The Lighter Side
A photographic journey through joy at Hestercombe
For the first time ever, Hestercombe will display never-before-seen objects from its archives, showcasing an array of items spanning across five-hundred years
From Thursday 24th April the Stables Restaurant will be closed while refurbishment work takes place. The Gardens, House, book shop and plant sales are open daily as usual. Self serve tea and coffee is available in the courtyard.
Apologies for the inconvenience this will cause but something exciting is on the way... from the 1st of May, under new ownership, 'The Stables Hospitality' will open 7 days a week. For all enquiries please see www.thestableshospitality.com
This event has ended
Unearth some of the amazing objects featured in our spring heritage exhibition, showing some of the greatest works and artefacts in our collections. We have selected from the 2,200 objects in our archives so visitors can delve deep into Hestercombe’s paintings, drawings, sculpture, poetry, photographs, rare books, archaeological finds and many more.
The exhibition comprises seven unique galleries, which take visitors on a themed journey from the seventeenth century to the recent restoration of the eighteenth-century landscape garden. The rooms are all centred around four key themes; portraits, possessions, pictures and poetry.
Through showcasing our nationally significant collections, we can tell the stories of the people who shaped Hestercombe’s past and present, whilst we look to the future; to the artists who are inspired to explore the history and heritage of Hestercombe to make contemporary work in Hestercombe Gallery.
Some of the highlights include:
Throughout the exhibition we will also be giving visitors the chance to view the Portman bath - an eight-tap spray bath that we believe was one of the first 'jacuzzi' baths installed into a British home by George Jennings Ltd., who was also the inventor of the first public flush toilets. Teddy Portman bought the bath for his wife, Constance, and it was installed in the early 1890s.
Visiting days and times will be posted on social media, so make sure to follow us!
'Things That Pass a Thousand Times': Unearthing Hestercombe's Collections in Hestercombe Gallery runs from 12th March - 15th May 2022.
Entry is by gardens admission only.
Hestercombe Gallery is open daily from 11am - 5pm.
Read the full press release here.
A photographic journey through joy at Hestercombe
Explore the fascinating history of the Portman family and their Hestercombe estate.
Enjoy a walk around our woodland at Gotton Copse - which will be awash with tens of thousands of bluebells
Robin Hood
Twelfth Night