MENU PREVIOUS VISITS
× Home Our Society Lectures Visits Special Interest Days News Diary Volunteering Gallery Web Page Links Contact Us


Click here for future visits

 

Monday, 27 April 2026
Report on the visit to Champs Hill

Champs Hill visit Monday 27 April 2026

A group of 19 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful visit to two places of interest near Pulborough, West Sussex, enhanced by exceptionally good weather.

Travelling by coach, the first stop was St Botolph’s Church, Hardham. This church is a Grade 1 listed building and it contains the earliest nearly complete series of wall paintings in England. Dating from the 12th century, they were hidden from view until uncovered in 1866. The simple church building has seen little alteration and also has an ancient bell. We were given an introductory talk covering the history of the building, techniques used in making the paintings and the images and stories depicted. 

After an excellent al fresco lunch at The Labouring Man pub nearby, we travelled the very short distance to Champs Hill - the home of the Bowerman Trust -where the owner Mary Bowerman gave us a short talk. We were then able to preview the Art of the Newlyn School travelling exhibition before it leaves for a two-year national tour. This features 40 of the best paintings from their extensive collection, including those by Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley and Dame Laura Knight. We then stepped outside into the sunshine to explore the extensive and beautiful grounds before we headed for home.

If you are interested in visiting the Champs Hill exhibition as an individual, it is open between 16-18 and 23-25 June. You can check their website for further information:  www.thebct.org.uk

Juliet Penfold, Visits Organiser 


Thursday, 05 February 2026
Eastleigh College lunch

Members and friends of the Society once again enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch at the East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College School of Hospitality and Catering. The meal was prepared and served by the students.


Wednesday, 01 October 2025
Visit to Petworth House and the new Turner Exhibition

A group of 16 enjoyed a visit to Petworth House. Julie Penfold, visits secretary commented, "We visited the Turner's Vision at Petworth special exhibition to mark his 250th anniversary. Beautiful paintings, particularly the watercolours. We had an introductory talk in the main house which put the paintings in context and explained Turner's connection with Petworth. We were also able to view some of the rooms in the house which are used by the family and not usually open to the public. We enjoyed the grounds as well and the spectacular autumn colours.".

A visit to Petworth House, travelling by 19 seater coach from Chandler's Ford and including an introductory talk about the new exhibition: Turner's vision at Petworth.

________________________________________________

For the first time in 20 years, a specially curated selection of JMW Turner’s artistic studies of Petworth will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. These rarely seen works give a fascinating insight into Turner’s methods. The exhibition will include oil paintings and works on paper on loan from The Tate Gallery and several private lenders.

There is also a lot more for us to explore at Petworth, including the main house, the servants' quarters and the pleasure gardens.

Time permitting, you will also have the opportunity to visit the small town of Petworth, with its shops and cafés.

We will meet at the Fryern Hill bus stop in Chandler's Ford to be picked up by coach at 9:15 am. This is the stop ouside the Co op shop and Josie's café.  Journey time to Petworth is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

On arrival, we will have time to visit the café before our introductory talk. You will then have time to spend in the Turner exhibition and of course to visit the main house, grounds and town, as you wish.

Schedule for the day:

9:15 meet the coach in Chandler's Ford.

10:35 approximately arrive Petworth

11:30 introductory talk to the Turner's Vision at Petworth exhibition

Afternoon free to visit the main house, grounds etc

16:00 Leave Petworth

17:20 approximately return to Chandler's Ford

The cost of the coach will be £32.50  per person plus a small booking fee.

National Trust members will have free entry to Petworth. Please remember to bring your membership card.


Monday, 28 July 2025
A morning visit to Longford Castle with free time in Salisbury

A special trip to Longford Castle and Salisbury: Monday 28th July, I0.30am -1pm followed by a visit to Salisbury in the afternoon. 

This visit is organsied and shared with FoSMAG (Friends of Southampton’s Museums Archives and Galleries).

