderful Evening
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of our founding, Chiswick House Friends were delighted to welcome 150 Friends and guests to our annual drinks party at Chiswick House on Monday 21st September 2009. The evening started gathered around the newly installed Venus de' Medici, funded by the Friends, in the Rosary Garden.
Friends' Chairman George Nissen and Hounslow Mayor Paul Lynch
welcomed the guests and later in the House reflected on the achievements of the Friends' 25 years work in running local events and projects, raising funds in support of the Lottery project and generally representing the views of the local community.
This was the largest drinks party we have ever held,
with guests from the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, English Heritage and Hounslow Council. The guests were treated to a performance by Serafina Steer playing a harp concerto by Handel and also some music supplied by Chatsworth with Georgiana (The Duchess) connections.
The whole event took place under the new chandeliers installed by English Heritage with the Friends help. It was a beautiful September evening and everybody enjoyed themselves.
Thanks are extended to our many supporters and members who helped make the party such a success. Join us this year by becoming a member. Click here.
"London’s Country Houses" by Caroline Knight
From the late 15th century up until 1900, many of the prosperous upper and middle classes of London built much-loved second homes in the suburbs, some on riverside sites such as Chiswick House, others on high ground with extensive views. Though the owners often had country estates too, the pressure of city life led them more frequently to their suburban country house, its relatively smaller size being easier to manage, and where gardens and outdoor pursuits could be enjoyed without the owners losing contact with business and society.
Chiswick House is an important surviving example of this type of house, and is still surrounded by acres of gardens, relatively little altered since the 18th century. The family also owned Burlington House in Piccadilly, as well as having country estates in Ireland and Yorkshire. When it was inherited by the Dukes of Devonshire it was used constantly, as it was so much more accessible than Chatsworth in distant Derbyshire.
Moreover, the London country houses offered an opportunity to display wealth to their friends and other acquaintances. Lavishly illustrated and beautifully presented, Caroline's book shows how the houses were often expensively and fashionably decorated and furnished, with several holding significant art collections. Maps, plans, paintings, prints and photographs complement an informative and readable text.
Caroline Knight is an architectural historian. Born in Yorkshire, she has a degree in History and History of Art from London University and an MA from the Courtauld Institute of Art. Living on Highgate Hill she was intrigued by two neighbouring houses, Lauderdale House and Cromwell House, 16th- and 17th-century respectively. She was a Trustee of the Chiswick House Friends for many years, is now a member of the CHF Advisory Committee, and has lectured at the House on a number of occasions.
London’s Country Houses is published by Phillimore & Co. Ltd
A Search for Chandeliers
Cathy Power of English Heritage, the curator at Chiswick House, for many years has overseen its acquisitions.
The House's Gallery was fully paint-researched in 2006, followed by a comprehensive restoration completed in April 2008. The presentation of this area is now one of the most complete regarding its original decoration and presentation of the contents to Lord Burlington’s period with the recent purchase of a pair of chandeliers to hang at either end of the Gallery.
During the Gallery redecoration project, Cathy consulted period lighting dealers and auction catalogues to source a pair of bronze chandeliers, however the search was unsuccessful in finding a close enough match in style or size; either as modern replicas or a pair of historical equivalents.
This year, with a small but important contribution from Chiswick House Friends, Cathy was successful in securing a pair of beautiful and rare six branch gilt-bronze chandeliers which have now been installed in the House.
Chiswick House Friends are proud to have assisted in many projects over the years for all our members and visitors to enjoy.
2009 Dog Show - Best show yet
Photograph copyright to: MCampbell-Pederson 2008
The 2009 Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show has been deemed the best show yet according to the organisers. (Chiswick House Organised Walkers in association with Chiswick House Friends.) It is estimated that over 1200 visitors enjoyed the show held on the cricket pitch area of the Gardens, basking in the sunshine and soaking up the atmosphere. The show was opened by Councillor Paul Lynch, the Mayor of Hounslow, accompanied by his border collie, Meg.
Judges included designer Cath Kidston, actor James Dreyfus, CHGT Project Director Sarah Finch-Crisp and Chiswick butcher Rodney Macken. Best in Show was judged by Anthony Young of the Young Veterinary Partnership, together with show sponsor Derek Fletcher of Edward d’Arc and George Nissen Chairman of Chiswick House Friends. The Rings were sponsored for the second year by CJ Hall veterinary surgeons of Acton Lane, and the new team at Southfields Grooming sponsored the programme.
