Full Program Itinerary

Transcription

1 October Full Program Itinerary Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Public and Private Collections of British Ceramics will return to England, a major source of British transferware production, for the 2015 annual meeting and tour. Beginning in London, with a special visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the group will then travel on to Staffordshire, an important center of the ceramics industry. There, we will tour private collections and iconic museums devoted to pottery, and experience behind-the-scenes sessions with experts in the ceramics field. Spotlight on Day 1 A Visit to the Dennis Severs House, Welcoming Reception & Dinner On the first day, members will convene in London at the Rembrandt Hotel, a comfortable Edwardian hotel conveniently located in Knightsbridge across the street from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The annual event kicks off early in the afternoon with an enlightening visit to the Dennis Severs House, a historic house museum situated in Spitalfields. This area in the East End of London, the site of a 12th century hospital and priory, became a thriving market place in the 17th century. The market attracted immigrants and traders, including Huguenot silk weavers fleeing France following the issuance of the Edict of Nantes in The Dennis Severs House and other grand houses of Fournier Street reflect the success of these ambitious Huguenots. Ten rooms of the house have been created to evoke earlier times and are filled with period textiles, furniture, ceramics and other artifacts, providing an intimate portrait of a family of Huguenot silk weavers from 1724 to After a welcome and Dennis Severs House introduction by Curator David Milne, TCC members will explore the rooms and view ceramics as they would have been displayed and used in the late 1700 s and beyond. The American creator of the museum, Dennis Severs, likened each visitor s experience to passing through the surface of a painting, exploring with senses and imagination a meticulously crafted 18th century world. After returning to the hotel, members will have time to visit and reconnect with a welcome drink and early dinner. 1

2 Spotlight on Day 2 A Visit to the Ceramic Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum We begin our first full day at the Victoria & Albert Museum where we will be welcomed by Curator Rebecca Wallis. She will lecture and give a tour of both Spotlight the exhibition, on Blue Special and White: Events British Printed Ceramics, and the galleries (reopened 2009/2010); and Pat Halfpenny will lead a handling session. The exhibit features the wide variety of designs and decoration used in blue-and-white printed ceramics in Britain from the 1750s to the present day, in both industrial and art production, demonstrating how these objects reflect British society, culture and interpret the wider world. In addition to viewing the special exhibit of Blue and White: British Printed Ceramics, the lecture and handling session, members will have time to enjoy the full Ceramic Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum, one of the world s greatest ceramic collections on full display for the public. For lovers of the ceramic arts, this is an experience you won t want to miss! Selected views of the exhibit After lunch, we will depart by coach to visit a special private collection of blue-and-white transferware. Our hosts, Patricia and Colin Parkes, have kindly invited us to view their collection of early British pottery printed in a variety of patterns from 18th century Chinoiserie designs to early 19th century landscapes of Great Britain and Spotlight on Day 3 Explore the Famous Portobello Road Antiques Market Members are on their own this morning, and are encouraged to enjoy a self-guided early morning excursion! Take the tube or a taxi to the famous Portobello Road to search for rare finds at the world s largest antique market. Alternatively: immerse yourself in the cultural attractions of London with a visit to the National Gallery, St. Paul s Cathedral, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace; get a panoramic view of the city with a ride on the London Eye, or pop in to Harrods or Fortnum and Mason for a unique shopping experience. We will meet back at the Rembrandt for a 12 noon departure by coach for the three-hour journey to Stoke-on-Trent, a collection of towns at the heart of Staffordshire s ceramics industry. A box lunch will be provided. 2