Longford Castle, home of the Earl of Radnor, dates back to the Elizabethan age and is still a private home with limited access to the public. Its art collection, full of grand master paintings, would make most major galleries sigh in envy.

You will have a guided tour by an Arts Society lecturer to see works by Gainsborough, Teniers, Claude, Holbein, Reynolds, Van Dyck, Rubens and more, as well as the fine furniture collection and the garden. The afternoon is free for a visit to Salisbury.

Travel by Coach: £50 per person.

The coach starts in Hedge End with pick up points in Southampton. It will take you to Salisbury after the castle tour where you can have lunch (or picnic) with free time.

Travel by car: £25 per person. Drive yourself to the castle; arrive by 10.15 am latest.

For more information on payment /to book a place email Jenny Leonard  membership@fosmag.org.uk or text 07875 130 192 with your name, telephone number, mode of travel and number of places required.


Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill

Visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill

Wednesday 25th June 2025 

Another successful trip enjoyed by 22 members and friends who were tWhitchurch Silk Mill is a working museum which preserves traditional heritage silk weaving skills, weaving on looms that date back to the 1890s. By weaving exclusive fabrics for today's luxury market, the Mill is securing the future of the methods, skills, traditions and knowledge that have existed there since 1815.

Our visit will include tea/ coffee and biscuits on arrival at 10:30am and a light lunch.

We will have a guided tour to include the waterwheel and Mill building with its Victorian machinery.

We will also have the opportunity to visit the Riches to Ribbons exhibition which showcases the stunning collection of silk ribbons woven in a creative collaboration with Jane Austen's House at Chawton.

The cost of the visit will be £24.50 plus a small booking fee. This includes all refreshments, group entry plus the guided tour.

Participants will need to make their own way to the Whitchurch Silk Mill. 

Juliet Penfold

Visits Secretary


Saturday, 08 February 2025
Lunch at Eastleigh College

Lunch at Eastleigh College

Thursday 8/2/25 

Around 25 diners enjoyed a scrumptious 3-course meal prepared by students at Eastleigh College. This is a popular annual event organsied by the visits secretary Juliet Penfold.

 


Saturday, 08 February 2025
Lunch at Eastleigh College

Lunch at Eastleigh College

Thursday 8/2/25 

Around 25 diners enjoyed a scrumptious 3-course meal prepared by students at Eastleigh College. This is a popular annual event organsied by the visits secretary Juliet Penfold.

 


Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Visit to the Russell-Cotes House, Bournemouth

Join us for a visit to Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes House, museum and art gallery - a Grade II* listed building and former residence of a Victorian private collector. The house reflects Moorish, Japanese and French decorative styles and provides a beautiful setting for the extensive collection of artefacts, furnishings, sculpture and paintings.

Visitors will be treated to a private tour of areas of the museum not usually open to the public, including rooms which were guest bedrooms and the servants' quarters.

Schedule for the day: 11:15 meet at Russell-Cotes reception 11:30 guided tours begin 12:30 - 1:00 guided tours end and time for lunch; there is a café at the House.

At the time of our visit there will also be two additional exhibitions for us toenjoy: Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place and Picturesque Poole.

Your afternoon is free to visit the rest of the house and collections. The museum closes at 5pm.

Cost: £21.50 plus a small booking fee.

Participants will need to make their own way to the Russell-Cotes Museum. The nearest car park is Bath Road South BH1 2EW

To book: go to the Homepage of our website and click on the Ticketsource logo.Booking will close on Wednesday 23rd October 2024.

Any queries please email Juliet Penfold, Visits Secretary, via Ticketsourcesouthampton@gmail.com


Wednesday, 19 October 2022
Visit Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury (by coach)

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust. It is home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

 As well as entry to the House, there are several free exhibitions including: Edmund de Waal, Gainsborough: The Pink Boy, the Rothschild Treasury and Alice's Wonderland ( an exhibtion about Alice Rothschild)  and a 45-minute guided garden walk at 2.30. Book these on the Waddesdon Manor website: https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on  We are also advised to book the restaurant but there is a cafe.