Over 30 stallholders attended this year’s event with over 80 volunteers who helped to make the show a success including the 20th Chiswick Scouts. Hounslow Council kindly provided the rosettes.
The Chair of the organising committee says, “We are thrilled that so many people came along and enjoyed the day with us. It is a great community event, accessible to everyone. Visitor and class entry numbers were both well up on last year. It is a vindication of 8 months of planning by the committee and also confirms the importance of Chiswick House Gardens to the dog-walking community.”
Fittingly, Best in Show winner Piper belongs to a regular Chiswick House Gardens volunteer.
The CHG Dog Show is organised in conjunction with Chiswick House Friends, with all proceeds donated to improve dog-related facilities within the gardens.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer helper or are interested in taking a stall next year, please e-mail thechowgroup@yahoo.co.uk
Visit www.chowgroup.co.uk for further information.
Summer opera 2009 - "The Barber of Seville" - Rossini
A SELL OUT PERFORMANCE
Chiswick House Friends hosted another exciting summer opera in the newly restored Gardens of Chiswick House. After the success of previous years the Garden Opera Company presented Rossini's wonderful comic caper, “The Barber of Seville” held on Thursday 25th June 2009.
The audience picnicked on the lawns and make the most of the beautiful surroundings and enjoyed a really special summer evening. The atmosphere was marvelous with people saying it was, "The best yet".
The event's main sponsor local brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner provided a bar pavilion on the evening for all to enjoy.
Pissarro's, the well known restaurant at Chiswick Pier, provided exciting fare such as picnic hampers, barbequed meats and freshly shucked oysters. Hot beverages were also on offer adding to the conviviality of the night.
This is the fifth year the Friends have promoted a summer opera in the Gardens of Chiswick House and the event attracted a wide local audience.
The opera is the main fundraising event for Chiswick House Friends. This year was a sell out performance, as in previous years. Look for next year's details in March 2010 on this website.
For information about the Garden Opera Company click here. See their performance at Ravenscourt Park on September 11th 2009.
Venus to Gaze over Restored Gardens
"Venus, Aphrodite, Godess of Love, spread your blessing over this great enterprise so that we may together complete the restoration and continue to keep it beautifully, visited, understood and valued worldwide". These wordswere spoken by our first Chairman at the inauguration of the Venus de Medici on 21st September 2009.
Chiswick House Friends celebrated a high spot in their Silver Jubilee year on 21st September 2009, when the newly carved copy of the Medici Venus statue was be fixed on top of the Doric Column in Chiswick House Gardens.
The existence of a statue at this focal point of the Gardens was first recorded in 1728. The Column was later surrounded by a rose garden. At some point the statue disappeared. Over the years the rose garden was suppressed, re-planted and then like the rest of the Gardens went into decline again.
The Chairman of Chiswick House Friends, George Nissen, stated, "We are immensely proud to be making our own special mark on the Restoration Project. I hope that the new statue of Venus will be a landmark symbol for the Friends, and will encourage everyone in our future efforts for these much-loved Gardens and House.”
The Friends celebratde the "topping" of the column in the Gardens and toasted the new statue at their annual CHF Party on the same day
If you would like to become a member please click here for an Application Form and join us. (See our our Chiswick House Friends page on this site for membership details).
Chiswick House celebrates 500 years of Andrea Palladio
Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) is debatably the most influential architect in the history of architecture. His legacy was ensured by his revolutionary treatise, "The Four Books of Architecture", (1570). Through these books he exerted a dominant influence for over two centuries, particularly in northern Europe. His beautiful renaissance villas near Venice were the inspiration for the Neo-classical style in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Palladianism was fostered in the early 18th century by Richard Boyle, the Earl of Burlington which includes his beautiful neo-classic example at Chiswick.
To celebrate Palladio’s 500th anniversary, visitors will be able to walk through Chiswick House and Gardens with a specially produced trail guide, explaining the architectural and decorative details inspired by the antique and Palladian architecture. In addition, the first floor gallery, a beautiful space inspired by antique decoration and Palladian geometry, reopened this spring following detailed paint research and is re-presented in its 18th-century paint colours. To download the Palladio Anniversary Trail free of charge click here.
Oak Tree Processionary Moths
As you walk toward the Cascade from the Burlington Lane Gate,
on your left there are 2 oak trees banded with white tape on which is written, "Oak Tree Processionary Moths".
