by kind permission of Revd Dr Ann Shukman – 10.20am for 11am Thursday 17th November 2016
This picturesque tower house stands in 20 acres of woodland and garden by the banks of the Ae Water. It is Grade A listed, dates from the 15th century and is steeped in history. For nearly 500 years it was the home of the Johnstone family and their descendants. In the 18th century they added the main house to the original tower and made further additions in the 19th century. Latterly, it was the home of the historian, Sir Steven Runciman who used the tower rooms as his library. The house is now lived in by his niece Dr. Shukman, and contains Edward Lear paintings and her collection of Russian icons, French furniture and artefacts.
Dr. Shukman will give a short talk about her uncle and the history of the house and its collections. This will be followed by a slide show of the Edward Lear pictures from the Runciman collection that are now in the National Gallery in Edinburgh. One of their curators will talk about the paintings.
At 11.45am the Artemis actors, Chris and Jacquie Lee, will present “An Entertainment” a mixture of poetry, biography and fun entitled “How pleasant to know Mr. Lear”
A soup and sandwich lunch will be served with a complimentary glass of wine, followed by coffee and brownies.
From 1.30pm tours of the house will be conducted in small groups leaving at intervals. There are manu stairs so going up the tower is optional. Many rooms including Sir Stephen’s study and library and the remaining paintings by Edward Lear are on view. Tickets cost £35 (due to limited space only 40 tickers will be available). Please apply to William Oakes giving your name, address, telephone number and the names of any guests: william.oakes@zetnet.co.uk