We will leave Southampton at 9am and return by 6pm with pick up points up the Avenue. Please make it clear on Ticketsource where you wish to be picked up.

The cost will be £49 (plus booking fee) unless you are a member of the National Trust, RHS, Art Pass or Historic Houses, when it will be £28 (plus booking fee) to cover the cost of the coach. Please choose the correct ticket type on Ticketsource and ensure you bring your Membership Card with you on the day. We will need to see evidence of tickets bought on the day. You can book directly with Ticketsource or by clicking on the ‘Book Events’ button on the Home Page this website.

Please book before 5 October 

Queries? : email Hilary Edge on ticketsourcesouthampton@gmail.com or ring 07961005699.

 

 

 


Thursday, 07 July 2022
Visit Tate Britain for the Walter Sickert Exhibition

Travel by coach to Tate Britain for a special Walter Sickert Exhibition and discover boundary- pushing paintings by one of Britain’s most influential artists. This is the first major retrospective of Sickert at Tate in over 60 years.

 The visit includes:

• Tea and coffee on arrival

• One -hour introductory exhibition lecture with an expert Tate speaker in a private room, exploring the exhibitions' themes and in-depth analysis of key works.  

• Buffet lunch

• Timed tickets to the exhibition.

 Cost and booking via Ticket Source bookig link on home page 


Wednesday, 11 May 2022
Visit Eltham Palace and Gardens

 

Explore 19 acres of award-winning gardens and step inside the striking Art Deco mansion.  May is a perfect time to see the ornamental cherry trees in the recently restored Japanese gardens. 

Once a favoured medieval palace and then a Tudor royal residence, Eltham Palace was transformed by eccentric millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld.  Discover the Courtauld’s extravagant lifestyle as you explore their stylish home which incorporates original medieval features into an otherwise ultra-modern 1930s design.

The intriguing mix of historical features continues in the captivating grounds. Admire stunning herbaceous borders and planting and relax in the Rock Garden with its series of pools and cascades running down to the picturesque moat. Cross London's oldest working bridge and admire views of the house from the lawn. With plenty of wide-open spaces, it's the perfect place to take in the fresh air, relax and play.

Travel will be by coach. Cost soon to be confirmed. If you are an English Heritage member, the price will be reduced.

A few places left for visit excluding tour of the house. See our Homepage to book. 

 

 


Friday, 21 January 2022
Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College

Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College

Friday 21st January 2021 at 11.45am.

 Join us for a fine dining experience staffed by students studying Hospitality & Catering at Eastleigh College. Restaurant.  It will cost £13.50 for 3 courses. Drinks including coffee or tea should be paid at the bar on the day.  This opportunity is open to members and visitors who may bring guests.

 We need to pre-book our meals and there is a range of choices on offer. The menu is on this website to download or view – look for documents under the “Our Society” tab.

 Please email your menu choices as soon as possible to ticketsourcesouthampton.org.uk so we can inform the College. Also, please inform us of any food allergies you may have.

Book your places via Ticketsource - see ‘Book tickets’ which is on the home page of this website.

 If you cannot use that, please get in touch with Hilary Edge by email at ticketsourcesouthampton@gmail.com or 07961 005699 to arrange another method of payment.

 There is limited parking in the Car Park at the rear of the college but more parking is available in an overflow car park on Desborough Road & other streets nearby. The restaurant is near the back of the main building & is easily reached from either the front entrance or the car park. There is a lift.  Hilary will have her mobile with her in case of difficulty. 

 


Wednesday, 12 January 2022
New members meeting postponed

This meeting has been postponed to keep us all safe in the present Covid situation. We will contect new members when we have set a new date.


