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Celebrating over 60 years of Lydiard House open to the public
Telling its story of public ownership through ten historic objects
of Decorative and Fine Arts artists shows Lydiard’s famous Golden
Societies (NADFAS) designed Cavalier statue. It is one of the more recently
and created the decorative acquired pictures in the Lydiard collection
panels inspired by the painted thanks to the support of the Art Fund.
window in the nearby Dressing 10. Swindon Hooter Petition. In 1873
Room. Throughout the house Lord Bolingbroke forced the Swindon Great
you can see examples of
beautiful needlework by
NADFAS volunteers. 8
5. Silver Rose Bowl presented
to Vernon St. John 6th Viscount Western Railway Company
Bolingbroke by tenants on to silence its factory hooter
the Lydiard estate to mark his as he didn’t like the noise
coming of age in 1917. Vernon drifting across the fields
was the last viscount to live in from the railway works.
Lydiard House. The bowl was 4,339 local people signed
bequeathed by the 6th Viscount this petition to get it
along with a large collection 9 successfully reinstated!
of original Lydiard furnishings, 4
photographs, documents and
pictures. 10
5
6 &7. Lady Diana Behind Closed Doors:
Spencer’s Painted
Panels Detail A Programme of Special Events
from a set of floral supported by the Friends of Lydiard Park
wall panels by the Swindon Council is closing Lydiard House during January, February and March 2016. This will
talented society provide an opportunity to undertake intensive cleaning and care of the collections, prior to
artist Lady Diana re-opening with a new exhibition in time for the Easter holidays in 2016.
Spencer. Lady Di, During this closed period The Friends of Lydiard Park are partnering Lydiard House
as she was known, to offer a series of fascinating behind the scenes talks and tours.
shares a common Saturday 23 January, 2.30pm: The Ladies of Lydiard. An entertaining tour with local histo-
ancestry and a rian Frances Bevan revealing the secrets and talents of Lydiard ladies through the centuries.
striking likeness with 6 Wednesday 3 February, 2.30pm: Wigs, Ruffs and Robes. Discover hidden stories behind the
the late Princess portraits of sumptuously dressed aristocrats with Lydiard House educationalist Nancy Heath.
Diana of Wales. Lady of the manor at Saturday 13 February, 2.30pm: Keeping up Appearances. Frances Yeo, Curator of Lydiard
Lydiard in the 18th Century she was House shows how the Lydiard collection is cared for and demonstrates ways you can look after
divorced by her husband through your own treasured possessions and furnishings.
an Act of Parliament, which caused Saturday 20 February, 2.30pm: Grand Designs. Architect Michael Gray explains how the
considerable scandal at the time. St.John family tried to assert and maintain their aristocratic status by commissioning art,
8. 18th Century Sun Dial by J. architecture and landscape at Lydiard Park between 1615 and 1748.
Sisson of London, designer of the Wednesday 24 February, 7pm: The Ladies of Lydiard with local historian Frances Bevan (see
finest mathematical instruments. 23 January)
Made for the St. John’s of Lydiard Wednesday 16 March, 7pm: Uncovering History. Jane Rutherfoord talks about ancient
Park, this dial was restored in 2004 wall paintings and her fascinating conservation work in St. Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze.
with support from Upper Thames Donations to the St. Mary’s Conservation Appeal are welcomed.
NADFAS and a replica made for the Events are free (donations welcomed) but places are limited. To book your place, contact:
Walled Garden. Charlotte Thwaites on 01793 465277 or email: [email protected]
9. St. Mary’s Church by John Piper. 7 Friends of Lydiard Park
One of Britain’s best known modern
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