Monday 21 November 2011 – National Gallery, Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition

The full title is “Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan”, and the most complete collection of his rare surviving paintings are brought together in an unprecedented exhibition.  Many international loans have never before been seen inBritainand the show also features a near contemporary full scale copy of the Last Supper which is accompanied by all its surviving preparatory drawings. Although tickets have been selling fast for this special exhibition since May, we have managed to pre-book a limited number and also arranged a lecture for our members to precede your entry.  Make your own way to London.

For more information on the exhibition, please click here.

Wednesday 7 Dec 2011 – Behind the Scenes at The Pitt Rivers Museum

We are lucky in Oxford to have some world class museums, including the Pitt Rivers.  This visit gives us a chance to find out something of the history of this museum and to look back stage at the work of the conservation studio and to meet one of the curators.  Make your own way to the museum.

For more information on the Pitt Rivers Museum, please click here.

Thursday 5 Jan & Wednesday 1 Feb 2012 – A Painting and Portrait Tour in Oxford

A walking tour with Alistair Lack. Oxford University houses many gems of paintings such as ‘The Light of the World’ to less well known ones such as Sutherland and Jim Dine portraits.  This tour takes us through several colleges including the Examinations School,University College and Christ Church to discover some of these hidden masterpieces.

Wednesday 7 March 2012 – Legal London

Travel by coach to London to explore the historic Inns of Court and hear about the architecture and the history, traditions and peculiar practices of English Law. In the morning a walking tour to visit Middle and Inner Temples, the mediaeval Middle Temple Hall where Shakespeare performed and barristers still dine, and the Royal Courts of Justice.  After lunch on Fleet Street and time to visit a court room, a short coach tour and a stroll through Lincoln’s Inn.

Wednesday 25 April 2012 – Houses and Gardens in Warwickshire

Travel by coach to Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton.  16th century Packwood House was extensively restored in the 20th century but contains a fine collection of 16th century textiles and furniture.  The gardens have renowned herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews.  A moated manor house was probably established at Baddesley Clinton in the 13th century.   The present house, home to the Ferrars family for 500 years, is an atmospheric house surrounded by delightful gardens.

For more information on Packwood House, please click here.
For more information on Baddesley Clinton, please click here.

Thursday 5 July 2012 – Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor Group and rosesThis is a chance to explore in depth the life of William Morris during his time at Kelmscott.  The day will start with lunch at the Manor followed by a talk and guided tour.  Nearby Selsby Church is also worth a visit.  Make your own way to Kelmscott.

For more information on Kelmscott Manor, please click here.

Tuesday 14 August 2012 – A Millennium of Art and Architecture in Chichester

A coach trip to visit Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House.  Founded in 1075,  Chichester Cathedral  has fine architecture in both Norman and Gothic styles, an unusual (for England) 15th century freestanding bell-tower and treasures that reflect its whole history.  The 18th century Pallant House and its 21st century extension houses one of the best collections of 20th century British Art in the world.  Peter Blake will be the subject of a special exhibition at the time of our visit.

For more information on Chicester Cathedral, please click here.
For more information on Pallant House, please click here.

Wednesday 12 September 2012 – Windsor Castle and the Savill Garden

Saville GardenBy coach to Windsor to explore the world’s largest occupied castle with a history spanning 1000 years. Visit the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Drawings Gallery. Transfer to the Savill Gardens to enjoy lunch in the award winning Savill Building, visit the art gallery and wander at your leisure around one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens.

For more information on Windsor Castle, please click here.
For more information on the Savill Garden, please click here.