Friday, 11 June 2021
Visit Sandhill Farm to see Glorious Gardens

We have planned  a visit to Sandhill Farm on Friday 11th June starting at  2.00 pm  until  5 pm. This will be a “drive yourself” visit & members of the Arts Society Southampton will get priority. Parking is somewhat limited so please car share if you can.  Sandhill Farm is a private garden near Sherfield English, four miles from Romsey, close to the River Test. Note: This trip is now full.  Contact Hilary (see email address below)if you would like to go on awaiting list. 

Booking: The cost is £10 per person (plus a small booking fee) which includes tea/coffee and cake. Please book your ticket through Ticketsource – you will see the icon ‘Book tickets’ on the home page of this website.

For Android Users: We been made aware there may be a problem using the link .There is an alternative means to buy a ticket for the visit by going directly to the purchase page at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-arts-society-southampton

 If you cannot book by TicketSource, please get in touch with Hilary Edge by email at ticketsourcesouthampton@gmail.com or 0779-61005699 and we can arrange another method of payment.


Andy McIndoe and his wife Ros own the farm which is open to groups by appointment. Started from scratch fifteen years ago, the garden is naturalistic in style, with an extensive wildflower meadow and informal planting. The emphasis is on foliage to provide colour and texture.

 Andy has designed and advised on gardens of all sizes and was responsible for the Hillier Gold Medal winning exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower for 25 years. A regular contributor to magazines, newspapers and BBC Radio, Andy lectures widely at home and abroad.

 


Thursday, 29 April 2021
Virtual Tour of the Island of Murano in Venice to meet a world to meet a Renowned Glass Artist

Thursday 29 April at 11.00 am to 12.15 Cost £8 

Our guide for this visit is Luisello Romeo & we start at the square of Santi Maria e San Donato and will  observe the magnificent church . She will tell the story of the island as it became a glass industrial district in 1291. Then she will take the waterbus and show you other parts of the island while on the boat and get off at the canal of the glass workers, show us the traditional windows of Venini and Barovier and then walk to the studio of Lino Tagliapietra, who is a glass artist renowned through the world from this island. The time spent in the studio is around 30 minutes.

 Mr Lino, who, although already 85 years old, is such an amazing artist that he flew to Venice from his home in the United States at the outbreak of Coronavirus & has “warned" his family and announced that , as soon as it’s possible, he will fly back to Seattle! So we will be lucky to have him on our trip. 

Pay by sending £8 to our bank account at Nat West : account number 34552936, sort code 60-20-30

Then email info@theartssocietysouthampton.org.uk  

 

 

 

 

 

Members & Vistors on our email list will receive details by email. 

Anybody wanting to be included on these lists should email us at :

info@southamptonartssociety.org.uk


Wednesday, 17 March 2021
The Mosaics of Ravenna: For the Glory of Kings, Emperors and Empresses

17 March at 11.00 am  The Mosaics of Ravenna: For the Glory of Kings, Emperors and Empresses

In 402AD Ravenna became the capital of the Western Roman Empire and continued to prosper under Ostrogoth and then Byzantine rule.This past eminence left Ravenna with a legacy of richly decorated early Christian buildings, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage site status. This lecture will explore some of these buildings and their magnificent mosaics: The octagonal church of San Vitale, home of the celebrated portrait panels of the emperor Justinian I and his wife, the notorious empress Theodora; the basilica church of S. Apollinare Nuovo decorated with spectacular processions of male and female saints, and with surprising evidence of its past life as the palace chapel of Ostrogoth King Theodoric; the basilica church of S. Apollinare in Classe featuring a magical starry sky apse mosaic; and the exquisite mosaic decoration of the cruciform oratory of imperial princess Galla Placidia, with its inspiring mosaics against a heavenly blue background.

This lecture will take place live on-line at 11 am on Wednesday 17th March but will be available as a recording for 2 days if you would like to watch at a different time.