3 Spotlight on Special Events Spotlight on Day 3 (continued) View a Special Private Collection! En route we will stop at the home of Janis and Peter Rodwell for a private viewing of an outstanding collection, consisting predominantly of early 19th century Spode, Copeland & Garrett, and Copeland period porcelain. In addition to porcelain, their collection includes creamware, drabware, astbury ware, chalcedony, dry-bodied stoneware, and stone china. We will see examples of transfer printed, bat printed (including rare gold batprinted) and hand painted ware (including works by important named artists), as well as molded and sprigged wares. Refreshments will be served. Later, we will check-in to the Best Western Manor House Hotel in Alsager. Dinner will be served at the hotel followed by a talk about Staffordshire by Tour Lecturer Pat Halfpenny. Spotlight on Day 4 A Visit to the Raven Mason Collection We begin our day at Keele Hall, the ancestral home of the Sneyd family, for a tour of the renowned Raven Mason Collection of porcelain and ironstone china. This important ceramic collection was lovingly created by brothers Ronald William and John Mason Raven; it is housed in Keele Hall within the University. It contains many important pieces outlining the development of Mason ceramics in Staffordshire from the beginning of the nineteenth century. Curator Harry Frost, MA, who travels worldwide lecturing on this wonderful collection, will give a talk about the collection and the Mason factory s important contributions to the field of decorative arts. We ll take a lunch break at the picturesque Trentham Garden Centre. 3

4 Spotlight on Day 4 (continued) Enjoy a Private Visit to the Gladstone Pottery Museum After lunch, we will continue on to the Gladstone Pottery Spotlight on Special Museum in Events Longton. We ll step back in time as we enjoy an exclusive, private visit to a unique working Victorian pottery factory. Gladstone Pottery was typical of hundreds of similar factories in the area making ceramic items for the mass market. Arranged around a cobbled yard, the maze of original workshops and bottle ovens allow us to envision how the potters prepared, made, and decorated pottery, and what the conditions were like for the men, women and children who worked in 19th century pottery factories. We will have an introductory talk about bottle ovens and the firing process, followed by a private tour of the museum and an opportunity to walk inside the bottle ovens and special exhibits. Spotlight on Day 5 A Visit to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and a Featured Lecture We will begin the day with the Annual Business Meeting. Then, members from our British partner clubs will be invited to join TCC members for our Featured Lecture and visit to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. We ll host a tea and coffee reception to welcome our invited guests and enjoy a special lecture before departing for the town of Hanley for specially-arranged tours and behind-the-scenes access to the museum s reserve collection. This internationally-renowned modern museum houses the world s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, as well as galleries devoted to fine and decorative arts and natural history. The comprehensive collection, with 5,000 objects on display, includes items from the Staffordshire Hoard and from the Minton Museum sale. The ceramics gallery areas are skillfully arranged to highlight the history of pottery manufacture and design, reflecting the city s heritage as the A small example of transferware on display in the gallery center of the English ceramics industry. After enjoying a lecture and lunch, we will split into smaller groups to tour the main ceramics gallery and, under the guidance of museum staff, view the Reserve Collection. Special handling sessions have been arranged to allow TCC Members to closely examine select collection objects. This exceptional visit offers a rare museum-based hands-on learning opportunity with seasoned professionals in the ceramics field. The famous Minton Majolica Peacock also featured in the gallery. 4

5 Spotlight on Day 5 (continued) Enjoy the World Class Transferware Sale Spotlight on Special Events After biding farewell to our invited guests, we will return to the hotel to take part in the ever-popular Annual Sale of Transferware sponsored by TCC Dealer Members. This impressive annual event enables club members to add treasures to their personal collections. A group dinner in our hotel will follow. Paul Holdway, Master Spode Engraver, Spotlight on Day 6 Our day begins A Visit to the Spode Works Visitor Center with a visit to the Spode Works Visitor Center located on the original factory site acquired by Josiah Spode I in It was one of the two largest potteries in Staffordshire in the 19th century, with 22 bottle ovens and a workforce of nearly a thousand people. Here we will view an unrivalled collection of factory productions from 1770 to the present, as well as a fine selection of antique copper plates. We will also be treated to a special presentation, offered nowhere else in England: Trustees Paul Holdway and Cynny Saddington will demonstrate the process of hot-press transfer printing. There will be time to shop for books, prints and antique printed pottery from various manufactories and to visit the British Ceramic Biennial Exhibition installed in China Hall, one of the many historic buildings on the Spode Works site. On view will be items from the UK s leading contemporary ceramic artists as well a special exhibition, FRESH, showcasing the best work of recent UK ceramic graduates. 5

