The Arts Society Sheffield invites you to attend a 2 day visit including an overnight stay in the Newcastle area, with the main focus being a visit to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

On day one we will travel by coach to the North East.  We will take a comfort break on route to our destination and briefly visit the iconic Angel of the North. We will then proceed to the centre of Newcastle to visit The Laing Art Gallery where we will have lunch together. The Laing Gallery has an exceptional collection of British oil paintings. There are also several interesting exhibitions on view at present including Northern Spirit – 100 years of collecting, Chris Killip: The Last Ships and The Pursuit of Beauty.  This visit will be a self-guided tour, with the opportunity to view all the galleries.

After the museum visit we will take the short transfer to The Hotel Malmaison, Gateshead (malmaison.com).

The Hotel Malmaison is a stylish boutique style hotel located close to the Baltic Centre. All rooms are spacious, en-suite and some have a bridge view. The hotel does not have single rooms but twin rooms are available for single occupancy.  Breakfast is included and private dining for our evening meal has been arranged for the group visit along with a menu choice which will be available nearer the date of arrival.

Day two of the visit will feature The Baltic Centre where you will see inspiring art collections. There will be guided tour of the exhibitions and the quayside area. The Koestler Arts and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts are excited to be partnering for a showcase of artwork made in criminal justice settings in the North East of England, co-curated by a group of learners from HM Prison Low Newton.

The Koestler Arts team spent a week working with 6 women in the prison’s art class, looking through hundreds of paintings, sculptures, poems and more that had been entered into the 2024 Koestler Awards Competition from secure settings in the North East. The show features 70 works from the region. The selected works reflect the women’s viewpoint, looking outwards and forwards towards freedom and home. Many works portray movement and journeys – some difficult, but all hopeful – while others depict rural landscapes, city skylines, places of worship, comfort food and pets, in recognition of what ‘home’ can mean to different people.

Visitors can expect to see an array of fine art, design, writing and music on display, from prisons, secure hospitals and probation services in the North East. Feedback cards will be available in the space for visitors to write comments on their favourite pieces in the exhibition, which will be sent on to the artists. There will also be opportunities to purchase exhibited artwork from the Koestler Arts website.

Lunch will be provided at the Baltic. There are coffee shops and gift shops at the museum and in the local vicinity. The Coach will depart at 15:00 from the drop off point at the Baltic Centre and return direct to Tapton Hall.

Itinerary

Day 1:

•        9.30 Travel by Coach from Tapton Hall to The Laing Art Gallery, including a viewing of The Angel of the North  (NB An overnight parking fee of £5 is required by Tapton Hall)

•        Lunch on arrival at the Laing Gallery

•        Self -guided tour of the Gallery

•        15.00 - Coach Transfer to the Hotel

•        19.00- Private Dinner at the Malmaison Newcastle

Day 2:

•         10:30 Depart hotel and visit to The Baltic Centre for guided tours

•         13:00 Lunch

•         15.00 Depart for Tapton Hall

For futher information please email visits.sheffield@theartssociety.org

Visit to Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire

The Arts Society Sheffield invites you to attend a full day visit to Belvoir Castle. Belvoir Castle dates back to the eleventh century and is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The visit includes a guided tour of the magnificent state rooms; splendid interiors and wonderful collections of art and antiques. There will also be an opportunity to explore the beautiful formal gardens and parkland.
 

We have arranged for lunch together at the “Fuel Tank” Restaurant which is located in the Engine Yard retail village.The retail village is just across the road from the main Castle car park and provides an opportunity to view goods from local independent businesses.

The total cost is £62.00 -This includes, coach transfer, refreshments, lunch and entrance fees.

Itinerary for the day

09.30                   Depart by coach from Tapton Hall
                            (The coach "drop off" is just outside the castle)
11.00                   Coffee/Tea on arrival
11.15                   Guided tour of the Castle
13.00 - 14.00      Lunch
14.00 -15.30       Afternoon free to explore the gardens and visit the retail village
15.30                  Depart and return to Tapton Hall by coach
 

If you would like to join the visit please email:

visits.sheffield@theartssociety.org
 

Please kindly inform us of your wish to attend at the latest by the 1st March 2023.
 

Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum

Thursday 4th August 2022

Full Day Visit

Cost £47.25

The Arts Society Sheffield invites you to an organised group trip to the National Memorial Arboretum. Including transport to and from Tapton Hall. The Arboretum has over 400 memorials, including the recently unveilied  memorial to the HMS Sheffield destroyed in the Falklands war. The Arboretum offers the opportunity to enjoy peaceful woodlands and colourful gardens. There are breath taking sculptures and exhibitions, including art installations, reflecting both military and civilian tributes. The visit offers the opportunity to travel on the covered Land Train, this 50 minute pre-recorded commentary talks about the memorials you will find onsite and the symbolism behind them. We have arranged a lunch together, there will also be plenty of opportunity to explore the site and take further refreshments as you wish.