To Join: 
All Arts Society Southampton members, visitors and friends are invited to join us on this virtual tour. If you like to join in, send your payment of £6 via bank transfer not later than Tuesday 16th March giving your name as the reference, to:

Name: The Arts Society Southampton
Sort Code: 602003
Account Number: 34552936

Then, email us at info@theartssocietysouthampton.org.uk we will send you the Zoom link to the talk. The link to the recording will be sent out after the talk.
This event has been organised by the Arts Society Romsey who are kindly collaborating with us. 

About the speaker

Dr Helen Rufus-Ward is an art historian with a BA, MA and PHD from the University of Sussex.  She has published on Late Antique and Byzantine ivory carvings and 19th century collecting.  Since 2007 Helen has worked as a university lecturer.   Helen holds a Higher Education Academy teaching qualification, and is a member of the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies and is the Chairman of Eastbourne Arts Circle.

 


Friday, 28 August 2020
Visit to Roche Court New Art Centre Sculpture Park

In May 2018 our society had a successful visit to Roche Court sculpture park, located between Stockbridge and Salisbury. As well as the outdoor sculptures there are currently 2 temporary exhibitions - Barbara Hepworth's polished bronzes and an exhibition about textiles. It is a suitable place to visit in the current situation as much of the visit would be a guided tour of the outdoor sculptures.

 We are arranging a  visit on Friday 28 August 2020.  The cost would be £10 with an additional £5 for tea and cake at the end of the visit. You would need to make your own way there by 1.45. The visit would last until 4pm.

Please email hilaryedge2013@gmail.com by Weds 12 Aug at the latest if you are interested in going. 

This is fully booked at the moment but we are taking names for a waiting list. 
 

 


Thursday, 09 July 2020
Visit to Eltham Palace near Greenwich - This visit is postponed.

A society visit to Eltham Palace & Gardens  S.E. London to allow us to take advantage of the extensive gardens. 

Once a medieval palace & later a Tudor royal residence, Eltham Palace was transformed into a striking Art Deco mansion by eccentric millionaires, Stephen & Virginia Courtauld. 

Details of this visit will be on this website at a later date when the present situation is over.  

 


Thursday, 21 November 2019
Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College

Join us for a fine dining experience staffed by students studying Hospitality & Catering at Eastleigh College in the East Avenue Restaurant.  It will cost £12.00 for 3 courses.  There will be a choice of dishes & we will need your selection in advance.

 This opportunity is open to members and visitors who may bring guests.

 Download a booking form & the menu. Look under the “Our Society” tab. Scroll down to “Documents” 

You can pay by cheque or cash at our November lecture or by bank transfer. 

 We will confirm your place & provide a venue map by email or at a society meeting.


Thursday, 29 August 2019
Visit to Longford Castle

 

We are lucky to have been granted one of only 8 tours per year to the impressive Longford Castle near Salisbury. Longford Castle is partly Elizabethan and partly Victorian but much of its splendour dates from the 18th century.  It is the home of the Earl of Radnor whose ancestors collected many of the paintings on display. Longford has a special relationship with the National Gallery to curate the priceless paintings. www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-longford-castle.

The visit will be from 10.30 to 12.30. Afterwards we can stroll in the gardens. In the afternoon we will go into Salisbury for lunch and to visit the city. We will provide suggestions for this later.

As there are limited places (25), and this is likely to be a popular trip we are limiting it to members only. To be fair we will pull names out of a hat after the May lecture.

The application form can be downloaded from this website. See the “Our Society” Tab & scroll down to “Documents”

If you are unable to download the form, contact Hilary Edge, Visits Organiser.