6 Prince Charles Spotlight on Day 6, (continued) A Visit to the Middleport Pottery Our next stop will be the Middleport Pottery located on the Trent and Mersey Canal in the heart of Burslem. Now operated by Burgess, Dorling and Leigh (known as Burleigh), it is the oldest working pottery in Staffordshire and continues a tradition of producing fine quality earthenware products decorated with transfer printed patterns using methods from the 1880s. In 2011, The Prince Charles Regeneration Trust purchased the Victorian-era site and embarked on an ambitious renovation project, restoring the factory to extensive productive use, providing employment to area workers, and enabling visitors to experience first-hand the history and processes of pottery production. Following a buffet lunch in the café, we will enjoy an introductory talk by Jemma Baskeyfield and a factory tour. We will be led through the various stages of pottery production, from the mixing of clay and shaping of wares, to the application of tissue paper transfers, glazing and firing. We will have an opportunity to handcraft a clay project and free time to explore the Victorian offices, mold store, historic collections and bottle kilns. The day will conclude with a drinks reception and farewell dinner at Peck s Restaurant, one of the finest in Spotlight on Day 7 A Visit to the Award Winning Wedgwood Museum Our final day in Staffordshire will feature a visit to the Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston. This award-winning museum highlights the history of both the Wedgwood factory and the Wedgwood family, and houses a comprehensive collection of the finest pieces produced by the manufacturer. The beautifully-mounted exhibits explain the creative ideas, innovative processes, and inspired marketing plans of founder Josiah Wedgwood I and his successors. After undergoing a major refurbishing, the museum and visitor center complex will reopen to the public in June 2015, offering an enhanced visitor experience to its guests. We will be among the first groups of visitors to experience 250 years of Wedgwood history in the revitalized spaces. The host for our visit, Museum Director Gaye Blake Roberts, will welcome us and will provide an introduction to the museum. We will then have time to explore the various exhibit areas at our own pace. A special behind-the-scenes visit to the Archives will follow, where we will be giv- en the rare opportunity to see pattern books and other important archival materials. A box lunch will be provided, then our motor coach will depart for the two and a Passengers leaving by air later in overnight near the airport will be half hour drive south to London. the afternoon or who wish to stay dropped at London-Heathrow International Airport at about 3 p.m. (Please do not book any flights leaving before 5 PM.) The coach will then continue into London, to the Rembrandt Hotel, for those planning to extend their stay. 6 Transferring Patterns designed by Burgess & Leigh Museum Director Gaye Blake Roberts

7 Time to Register! Important Program Information LONDON & STAFFORDSHIRE MEETING/TOUR: Includes accommodations for all 6 nights: 2 nights in London and 4 nights in Staffordshire, designated meals and all activities beginning on October 15 th and ending on October 21 th. Additional hotel nights are available at group rates through Travel Muse. $2,995 Per Person, Double $495 Single Supplement $3,095 Late Sign-Up Price for deposits received after July 16 th STAFFORDSHIRE ONLY MEETING/TOUR Includes hotel accommodations for 3 nights in Staffordshire, designated meals and all activities beginning on October 18 th and ending on October 21 st in the Staffordshire region. Does not include bus transportation from Wedgwood Museum to London. Additional hotel nights are available at group rates through Travel Muse. $1,645 Per Person, Double $295 Single Supplement $1,720 Late Sign-Up Price for deposits received after July 16 th LONDON DAY TIMER: Includes all London activities and designated meals on Thursday October 15 th and Friday October 16 th, except breakfast and hotel accommodations. $395 Per Person STAFFORDSHIRE DAY TIMER: Includes all activities and designated meals except breakfasts and hotel accommodations from Sunday October 8 th ending with the Wedgwood visit on Wednesday October 21 st $895 Per Person. MEMBER DEALER REGISTRATION FOR SALE, MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 th : $30 Per 6 Skirted Table $55 Per Person for optional dinner following the sale Note: Dealers must be current TCC members. FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT Meg MacDonald at Travel Muse Call (617) or toll-free within the U.S. at , or to: meg@travelmuse.net Mail Your Registration to: Transferware Collectors Club c/o Travel Muse 369 Montezuma Avenue #319 Santa Fe, NM USA INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Please book your flights in and out of London. You will need to arrive no later than Thursday, October 15 th ; and depart not before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21 st. If you wish to travel using frequent flyer miles, you should make arrangements directly with the airline or the card members travel center as soon as possible. LAND-ONLY TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Full Registration: Extra nights at The Rembrandt in London are $450 double or single, including tax and English breakfast buffet. Meals as indicated, including breakfast daily, five lunches, two receptions, and four dinners; beer and wine are included at dinners All tours and special visits as described in the program, including entrances and guide fees Transportation as indicated by private deluxe coach with air-conditioning and audio system Hosted by local curators, guides and private owners Gratuities to the coach drivers NOT INCLUDED: International airfare to and from London. Contact Ann Barassi for the lowest available fare from your home city to/from London: (617) or ABarassi@travelcoll.com. Transportation to The Rembrandt on October 15 th. Porterage at airports and hotels on the days of arrival and departure Two lunches (estimate 12-25, or approx. $20-42, for a restaurant lunch; considerably less for fast food); and two dinners on your own (estimate 20-60, or approx. $34-102), including beverages Services or activities not part of scheduled arrangements Items of a personal nature, such as telephone/fax/ internet charges and room service Passport expenses, if any CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellations must be made in writing and received by Travel Muse no later than August 20, 2015, to qualify for a full refund, less an administrative fee of $250 per person. Cancellations received after that date are subject to additional cancellation fees assessed by the hotels, motorcoach and tour companies. Travel Muse recommends that you purchase personal illness / trip cancellation insurance, available through Travel Muse, and advise that you carefully review its coverage benefits and limitations. 7