Itinerary for the day  

08.30               Coach transfer from Tapton Hall

10.00               Coffee/Tea on arrival
10.30               Introduction to the site - Land Train trips timing tbc
12.30 - 13.30   Lunch
13.30 - 15.30   Afternoon free to explore the site and visit the gift shop
15.30               Coach leaves
17.30               Coach arrives Tapton Hall

Contact details:

Julie Scarfe: Telephone: 07791 085747

Nicola Whiteway: 07922 490104

Email: visits.sheffield@theartssociety.org

Visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ

Wednesday 6th April 2022

The "new" Black Diamond tour, house and gardens £25 per person or National Trust members £12.50.

(lunch extra)

Owing to the popularity of the visit organised for March we have arranged this second visit for those who were unable to join us on the first.

Wentworth Woodhouse is a Grade I listed stately home located in the village of Wentworth. It stands in 87 acres of gardens and grounds and is noted to be one of the finest and grandest Georgian houses in England. The Arts Society, Sheffield are pleased to arrange a visit with a full itinerary, including a specialist tour with a knowledgeable guide that includes some areas not previously open to the public. There will be an opportunity to view the glorious private gardens and historic landmarks. The "new" Black Diamonds tour has been based on Catherine Bailey's highly acclaimed book and gives a fascinating insight into the unique family history associated with Wentworth Woodhouse.

Please note cashless payments only accepted at the venue

Itinerary for the day  

10.15               Make your own way and arrive at Wentworth Woodhouse

10.45               Black Diamonds Tour

12.30 - 13.30   Sandwich lunch in Low Drawing Room (Lunch £8.95)

13.00 - 15.15   House and Gardens general admission 

You are welcome to park in the visitor car park, which is located approximately 300 yards away from the front door and are free to depart whenever you wish (Wentworth Woodhouse will close at 4pm).

The Gift Shop and Tearoom are open 10am - 4pm, so you may use these facilities throughout the visit.

Please note that due to the nature and age of Wentworth Woodhouse, there is no lift access to the first floor of the Mansion. There is an access ramp to the ground floor, with the Tearoom, Gift Shop and other areas on the ground floor, including the accessible toilet.

Contact details:

Julie Scarfe: Telephone: 07791 085747

Nicola Whiteway: 07922 490104

Email: visits.sheffield@theartssociety.org

Visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ

Thursday 3rd March 2022

The "new" Black Diamond tour, house and gardens £25 per person or National Trust members £12.50.

(lunch and transport extra)

Please note cashless payments only accepted at the venue

Wentworth Woodhouse is a Grade I listed stately home located in the village of Wentworth. It stands in 87 acres of gardens and grounds and is noted to be one of the finest and grandest Georgian houses in England. TASS are pleased to arrange a visit with a full itinerary, including a specialist tour with a knowledgeable guide that includes some areas not previously open to the public. There will be an opportunity to view the glorious private gardens and historic landmarks. The "new" Black Diamonds tour has been based on Catherine Bailey's highly acclaimed book and gives a fascinating insight into the unique family history associated with Wentworth Woodhouse.

Itinerary for the day  

09.30               Coach transfer from Tapton Hall (optional £10 return)

10.15               Arrival at Wentworth Woodhouse

10.45 - 12.15   Group 1 Black Diamonds Tour

11.00 - 12.30   Group 2 Black Diamonds Tour

12.30 - 13.30   Sandwich lunch in Low Drawing Room (Lunch £8.95)

13.00 - 15.15   House and Gardens general admission 

15.00               Coach leaves Wentworth Woodhouse

16.00               Coach arrives Tapton Hall

If arriving in your own vehicle you are welcome to park in the visitor car park, which is located approximately 300 yards away from the front door and are free to depart whenever you wish (Wentworth Woodhouse will close at 4pm).

The Gift Shop and Tearoom are open 10am-4pm, so you may use these facilities throughout the visit.

Please note that due to the nature and age of Wentworth Woodhouse, there is no lift access to the first floor of the Mansion. There is an access ramp to the ground floor, with the Tearoom, Gift Shop and other areas on the ground floor, including the accessible toilet. For those unable to join the tour, owing to restricted mobility, but wish to visit the house and gardens there is a charge of £10.

Contact details:Julie Scarfe

Email: visits.sheffield@theartssociety.org

Telephone: 07791 085747

This Visit has been provisionally re-arranged from 23rd April 2020

Family owned Elizabethan Country Manor House with collection of porcelain, paintings and textiles.  Award winning Farm Shop, and country clothing and home interiors store. Beautiful walled garden. There will be a private guided tour of the House- light lunch and morning coffee included. 

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED BECAUSE OF COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Built between 1719 and 1732, set in 100 acres of parkland, beautiful  lakeside gardens and woodland walks.  Fine collection of fie art, marble sculptures furniture and tapestries of the period.

There will be a private guided tour of the Hall and Family Chapel.

Morning coffee soup and sandwich lunch included. 

