Group Visits Guide March December 2018 CAPABILITY BROWN PARKLAND 3 MAJOR EXHIBITIONS PER YEAR 6 PERMANENT COLLECTIONS GIFT SHOP AND CAFÉ AWARD-WINNING ART GALLERY AND PARK comptonverney.org.uk
Welcome to The visitor experience at Compton Verney was once again exemplary... VisitEngland Assesor, August 2017 Thank you to you and your team for their help and expertise which gave us such a pleasant and rewarding experience U3a visit June 2017 Opening times Group perks: Open Tues Sun, until 16 December. Discounted admission Welcome Centre, Park, Shop and Café Open from 10.30am. Priority admission Galleries 11am 5pm. From 1 Nov closes 4pm weekdays, 5pm weekends. Early opening Free admission for organisers Free welcome talk Ticket type 2 Price per person Exhibition, collection, park and tour 12 Collection, park and tour 10 Exhibition, collection and park 9 Collection and park 7 Additional tour 3 Exclusive tours Free coach and car parking Free admission for coach drivers Discount in the shop Welcome Compton Verney is an award-winning art gallery housed in a Grade 1 listed mansion. Set in 120 acres of Capability Brown parkland within the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, and with a great team of staff and volunteers waiting to welcome you, Compton Verney is a unique day out for your group. During your visit you can stroll around our parkland with its accessible and restored pathways and enjoy our six permanent collections of art from around the world. Your visit will start with a free introductory talk, when your group will discover how Compton Verney went from a stately home to derelict estate and was then rescued and transformed into the gallery you see today. How long should we stay? To get the most from your visit we suggest that you allow at least three hours. However, if you have less time, we suggest you take advantage of one of our dedicated group tours. Why should we visit? Perfect for the art or culture lover Beautiful and tranquil grounds Welcoming and knowledgeable team Easy access throughout Tasty food, locally sourced and prepared on site Fantastic shop with a special discount on most items for groups. What does your admission include? Free welcome talk Priority admission Free parking Free organiser ticket (1 per group) Itineraries Here s a few suggestions on what you can do with your day at Compton Verney. We know our local area really well, so for longer stays, we can advise you on other places to visit. All day Half day 10.45am Arrival 2pm Arrival 11.15am Tour of exhibition or collection 2.30pm Tour of exhibition or collection 12.30pm Lunch in the Adam Hall 3.30pm Cream tea in Adam Hall 1.45pm Free time to enjoy the gallery, park and shop 4pm Free time to enjoy the park and shop 4pm Depart 5pm Depart Travelling north to south, east to west or vice-versa? Located just off the M40, we re the perfect place for a pit stop along the way. 3
2018 Exhibitions Ravilious and Co 17 March 10 June This exhibition of the artist and designer Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) explores the significant relationships and working collaborations between Ravilious and an important group of friends and affiliates. The works on show represent the wide range of media in which the artists worked, from watercolours to woodcuts, lithographic prints, book jackets and illustrations, patterned papers, and wallpaper and fabric design and includes work by Paul and John Nash and Enid Marx. Featuring many of Ravilious key works, this exhibition focuses on moments when the lives, work and careers of this group of contemporaries coincided, such as their time at the Royal College of Art, London and at Furlongs and Newhaven in Sussex, and their various roles in the Second World War. Curated by Andy Friend and the Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne Created in Conflict: British Soldier Art from the Crimean War to Today 17 March 10 June Explore the subject of creativity in conflict featuring artwork made by British Armed Forces personnel from the Crimean War to the present day. Those at war have long used art as one way of staying in touch with home and sharing at least part of the experience of war with loved ones. This insightful exhibition will showcase the incredible diversity, resourcefulness and beauty of art produced in war time, including work made by soldiers in the trenches during WWI, handmade patchwork quilts from uniforms, oil paintings depicting the arrival of parcels from home during the Crimean War, and toys produced by convalescing soldiers. Art made by military personnel could also be used for propaganda purposes, and Created In Conflict: British Soldier Art from the Crimean War to Today considers the unsettling effects of such objects which can make us feel both better and worse about war. The exhibition will also feature creative collaborations between veterans and contemporary artists. The Marvellous Mechanical Museum 30 June - 30 September A highy entertaining and visually stunning exhibition featuring historic and contemporary automata and kinetic art. Utilising illusion and mechanics to mimic or extend human qualities and actions, these fascinating machines are often borne out of political or social circumstances, and can be seen to comment upon humanity as well as the minds of their makers. Starting with the creations of the 18th century, often referred to as the golden era of automata, this exhibition explores how these objects captured the imaginations of makers, wealthy patrons and the general public alike. Visitors will also learn about range of literary creations