This is a warning to dog walkers to keep their dogs clear of these trees for a few months until this part of the moths life cycle is complete.
If you are not aware already or need further information go to
www.chowgroup.co.uk and click on "Useful Links", scroll to "Dog Health Matters", and click on the link there for further detailed information.
It is not only dogs which are at risk, humans also can be effected. The caterpillars have urticating (irritating) hairs that carry a toxin. These can be blown in the wind and can cause serious irritation to the skin, eyes and bronchial tubes of humans and animals. They are considered a significant human health problem.
Several trees have been identified and Hounslow will be destroying the nests now that the locations have been identified. This may lead to some path closures whilst the work is carried out, of which the date will be advised on this site.
There is more information available on the Forest Research website www.forestresearch.gov.uk/oakprocessionarymoth and at the Forestry Commission website www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth Health information is available from NHS Direct 0845 4647 www.nhs.uk
Archaeology to Commence on Former Jacobean House
This month the archaeology team will return to Chiswick to excavate the site where the former Jacobean mansion stood. This fine red brick house was pulled down by the 5th Duke of Devonshire, husband of the acclaimed Duchess, Georgiana. They replaced it with two wings (since demolished) on the Palladian villa, turning it into a proper country residence.
Tours of the archaeological site are being held on three days Thursday 20 November and Thursday 4 and 11 December starting at 2:00pm.
Please meet in Chiswick Gardens at the South end of the Lake - by the Cascade (nearest entrance – Burlington Lane).
Sensible footwear recommended.
Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire
An Evening of Costumes and Music was a Sell Out Success
A wonderful evening was held in Chiswick House with Janiculum and an exhibition of Oscar award winning costumes, worn by the stars in the film ‘The Duchess’.
Copyright Pathe. The Duchess was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 16th March from Pathe Distribution Ltd.
In celebration of Georgiana, (pronounced "George-jayna"), Duchess of Devonshire, a chamber concert was performed by JANICULUM - Marie Vassiliou (soprano) John Trusler (violin) Graham Walker (cello) Jane Clark (harpsichord).
The programme included Georgiana's celebrated Devonshire Minuet and her once popular song with words by Sheridan, 'I have a silent sorrow here'. A keen musician, the Duchess's life will be illustrated through the music and musicians she knew. Of local interest among these are J.C. Bach, youngest son of J.S. Bach, who lived in Kew and the famous Italian opera composer Bianchi, who committed suicide in Hammersmith. Songs by Georgiana's hero Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who visited Chiswick, and arias by Paisiello whom she met in Naples and who shared her admiration for Napoleon, will also be included.
This wonderful evening was hosted by The Friends and Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, and included a complimentary glass of wine and entrance to the exhibition of the Oscar award winning costumes, worn by stars in the popular film ‘The Duchess’
Chiswick House Friends Say no to Heathrow Expansion
In 2008 the Friends mounted a campaign against the expansion of Heathrow. The trustees felt that the new runway 3 flight-path, the end of alternation and the increase in flights from 473,000 a year to over 700,000, would pose a serious threat to the peace and atmosphere of the House and gardens. Find out more >
Another Magical Evening with Janiculum
Once again, tickets for the Janiculum Concert sold out very rapidly and the lucky attendees enjoyed a splendid evening of 17th and 18th century music. Jane Clark, a celebrated harpsicord player, founded Janiculum to revive forgotten 18th century manuscripts and editions popular at that time. Instruments used are either originals or modern copies.
The rotunda is the perfect setting to listen to such music, much of which had very likely been heard by Burlington and his friends in that very room. Harry Nicoll sang songs which were connected with Lord Burlington's time and period music was played by the instrumentalists, including Handel, Couperin and Scarlatti. Once again, the Friends are enormously grateful to Jane and her fellow musicians for giving us such a magical evening which we trust will be repeated next year.
Chiswick House Gardens 2008 Dog Show, a dashing good show!
The annual Chiswick House Gardens dog show took place on Sunday, September 28th.. Enjoyed by over 1000 visitors, this year’s show was bigger and better than ever before. Over 340 dogs were entered into the various classes. The show was organised by CHOW (Chiswick House Organised Walkers) in conjunction with Chiswick House Friends.
Capable Canines once again provide
d fabu
lous entertainment with their agility and h
eelwork to music displays. The show was treated to the spectacle of racing dachsunds; and as the sun shone visitors enjoyed the various classes with their dogs.
