Page 20 - link magazine

20
Swirdol Wide
Grant funding secures unique picture
In his recent Channel 4 series on th e The English Church, Simon Jenkins drew the nation's attention to the Golden Cavalier at St Mary's Church,
Lydiard Tregoze. Now a painting oft he monument by one of Britain's best loved 20th Century painters, John Piper (1903 - 1992) has been acquired
by Lydiard House, writes Sarah Fir rch-Crisp. keeper of the house.
The £22,000 purchase was ture in 1940, the year Lady
made possible by major grant Bolingbroke died and her son
Talented writer awards from the National Art Col- Vernon moved out of his family's
In the January Link Norah Malden lections Fund, Resource/Victoria ancestral home in anticipation of
wrote of her early married life be- and Albert Museum, the St John military requisition. Virtually bank-
tween 1951 to 1954 when she and family and public donations. The rupt Vernon was never to return
husband Harry were housed by Offer Waterman Gallery also and 500 years of St John occupa-
Swindon Corporation in former war waived all profit on the sale. ti on were ended when the estate
ti me military huts in Lydiard Park. The picture which goes on per- was sold in 1943. Piper's cavalier
manent display in February is the is a poignant reminder of a gilt
most significant addition to the edged past.
collection in recent years. Captain Edward St John died
John Piper, like his great friend from wounds received at the 2nd
the poetJohn Betjeman. and Simon Battle of Newbury while fighting for
Jenkins today, enjoyed discover- King Charles I. He was brought
ing overlooked national jewels in home to Lydiard, believed to have
the form of churches and their been a Royalist garrison, where he
monuments. Piperpaintedthispic- took three months to die an ago- Sarah and Simon Jenkins
nising death. His father with The Golden Cavalier
erected the monument
in Edward's memory. military use of Lydiard Park and
Four hundred years later, provides today's visitors to the
They were one of the first cou- Piper's picture is contem- house with another 'Swindon sur-
ples to move to Penhill and now, porary with 20th Century prise'.
48 years later, she has published
three short stories for children A new team in the house
Happy Days with Rachel and Billy Three new museum assistants have taken on the role of
under the pen name Jessica Bond. welcoming the public and caring for the beautiful state rooms
She has paid for the printing at Lydiard House.
herself and they are available at Jenny Barnes, Maria Bastin and Trudy Evans have joined
Waterstones or WH Smith or by Lydiard at an exciting and busy time and bring with them a
calling publishers AB Stockwell on great deal of enthusiasm and skill. Maria and Trudy discov-
01271 862557. ered the new posts through an advertisement in The Link.
Friendly welcome at Lydiard from Trudy Evans. Jenny Barnes, Maria Bastin
r rrr^
Studley Grange Craft Village
I& &=# C" 0*z hda

• Portraits & party pictures W , ^. Ill
• Dried £t silk flowers
• Models 8 figurines
• Fine art i
• Jewellery, sewing, dolls houses
• Painted & embroidered cushions
• Hand painted furniture

Workshop
and display space
available for a
• ceramicist • glass maker
• leather worker • chocolatier
Visit the craft village manager is
A^
for further details. ?^
Lydiard Park restoration update
English Heritage is the latest organisation to lend its backing and
• Pewter work support to the ambitious £5.5 million project to restore and develop
• Greeting cards £t stationery historic Lydiard Park. writes Sarah Finch-Crisp.
• 3D decoupage Their letter of support welcomes the opportunity to work in partner-
w^ -1 • Silk paintings ship with Swindon Borough Council and the Countryside Agency on a
• Textile design project of such clear community benefit which promotes the active
• Cake decorating enjoyment of the historic environment as a civic amenity.'
• Picture framing It rubber stamps English Heritage have offered the services of the Archaeological
• Bonkers soft play area
Investigation Team based at the National Monument Record Centre
in Swindon to undertake a full survey of the park during the summer.
See craftspeople at work.
Research into the park has shown the importance of archaeology
Have a go at making and decorating your own craft work. with evidence for Royalist or Restoration gardens. Public involvement
Visit us through the rear of Blooms Garden Centre, and opportunities for participation will be publicised nearer the time.
Hay Lane, close to Junction 16 on the M4 Read about the restoration proposals at www.swindonlink.com
or visit Lydiard House for a printed copy.