8 Time to Register! Choose from the following options: REGISTRATION FORMT to Register! LONDON & STAFFORDSHIRE MEETING/TOUR: Please reserve place(s) for the full meeting/tour which includes both London and Staffordshire hotels, all designated meals and activities beginning on October 15 th and ending on October 21 st. Enclosed is my deposit check ($500 per person), payable to Travel Muse. STAFFORDSHIRE ONLY MEETING/TOUR: Please reserve place(s) for all activities from Sunday, October 18 th through Wednesday, October 21 st in the Staffordshire region, including designated meals and 3 nights hotel accommodations. Enclosed is my deposit check ($300 per person), payable to Travel Muse. ACCOMMODATIONS SHARED I will share a twin-bed or double room with We would like to share a room with: Twin beds Queen bed I wish to share a twin-bed room with another participant, and seek your assistance in finding a roommate. I under stand that if none is found, I will be charged the single supplement. ADDITIONAL HOTEL NIGHTS AT GROUP-DISCOUNTED RATES: Please reserve : additional nights at the Rembrandt, London $450 double or single (includes tax & breakfast) Please reserve : additional nights at the Manor House, Alsager $170 double or single (includes tax & breakfast) I understand that Travel Muse will bill me separately for these reservations. LONDON DAY TIMER: Please reserve place(s) for all London activities on Thursday October 15 th and Friday October 16 th, except breakfast and hotel. Enclosed is my deposit check ($200 per person), payable to Travel Muse. STAFFORDSHIRE DAY TIMER: Please reserve place(s) for all activities and designated meals from Sunday October 18 th through Wednesday noon, October 20 th in the Staffordshire region, except breakfasts and hotel. Enclosed is my deposit check ($200 per person), payable to Travel Muse. MEMBER DEALER REGISTRATION: Please reserve table(s) for the Monday Sale October 19 th at $30 per 6 skirted table. Also, please reserve place(s) for Optional Dinner at $55/person following the sale. I will include payment for the full amount due for the tables and dinner with my registration, payable to Travel Muse. I understand my payment is refundable less a $35 administration fee, if I cancel up to August 20 th. Note: Dealers must be current TCC members to sell. I understand that my deposit is refundable, less a $250 per person administration fee for my Full London/Staffordshire and Full Staffordshire Region registration, should it become necessary to cancel my trip up to August 20 th, 2015, when final payment is due. As a Day Trippers, I understand that my deposit is refundable, less an administration fee of $100 per person, should it become necessary to cancel my trip up to August 20 th, I also understand that the deposit is fully refundable, if I am wait-listed and not able to participate. Deposits are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. PLEASE PRINT Name(s): Address: City: State/County/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Tel. (Day): ( ) (Evening): ( ) PAYMENT OPTIONS Enclosed please find a check payable to Travel Muse I authorize payment by credit card as follows: Name as it appears on the card: Card Type : VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS (circle) Number: Expiry Date Security Code Signature: 8