mechanical, virtual, or in the case of Frankenstein s monster, those created through electrochemistry. Rodney Peppé s World of Invention 30 June - 30 September Enter the joyful world of Rodney Peppé s wonderful creations: from moving mechanical toys to a host of timeless characters in his illustrated books. This exhibition will offer a fascinating insight into Rodney Peppé s creative career as a model maker, children s author and artist. Often creating magnificent models from household rubbish, Peppé s sense of humour and huge imagination will transport visitors to a magical world where an old boot can become a mansion for mice or a simple basket can take to the air as a nifty flying machine. Pull the string, twist the lever, spin the wheel and something wonderful will happen! Whistler and Nature 20 October 16 December Based on new research this exhibition re-examines Whistler s work in the context of his family s army background and his own training as a military mapmaker, both of which shaped Whistler s attitude towards nature. In this revealing new exhibition, their influence can be seen in works - ranging from his celebrated London Nocturnes to his American and French coastal and pastoral scenes and ensured that his singular vison remained underpinned by his enduring kinship with the makers of railroads, bridges and ships, the cornerstones of Victorian wealth and trade. 4 5
The Park The Park and Collections Compton Verney s park was re-landscaped by the famous Lancelot Capability Brown in 1772 and many of his typical features such as planting, Ice-house and serpentine lake still exist. Following funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we are delighted to be able to tell the story of Britain s most famous Landscaper and his work in our park. Take a wander along restored footpaths and be inspired by our unique, Brown-designed Chapel which has been fully restored to its former glory. Plus, discover an array of wildlife with a boardwalk through our wilderness area, dip for fish and water insects at the dipping platform (no need to get your toes wet!) and look out for the Kingfishers, Grebes and Herons with a visit to the bird hide. Group tours Make your day extra special with one of our tours. These will be organised to fit your itinerary and will be exclusive to your group. Collection highlights This tour focuses on selected works from each of our six permanent collections. You will find out the history behind the works and gain a broad overview of our collections. This is perfect for first time visitors and those who prefer a formal introduction to Compton Verney. Exhibition Each exhibition has its own unique tour, but we don t use scripts! Instead our guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and deliver each tour with a light touch to entertain and fascinate your group. Exhibition tours are not available during the first week of each show. Park Discover the history of our park from medieval settlement to art gallery. This tour enables you to take in the Capablity Brown landscape whilst learning about the past inhabitants, designs for the grounds, ancient trees and a multitude of wildlife. Weather dependent All tours last approx one hour. Introducing our Collections Compton Verney is home to six diverse collections of nationally and internationally significant art from around the world: Paintings and objects from Naples during the Golden Age of Baroque Art (1600 1800). Exquisitely carved sculptures by artists such as Tilman Riemenschneider seen alongside panel paintings by Cranach and Schongauer in the collection of Northern European art from 1450 1650. The British Portraits collection features portraits of Tudor Royals and important figures from the Georgian period. Bronzes and pottery in our Chinese collection, dating from between the Neolithic period (about 4500 2000 BC) and Ming Dynasty (1368 1644). The UK s largest collection of British Folk Art objects and paintings, made as everyday objects by everyday people. Objects of inspiration and original textile designs by Enid Marx in our Marx-Lambert collection. Marx was most famous for her fabric designs for the London Underground in the 1930s. Women s Library This exciting reinterpretation, developed jointly with Oxford University, reimagines the original Women s Library which was created in around 1860 by the Mistress of Compton Verney, Georgiana Verney, wife of the reclusive 17th Lord Willoughby de Broke. Georgiana was an enthusiastic champion of women s reading, women s education and ultimately, women s suffrage and we invite visitors to sit down, learn about Georgiana, the history of the room, and about what women read in the late Victorian era. Visitors can also browse through a range of literature chosen by six guest curators and can even buy any - or all - of their book choices in the gift shop. Shopping at Compton Verney No visit is complete without a trip to the shop. From postcards and cards to gifts and mementos, handbags and ties to books and prints, our ranges are constantly changing to reflect the exhibition programme and seasons. We offer groups an exclusive discount on purchases and all proceeds from the shop directly support the upkeep of the gallery and park. 6 7