The organisers would like to thank Chiswick resident and dog-owner Al Murray for officially opening the show. Al is a keen dog-walker himself. Other celebrity visitors included leading investigative journalist Tom Mangold who brought his Spinone, Tessa to the show; retailer and designer Cath Kidston (with her dog Stanley) who helped with judging and provided prizes; and TV presenter Julian Bennett who assisted with judging Best in Show. Julian’s dachsund Lulu was also on hand. Other Chiswick notables included the dogs favourite judge Rodney Macken of Mackens Butchers in Turnham Green Terrace and Eileen from Chiswick Pets in Devonshire Road.
Best in Show was judged by Julian Bennett together with Simon Felger of Paws Inc, and prizes were presented by Mr George Nissen, Chairman of Chiswick House Friends. The 2008 Chiswick House Gardens Best in Show was won by Mischa an 8-month old Blue Great Dane, with Reserve Best in Show - Zack a 3 year-old English Bull Terrier.
Rings at the show were sponsored for the first time by CJ Hall veterinary surgeons of Acton Lane. Almost all of the local veterinary practices sponsored the various classes: Young Veterinary Partnership of Bedford Corner; Grove Park and Abingdon Veterinary Surgery of Burlington Lane; Paws Inc of Hammersmith; Roehampton Veterinary Clinc; and Petcare of Goldhawk Road, as well as CJ Hall.
Stallholders included Southfields Grooming of Acton Lane, Chiswick’s independent pet shop Chiswick Pets, Dogs Trust, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Outsider Tart, Doggy Days Bakery, Pet Portraits, Pets as Therapy, The Cinnamon Trust, Korukoru handmade jewellery of Chiswick; Labradoodle Rescue; Dachsunds in London; Hounslow Animal Wardens, the Mayhew Animal Home, and London Woof who kindly provided a pet crèche. Face to Face painters ensured that younger visitors were entertained. The Classic Catering mobile café and ice cream van also kept visitors refreshed as well as the show’s own barbecue, cream teas and drinks stalls.
Fullers Brewery kindly donated a year’s supply of London Pride to the winner, and Pet Portraits donated a painting commission for Reserve Best in Show.
Other prizes were provided by Southfields Grooming, Whisk Cooking Solutions of Devonshire Road, Chiswick Pets, Cath Kidston, Wimbledon Wine Cellars, Reef fish restaurant in Burlington Lane, The Copper Cow in Fauconberg Road, The Duke of Sussex of Acton Lane, Marks and Spencer, Wheelers, Bookchase games, Dogs Trust, Royal Canin, Capable Canines, Pot Pourri and Doggy Days Bakery.
The organisers would like to thank the following for their support: Chiswick House management team – Sarah Finch-Crisp and Fiona Crumley; Myles of Burleys; St John Ambulance volunteers; leading illustrator Caitlin Hinshelwood; The Dandelion Centre; Hounslow Council; and most importantly all of our volunteers. These include all of our judges, ring marshals, runners, catering volunteers, doggy dash organisers, general helpers and the 20th Chiswick Scouts Group who deserve a special mention together with Clementine and Harry Dean who helped us throughout the day and without whom the organisers would have been lost.
The organisers have been working with the Chiswick House project team on a plan to replace and improve dog-waste bins throughout the gardens. All proceeds from the show will be donated to this project. It is anticipated that the first of the new bins will be installed in the gardens from January 2009.
Gill Thomas, Chair of the 2008 organising committee comments: “ We are absolutely delighted with the response to this year’s show. More dogs and visitors than ever attended this year’s event. We are indeed fortunate to have such a splendid venue for the show. Many local residents use the grounds of Chiswick House every day for dog-walking, and the show provides an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate their shared interest. It is also extremely gratifying that so many families attend the show, even if they are not dog-owners. The show provides the opportunity for younger children to meet dogs in a safe, controlled but fun environment. We are indebted to all our supporters, volunteers and stallholders.”
All photographs © Maggie Campbell Pedersen 2008
Improvements
Improvements to the House & Gardens
Recent improvements to the House and Gardens
have included:
- Re-facing of the House and remedying the underlying problem of penetrating damp through leaking gutters in the roof.
- The addition of new paintings to the Art Collection in the House.
- Transformation of the old Kitchen Garden area by the Kitchen Garden Association, which has resulted in the attraction of many new visitors.
and with the financial support of the Wolfson Foundation:
- Replanting and re-landscaping of the Camellia Shrubbery.