07961 005699       hilaryedge2013@gmail.com 


Thursday, 23 May 2019
Trip to Paul Getty's Library in Wormsley

We are very privileged to have been granted one of only 6 discounted visits per year to the impressive and unique library of books collected by Sir Paul Getty in the Wormsley Estate near High Wycombe. The theme of the library is the Art of the Book, as expressed through printing, illustration, illumination, calligraphy and bookbinding. Highlights of the collection include rich and vivid medieval illuminated manuscripts dating from the 12th - 15th centuries, the first edition of Caxton’s printing of The Canterbury Tales, Anne Boleyn’s psalter, the first folio of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, and a 7th century fragment which lays claim to be the earliest English manuscript. There are also numerous important bibles, prayer books and maps.

On the way we will be stopping in the pretty Chiltern village of Skirmett for lunch at the Frog pub or alternatively you can bring a packed lunch. Please note that there is 150 yards to walk from the coach drop-off to the library and garden.

As there are limited places and this is likely to be a popular trip, to be fair we will pull names out of a hat at the end of February.

Click here for application form:

http://www.theartssocietysouthampton.org.uk/DocumentStore/Wormsley%20application%20form%20for%20web.pdf


Thursday, 31 January 2019
Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant , Eastleigh College

Join us for lunch at Eastleigh College at 12pm on Thursday 31st January 2019.  The cost is £10 per person for a 3 course lunch with a choice of menu options. Members & friends who came with us for a meal at the college last year found it a very enjoyable time with delicious food. 

To reserve a place, download a form under the "Our Society" tab .  

Details of venue & parking will be given to you later.

 


Monday, 19 November 2018
Visit to Winchester College Treasury

No charge but a donation of £5 per person is suggested

Meet at the Treasury at 2pm

 The Winchester College Treasury is a stunning medieval building, converted from a 14th century stable block filled with the most beautiful of the College’s collections of art & archaeology. The tour will be given by a member of the College staff & will take an hour to an hour and a half allowing time for questions.

Meet at the College entrance at the Porters' Lodge on College Street. There is no on-site car parking. The school is an easy five-minute walk from town centre car parks and bus routes.

 Access: There is level access from College Street. The ground floor of the Treasury is accessible for wheelchair users. Owing to the historic nature of the building, there is no lift to the upper floor. There is a fully accessible toilet on the ground floor. A PARKING MAP IS ON THIS SITE under "Our Society" - scroll down to Documents 

 To book:  Sign up after the October or November lecture or by email info@theartssocietysouthampton.org.uk

 Open to family & friends.


Thursday, 31 May 2018
Visit to Roche Court Educational Trust & NewArtCentre.

Join us for a visit to Roche Court on Thursday 31st May 2018, 2-4 p.m.

It will cost £10 per person for a guided tour of the sculptures, the Artists’ House & exhibition gallery followed by tea and cakes. Roche Court is a private house between Stockbridge & Salisbury, known for the variety & quality of modern sculptures set in its gardens, woodland & open countryside. It has 2 art galleries. Your fee will help support its work with young people.

We hope members with cars will offer lifts to others. Download a booking form from this site by clicking on “Our Society ” tab & scrolling down to “Documents” or collect one at our meetings. Closing date for booking: 10th April. 


Monday, 19 February 2018
The Shadow Factory - new play set in Southampton Blitz

We have reduced price tickets available for:

The opening show of the Nuffield City Theatre in Guildhall Square

The Shadow Factory

Monday 19th February at 7.30 pm

 

Autumn 1940. The Battle of Britain rages.

Southampton is home to our only hope of victory: the Spitfire

But when the Luftwaffe drops 2,300 bombs, the city goes up in flames and the Woolston Supermarine Spitfire factory is destroyed. From the ashes, a story of chaos, courage and community spirit emerges.

One of Britain’s greatest living playwrights, Hampshire born Howard Brenton tells the remarkable and little known story of how Southampton stepped up when the chips were down.