Coach leaves Tapton Hall promptly at 9am

Tickets £43

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Family owned Elizabethan Country Manor House with collection of porcelain, paintings and textiles.  Award winning Farm Shop, and country clothing and home interiors store. Beautiful walled garden. There will be a private guided tour of the House- light lunch and morning coffee included. 

Day visit to Kiplin Hall and Gardens in Richmond North Yorkshire and Georgian Theatre Richmond

Cost £42.00 including a private guided tour of the Hall plus lunch and refreshments prior to private guided tour of Theatre

“This was the finest house I saw in Yorkshire”        -Celia Fiennes-1697.

This was our first visit of the year, so having made an early start we left with high expectations of what was to come.  It can truly be said that we were not disappointed.  As the coach travelled through the estate and farm-land we could see the house stretching in front of us. Was this really a private family home lived in from 1748, when Newby Hall all those years ago was bought by the present owner’s ancestor through a legacy from his uncle?

After welcome refreshments and introduction in the Entrance Hall our V.I.P. private guided tour began.  We learnt that the house had needed total restoration and ongoing redecoration whilst keeping a certain degree of privacy for the family when it was left to the present family occupiers in 1960.

We were guided through the house, marvelling at the exquisite plasterwork  and decorative coloured motifs and panels by the skilled stuccoist Joseph Rose used in Robert Adam’s neo-classical designs.  We saw many fine paintings and much  Chippendale furniture (some unique designs) in the main rooms of the house - dining room, library and especially in the tapestry room which displayed the finest furniture and furnishings to rival that of other stately homes in England.   Upstairs we saw the fourposter bedrooms decorated and furnished with the finest prints and more Chippendale furniture to give us a glimpse of the elegance that was seen as high fashion for ladies’ bedrooms and boudoirs in the 1770’s.

We listened to our two guides explaining the history  and  influences of the past owners. They told us that in 1766 William Weddell, third Lord Grantham, became the prominent figure to make the changes that we see today.  His passion and interest in art, architecture and culture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans transformed Newby into a show case of the era . Robert Adam’s (1723-1792)  and John Carr’s (1723-1807)  work and influence are seen throughout the House in all its magnificent splendour.

As we left the house through the Statue Gallery we were told that Newby holds the finest collection of ancient Roman statuary in private hands in Britain.  The gallery, in the style of a Roman house, showed Adam’s concept of displaying classical sculpture.

After an excellent soup and sandwich lunch we toured the gardens in the sunshine. It was too early in the year to see the impressive herbaceous borders in bloom, but we did have the benefit of seeing  the colourful rhododendrons and many other spring-time blossoms.  We walked under the amazing  laburnum archway covered with its abundance of yellow flowers, having been told that today was the best day of the year to see them. 

I am happy to say that a great day was enjoyed by all.

Diana Fearnehough - Visits Secretary

‘Lincoln Cathedral is a place of beauty, a place of history and a place of worship’

Joy Richardson (exploring Lincoln Cathedral)

For our Guided Tour we were in two groups, each having a similar talk and tour. One group started outside looking at the exterior walls of the Cathedral.  Earthquakes and fires in 1141 and 1185 had destroyed most of the original Norman cathedral, leaving the West front as it is today.  Romanesque doorways as you enter represent the entrance to Heaven but above the west doors in contrast a stone carved frieze of figures depicts the torments of those damned in Hell as well as those enjoying heaven.  Scenes from the Old Testament run across the front of the west doors, but due to their age their original brightly coloured paint had gone.  It was encouraging to see the Cathedral stone masons restoring them back to their original style.

 The second group started on the ground floor, and as they entered their immediate thoughts were how light, vast and awesome it was. The solid limestone pillars on each side and pointed gothic arches lead down to the highly decorated Choir screen covered in stone carvings.  Many of these carvings were meant to have a meaning as well as being cleverly made but now unlike in Medieval times were faded and dull but some were still recognisable.  Another highlight was seeing St Hugh’s Choir where services are held daily.   The choir is dominated with oak panelling and beautiful 14th century carved choir pews.  Services with choral worship is offered daily and has done so for centuries.

The sanctuary contains the altar with the new addition of five giant clay candlesticks placed there in 1986. They are named after Lincolnshire saints at the time of St Hugh each representing the light of the world. This area has been revived just recently by installing a group of finely hand carved wooden furniture chairs and altar pieces by local craftsman.

After the official tours had finished it was back to the Cathedral centre for a light lunch.

Then free time for the rest of the afternoon gave us a chance to wander around as we pleased.  Some took a tour of the cathedral roof on which the excellent guide gave an enjoyable and comprehensive insight illustrating the cathedral’s architecture, building history and structure.  From a narrow balcony just below the ceiling, the impressive complete overall view (not visible from ground level) of the cathedral interior was an extra bonus.

Others decided to visit the Medieval Wren Library, within the Cathedral itself where rare books and manuscripts, maps and documents from 1668 have been collected for a legacy of learning for future generations.

Diana Fearnehough - Visits Secretary