Not a lot of time is left if you want to catch the current exhibition at Gainsborough's House.
A selection of the outstanding collection of drawings and other works on paper is currently on show in the Back Gallery. Normally these works are hidden away in the dark because too much exposure to light is bad for them. Since the refurbishment of the house however it is always possible to view a selection in the drawers in the Study Gallery.
Gainsborough's House owns some really wonderful drawings by the artist, and also some by his contemporaries and predecessors. It is worth going along to see them on the wall and to appreciate Thomas Gainsborough's wonderful technique. The picture of the Woodman shown here is one of my particular favourites. Entrance to the House is free on Tuesday afternoons, but a donation is always appreciated!
Yesterday the Trustees of the House held an 'away morning' to discuss the way ahead for the Museum. Finances are always a little tight at these sort of organisations, and Gainsborough's House receives less public funding than many arts organisations in the area. That having been said Sudbury Town Council are always generous, understanding the value of the house to the Town, and even Babergh increased the small grant this year...(many thanks to them/us!) What is really needed is an endowment fund to secure the House for the future, but in the current economic environment it does not seem feasible to launch what would be another major appeal.
In the interim, as a fund raising exercise, as I think I have mentioned here before, my husband Nick is planning a sponsored walk between Gainsborough's home in Ipswich, which was in Foundation Street, and Gainsborough's House in Sudbury. This is a trip of around 22 to 25 miles depending on the route. This afternoon we are off to try to walk part of the path between Hintelsham and Hadleigh.
Do let us know if you would like to take part in all or a phase of the walk which will take place over the weekend of 12th and 13th September.