Cost £16.20 a Ticket – Tiered Seating 

Tickets are available from Jenny Leonard - please email to reserve tickets or

(if you do not have email ) phone 02380480929

 


Thursday, 11 May 2017
Port Out, Southampton Home: the Age of the Ocean Liner : A talk to accompany this exhibition at SeaCity Museum

 

A talk by Maria Newbery, Maritime & Local Collections Manager, about setting up this exhibition on Thursday May 11th:  2.30-3.30pm, SeaCity Museum

(please arrive by 2.15pm ) Cost: £5

The Port Out, Southampton Home exhibition at the SeaCity Museum is based on rarely seen items from the City’s Maritime Collection, including furniture & fittings from the Mauretania, Queen Mary & Q.E.2 as well as ship models, posters, menu cards & souvenirs from the great liners that called Southampton home.

We are offering a rare chance to hear all about the work that went on behind the scenes setting up this exhibition in a talk by Maria Newbery, the curator, who will give an illustrated talk about selecting, conserving & displaying all the items on show.

You then might like to have a coffee in the SeaCity Cafe & see the exhibition itself. The entrance fee for the exhibition is £3.50 for adults & £2.50 for concessions & is not included in the price of the talk.

This talk is open to SDFAS & FoSMAG members, visitors & friends. Places are limited. If you would like to come, please let us know via the "Contact Us" page on this site.

This talk is free to students & under 25's but you still need to book a place. 


Tuesday, 25 April 2017
RomseyDFAS trip to National Theatre & Courtauld Gallery

Visit backstage at the National Theatre and the Courtauld Gallery.

The NT tour offers the opportunity to see the unseen areas of the theatre and gives you a glimpse into the backstage world.

 We have booked a guided tour of the Main Gallery at the Courtauld. There is also a temporary exhibition on show at the time of our visit: “Reading Drawings”. It examines the intriguing variety of inscriptions that can be found on drawings, from artists’ signatures to casual notes and records of ownership. Featuring works by Canaletto, Corot, Signac and others this selection reveals how such annotations can shed light on the purpose, history and use of drawings.

Arrangements and Booking

We have decided that the best option for this visit is if you travel by train independently to London Waterloo from your local station. 

We shall assemble at 10.50 in the foyer of the National Theatre for a backstage tour lasting 75minutes. 

At 14.20 we shall assemble at the Courtauld Gallery for a guided tour of the main gallery lasting 1 hour. The Gallery is open until 18.00.

The price will be £23.00 per person for those without a National Art Pass  and £18.00 for those with one.

 For Details see: www.romseydfas.org.uk

 


Wednesday, 05 April 2017
NADFAS AREA VISIT TO WELLS STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP & WELLS CATHEDRAL

 A visit to see the progress on the Winchester Cathedral medieval stained glass refurbishment project to which the area and societies contributed has been arranged for Wednesday, 5th April 2017. The visit will be by coach from Winchester and will include a visit to the glass works and guided tours of the windows and textiles of the Cathedral, leaving time for us to spend more time in the Cathedral if we so wish and a visit to the Bishop’s Palace and gardens.

 Visits to the glass workshop will be limited to two groups of 12 so please indicate whether you have a particular interest in going. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate everybody but there is much to see and do in Wells.  Costs are expected to be around £30.

 The outline programme is as follows:

 8.00am:  Depart Winchester South Car Park.Tea/coffee and cake on arrival at Wells

 10.45am: Start the Cathedral tours

 12 – 1.45pm: Find own lunch

 2.00 – 4.30pm:Timed visits to the Glass workshop and an opportunity to visit the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

 5.00pm: Leave Wells

  A detailed programme will be published in early March. The eventual cost will depend on numbers but should be in the region of £30. If you are interested: please contact Janet Pooley at janet@thepooleys.plus.com

 


Friday, 03 February 2017
Evening meal at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College

Join us at 7.30 pm on Friday, 3rd February for a fine dining experience staffed by students studying Hospitality & Catering at Eastleigh College in the recently refurbished East Avenue Restaurant.  It will cost £17.50 for 4 courses with a choice of hot beverages, including coffee & tea, after the meal for an extra £1.25. The menu which offers a good choice of dishes including vegetarian options will be available in January. The restaurant has very good reviews on Trip Advisor.