- Repair of the drainage and surroundings of the Obelisk area.
- Establishment of a new education centre in the stable-yard behind the conservatory.
Recreation of the Sphinxes on the pillars at the front of the House.
Coppicing and Other Ancient Woodland Crafts
On Wednesday 17th December 2008 a fascinating day on coppicing techniques was organised for volunteers. Members of the public were invited to attend both parts - the talk and the demonstration.
The day was run by two arborists who specialise in conservation management of woodlands; Jamie Simpson and Simon Cole.
Tree Works and Tours
This autumn and winter further tree works took place in the park.
Some of this was associated with the restoration project but much related to general tree care and maintenance.
It is vital to maintain healthy tree stock, and remove trees or limbs which are diseased or potentially dangerous.
Fiona Crumley, Head Gardener for the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust will conduct further tree walks for anyone who is interested or concerned and would like to find out more about trees in the Spring.
For further information see http://www.chgt.org.uk/
Chiswick House and Gardens Trust Appeal
Chiswick House and Gardens Trust is currently leading a £12 million restoration of the internationally famous gardens – a joint enterprise between the London Borough Council and English Heritage. The project includes the restoration of historic garden features like the conservatory, where camellias have bloomed for over 150 years, the Ionic Temple, meandering river, stone lions, and paths to explore the acres of beautiful woodland, walled gardens and ornamental shrubberies. The works will be completed by spring 2010 and will include a new garden cafe with a toddler’s playground close by.
For more information, or to donate visit: www.chgt.org.uk
or by post to Chiswick Appeal, FREEPOST RRBS-CYET-ZJYE, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2ST. Please make cheques payable to Chiswick House and Gardens Trust. Back to top ^
Dumfries House Saved for the Nation
Dumfries House, also a Palladian treasure like Chiswick House, was saved for the nation at the eleventh hour by a consortium of charities, led by the Prince of Wales.
Caroline Knight, a member of the Friends Advisory Panel and a noted architectural historian specialising in British architecture of the 16th - 18th centuries, gave a talk on Thursday 25 September about the history of Dumfries House and its amazing contents.
This was a brilliant chance to learn about the fine collection of documented Chippendale and Edinburgh furniture which have remained unchanged and unseen by the public for 250 years until the recent opening of the House. Caroline runs the High Renaissance, baroque year course at the V & A and runs courses in Scotland on Scottish architecture and collections. Caroline has written a history of Kensington Palace and her book "London's Country Houses" will be published in November.
Chiswick House Say No to Heathrow Expansion
Earlier this spring the Friends mounted a campaign against the expansion of Heathrow. The trustees felt that the new runway 3 flight-path, the end of alternation and the increase in flights from 473,000 a year to over 700,000, would pose a serious threat to the peace and atmosphere of the House and gardens. Furthermore the increase in noise, pollution and traffic would blight events and local enjoyment of the site. Due to time constraints - the public consultation closed on the 27th February - members were canvassed by e-mail on the proposed campaign. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of a short focused campaign targeting opinion-formers through PR and advertising.
Our message was sent to the media in a press release and John Armstrong, our Deputy Chairman, was interviewed in the gardens in front of Chiswick House by BBC London TV news. This was broadcast the following Monday at 6.30pm and 10.30 pm. John was also interviewed on BBC Radio London earlier the same day.
WInter in the Park
Hundreds of locals enjoyed the wintery conditions in the Gardens as snow blanketed Britain. Many children were unable to go to school and made the most of their day off building snowmen, sledging and having snowball fights.
It was not only the chi
ldren who had fun, but dogs also enjoyed exploring the new white landscape. Unfortunately much of the Grounds remain closed for restoration works but the areas which were open provided plenty of scope for entertainment.
One teenager was overheard saying,” This is the best Monday ever - no school, no exams", as he threw a snowball precisely at his friend's head. On a day when London had the heaviest snowfall in 20 years it was unfortunatemore of the Grounds weren't ready but with so much to achieve the closure is lengthy but the result will be worth waiting for.
The restoration works are mostly on schedule and large parts of the park will re-open this Spring and Summer. A grand opening is planned when all the works are finalised in March 2010. The restoration of Chiswick House Gardens is one of the biggest and most ambitious garden regeneration projects ever undertaken; it will be legacy for future generations.
If you would like to know more about the works in the Garden please see http://www.chgt.org.uk/