Attingham Park, Atcham is one of only two National Trust properties in the country to host ‘7 Days’ of special events from Saturday 1 to Sunday 7 September. The fabulous week will be an exclusive opportunity for visitors to meet many of the Trust’s experts and specialists, see them in action and to ask as many questions as you like. From National curators and conservators to biodiversity teams, archaeologists and woodland experts to book, paper, paintings and housekeeping experts.
Catherine Turnbull, Engagement and Conservation Manager at Attingham enthuses ‘We are thrilled to be part of this special event that takes our ethos of doing all our conservation work, both inside and outside, in front of our visitors, to another level. This is the first time that we will have as many specialists working in front of our visitors to Attingham at any one time.’
She continues ‘We have designed the week so that there is a range of things to see and do, from the in-depth talks and lectures in the daily talks tent to the odd informal conversation. You can meet the teams in situ in the mansion’s Library, Silver Vaults and Picture Gallery, the Walled Garden and spread throughout the Parkland. We also have arranges some fun, action packed activities over the weekend so that you can see Attingham from a different perceptive; such as canoeing on the River Turn, zorbing on the paddock pool and climbing to the top of the walled garden wall.’
So what is happening?
Each day of the week will be themed. We have a downloadable itinerary so that you can plan your week.
Saturday and Sunday: Attingham from a Different Perspective
Experience Attingham in a different way over the weekend. Look through our experts eyes, look at Attingham from different angles, from on the top of the walled garden, from the river, from a zorb in the middle of a pond. This fun weekend can be fun yet informative and is for everyone.
Monday: From Plot to Plate – meet our gardening teams, advisors and beekeepers
Tuesday: Love and Neglect – see how we love and care for our collections. Meet experts in paintings, stonework, textiles, photographs and how we protect them from bugs and pests.
Wednesday: Embark on your Grand Tour – how did the Grand Tours shape our country houses? Meet our experts who have great knowledge and passion for our collections of books, paper, silver, paintings and furniture.
Thursday: Wild and Managed – meet the countryside teams who will be in the depths of the park, woodland and farmland. Meet specialists in ancient woodland, farming, flora and fauna and rivers and wetland management.
Friday: Attingham Re-discovered Goes Through the Roof – Attingham will be introducing a new chapter of the on-going project of conservation and restoration. We will be literally going through the roof! Next year we will begin essential works to a secondary roof that is protecting the 200 year old historic Picture Gallery Roof. Find out what we have done so far.
For some of the event you’ll need to book ahead:
Attingham is hosting two evenings of inspiring lectures in their grand Outer Library on Monday 3 and Wednesday 5 September. Enjoy a glass of wine and canapés on the West Colonnade overlooking the beautiful English Repton landscape prior to the lecture.
On Monday David Adshead, Head Curator of the National Trust will be presenting a lecture on Repton’s Landscapes. Humphrey Repton is one of the last great English landscape designers a was commissioned by Lord Berwick to design the beautiful Attingham parkland. Repton was well known for his ‘Red Books’ that show the most beautiful drawing of the proposed designs. Attingham’s original Red Book will be on display that evening.
On Wednesday 5 September join James Grasby, National Trust Curator as he explores and dissects the impact of the Grand Tour on our collections. This will be closest you will get to Italy without leaving the country. This fabulous lecture will fascinate you.
Both lecture evenings start at 7pm when refreshments will be served. Tickets cost £15 per person and can be purchased from the Attingham Visitor Reception or by telephone 01743 708170 (Mon to Fri).
Itineraries are available to download so that you can plan your visits at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/7days
For more details please contact attingham@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01743 708170.
Press info please contact:
Catherine on 01743 708167/07800 752407 or catherine.turnbull@nationaltrust.org.uk
OR Jo Mason on 01743 708194 or jo.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk
Where else is it happening?
As well as the 7 Days at Attingham, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire is also hosting a week’s programme of activities and events, including a headline debates and question times. What do our experts think of access v conservation?
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