For details of the restaurant:  www.eastleigh.ac.uk/about/communityfacilities

This opportunity is open to SDFAS members and visitors who may each bring one guest. If you are interested email info@southampton dfas.org or pick up a form at our December meeting. 


Friday, 17 June 2016
Study Tour: Art & Music of 17th Century Holland Organised by Test Valley DFAS. See "news" tab for more details

17th to 23rd June 2016

Click here for future visits

27 April 2026Report on the visit to Champs Hill
05 February 2026Eastleigh College lunch
01 October 2025Visit to Petworth House and the new Turner Exhibition
28 July 2025A morning visit to Longford Castle with free time in Salisbury
25 June 2025Visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill
08 February 2025Lunch at Eastleigh College
08 February 2025Lunch at Eastleigh College
20 November 2024Visit to the Russell-Cotes House, Bournemouth
19 October 2022Visit Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury (by coach)
07 July 2022Visit Tate Britain for the Walter Sickert Exhibition
11 May 2022Visit Eltham Palace and Gardens
21 January 2022Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College
12 January 2022New members meeting postponed
11 June 2021Visit Sandhill Farm to see Glorious Gardens
29 April 2021Virtual Tour of the Island of Murano in Venice to meet a world to meet a Renowned Glass Artist
17 March 2021The Mosaics of Ravenna: For the Glory of Kings, Emperors and Empresses
28 August 2020Visit to Roche Court New Art Centre Sculpture Park
09 July 2020Visit to Eltham Palace near Greenwich - This visit is postponed.
21 November 2019Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College
29 August 2019Visit to Longford Castle
23 May 2019Trip to Paul Getty's Library in Wormsley
31 January 2019Lunch at East Avenue Restaurant , Eastleigh College
19 November 2018Visit to Winchester College Treasury
31 May 2018Visit to Roche Court Educational Trust & NewArtCentre.
19 February 2018The Shadow Factory - new play set in Southampton Blitz
11 May 2017Port Out, Southampton Home: the Age of the Ocean Liner : A talk to accompany this exhibition at SeaCity Museum
25 April 2017RomseyDFAS trip to National Theatre & Courtauld Gallery
05 April 2017NADFAS AREA VISIT TO WELLS STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP & WELLS CATHEDRAL
03 February 2017Evening meal at East Avenue Restaurant, Eastleigh College
17 June 2016 Study Tour: Art & Music of 17th Century Holland Organised by Test Valley DFAS. See "news" tab for more details

Click on a row and scroll to display more details about the visit

Report on the visit to Champs Hill
Monday 27 April 2026

Champs Hill visit Monday 27 April 2026

A group of 19 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful visit to two places of interest near Pulborough, West Sussex, enhanced by exceptionally good weather.

Travelling by coach, the first stop was St Botolph’s Church, Hardham. This church is a Grade 1 listed building and it contains the earliest nearly complete series of wall paintings in England. Dating from the 12th century, they were hidden from view until uncovered in 1866. The simple church building has seen little alteration and also has an ancient bell. We were given an introductory talk covering the history of the building, techniques used in making the paintings and the images and stories depicted. 

After an excellent al fresco lunch at The Labouring Man pub nearby, we travelled the very short distance to Champs Hill - the home of the Bowerman Trust -where the owner Mary Bowerman gave us a short talk. We were then able to preview the Art of the Newlyn School travelling exhibition before it leaves for a two-year national tour. This features 40 of the best paintings from their extensive collection, including those by Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley and Dame Laura Knight. We then stepped outside into the sunshine to explore the extensive and beautiful grounds before we headed for home.

If you are interested in visiting the Champs Hill exhibition as an individual, it is open between 16-18 and 23-25 June. You can check their website for further information:  www.thebct.org.uk

Juliet Penfold, Visits Organiser