Pre-booked catering Booking form Please detach and return to Group Bookings, Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ. For your convenience we have a great catering offer for your group. We recommend that you pre-book catering to ensure that your group can eat together at a time that suits your itinerary. Please note that if you choose not to pre-book, we cannot guarantee seating will be available for your group in the Compton Kitchen. Your details Group name Title First name Surname Address Morning coffee Postcode 2.95 Start your day with freshly made coffee or tea and a home-baked cookie. Lunch Telephone (daytime) Email Please add me to your emailing list 10.95 Enjoy a selection of homemade sandwiches and sausage rolls served with artisan crisps and jugs of iced water. Finish with a fresh fruit platter and freshly brewed tea and coffee. Add a cake platter Your visit Date of visit Arrival time Departure time Mobile number for day of visit 2 per head Afternoon tea We are arriving by: 5.95 Why not finish your day off with a traditional treat of tea or coffee served with a large homemade scone, cream and jam (we ll leave you to decide if it should be cream or jam first ). Drinks packages Add a soft drink for 2 per head or one of our house red or white wines for 5 per head. Coach Advantages of pre-booking: Guarantees eating together at a time of your choice Private dining in The Adam Hall or Controls the cost for your group F uss-free on the day as everything is ordered in advance Car Price Per Head Ticket Type Old Servants Hall* Hot lunch or festive menus available upon request. mailing list Exhibition, collection, park and tour 12 Collection, park and tour 10 Exhibition, collection and park 9 Collection and park 7 Additional tour 3 Coach driver/group leader (1 per group) Number Required Total FREE E fficient yet friendly service that fits into * if available TOTAL! your itinerary. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements Tour type (please tick one) 3 Exhibition Collection highlights Park Preferred tour time How did you hear about us Payment will be for numbers confirmed for 14 days in advance. 8 9
Catering order form How to book Item Nos. req Price per head Total Time requested Morning coffee 2.95 Lunch 10.95 Cake Platter 2 Drinks Package Soft Drink 2 Red or White Wine 5 Cream Tea 5.95 Total: All details, including final numbers and catering orders must be confirmed 14 days in advance and will be charged accordingly. Payment for admission and catering can be made in advance by cheque (made payable to Compton Verney House Trust) or by debit/credit card by calling 01926 645516. Refunds are not available. Please call or email to check availability Bookings must be made at least one month in advance Bookings must be confirmed in writing using the booking form from this guide or the online form which is available from www.comptonverney.org.uk/ plan-your-visit/groups We ll confirm your booking in writing on receipt of your form Final details, including numbers, must be confirmed 14 days before your visit. If you have questions, please contact Emily on: Group Bookings, Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ T. 01926 645 516 E. groupbookings@comptonverney.org.uk The most beautiful place!! Trip Advisor August 2016 Booking terms and conditions: A great place to visit - the grounds are stunning and the exhibitions are always worth exploring. It never disappoints. Trip Advisor June 2017! Early arrival before the Park opens at 10.30am by pre-arrangement only. Admission prices are discounted concessionary rates and no further discounts are available. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A single payment is required to qualify for group rates. All details, including final numbers and catering orders must be confirmed 14 days in advance and will be charged accordingly. Payment for admission and catering can be made in advance by cheque (made payable to Compton Verney House Trust) or by debit/credit card by calling 01926 645516. Invoicing available upon request. No refunds are applicable. 10 11
Visitor information Parking and access How to get here From the main car park there is a ten minute walk to the Gallery. Please let us know if any of your group have mobility difficulties and we will arrange transport to the Gallery. By road Compton Verney is situated 9 miles south east of Stratford-upon-Avon on the B4086 between Wellesbourne and Kineton and is 10 minutes drive from the M40 junction 12. Please follow the brown signs. If your party is arriving in individual cars and meeting at Compton Verney there is disabled parking in the main car park and limited spaces at the front of the gallery for blue badge holders. You can also drop visitors off at the Gallery. Large-print guides, portable seating and wheelchairs are available. Assistance dogs are welcome. The building is fully accessible throughout with lifts to all floors. Disabled toilets are also available on all floors. By rail Nearest stations are Leamington Spa, Banbury or Stratford, approx 25 minute drive from each. For further details of train times www.chilternrailways.co.uk Approx driving times from: Stratford 20 mins Warwick Banbury 20 mins B ham Airport 45 mins 20 mins Birmingham 45 mins Oxford 50 mins Northampton 1hr Cheltenham 1hr London 1hr 40 mins Cambridge 1hr 50 mins Bath 1hr 50 mins Heathrow 1hr 50 mins Gatwick 2hr 30 mins Liverpool 2hr 15 mins 40 M A46 Free coach parking is provided in the main car park. Coaches cannot drop off at the Gallery owing to weight restrictions on the Adam Bridge. A shuttle service is available. Coventry Warwick Leamington Spa A4 Southam 25 Birmingham 15 B4 45 5 14 A429 6 13 08 A4 12 A42 Wellesbourne B4086 00 B41 Stratfordupon-Avon 3 B4 A46 7 Edinburgh W ay Fo sse Stratford-upon-Avon Cheltenham Cardiff Bath Coventry Warwick Compton Verney Oxford Cambridge B40 86 A42 2 Banbury 40 Birmingham Kineton M Liverpool 11 Oxford & London London Sept 2016