News & Blogs

GARDEN BLOG: The Garden continues to bloom as we step into Spring. Our Hepatica and Narcissi are still on show for visitors to enjoy in the grounds, and the woodland walk is edged by purple and white fritillaries, with cherry laurels, marking the approach to our famous Walpole oak.

NEWS: Thank you to everyone who has helped us meet our ‘Horace and Hogarth Reunited’ target appeal! We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support we have received. Acquiring this remarkable painting is a rare opportunity and we look forward to this portrait joining other works in our collection.

We are now stretching our appeal to see if we can raise extra funds to contribute towards the display and interpretation of the portrait. You can still support us by donating or sharing. Find out more and Donate

NEWS: We are delighted to announce the launch of our first ever Art Happens crowdfunding campaign to raise the final £25,000 to bring a rare and significant painting of Horace Walpole by William Hogarth home to Strawberry Hill House.
Find out more and Donate

NEWS: Discover one of the most beautiful and beguiling cities on earth in our NEW In Focus ‘The Grand Tour: The Two Horaces and the Court of Florence’. Opening Sunday 27 March until Sunday 24 July.

NEWS: The House reopens from Sunday 30 January 2022. Booking is open for our revised opening days. House & Shop: Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 4pm, Garden & Cafe: Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm.

NEWS: Strawberry Hill House will close from 24 December 2021 – 29 January 2022, due to Covid-19 affecting staffing and our January Conservation Clean. The Garden will remain open for visitors to enjoy Sunday – Thursday 10am – 4pm.

The House will reopen on Sunday 30 January 2022, Sunday – Wednesday.

NEWS: In the second of our In Focus series of objects, we celebrate works created by Horace Walpole’s beloved goddaughter, sculptress Anne Seymour Damer, who inherited the House upon his death in 1797. The display runs from the 17 October 2021 – 3 January 2022, access is included in the general admission.

BLOG: Horace Walpole’s Grinling Gibbons Cravat takes centre stage at new exhibition. The remarkable life and legacy of Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) will be celebrated at Compton Verney, as part of a year-long series of events to commemorate the tercentenary of the most renowned British woodcarver of the 17th century, often called the ‘Michelangelo of Wood.’

NEWS: Online Exhibition (Free to explore): The Unexpected Jewish Past of Strawberry Hill House, Curated by Silvia Davoli. For most visitors, the House is synonymous with Horace Walpole and this online exhibition, through a selection of images and objects, highlights the lives of two of its historic owners: Frances, Countess Waldegrave and the Stern Family.

FILM: Hear from our Honorary Librarian and Conservation Intern as they share a behind-the-scenes of Horace Walpole’s Library and its preventive clean, which visitors can come and see throughout July. WATCH NOW

NEWS: In the first of a new series of In Focus displays, featuring objects and artworks that tell us the extraordinary story of Strawberry Hill House and its inhabitants, one of its most iconic objects is returning home – the 18th century Chinese porcelain vase in which Horace Walpole’s favourite cat drowned.

FILM: With just one week left to visit the installation, you can learn more about Architectural Designer and Drag Performer Kleanthis Kyriakou’s sculpture ‘A Monument to Strawberry Hill’ in this latest in conversation with the brilliant Dan Nouveau: WATCH NOW

NEWS: We’re offering National Lottery players 241 entry between the 6 – 13 June, as part of the National Lottery Open Week. To book tickets please select ‘National Lottery 241’ on the booking page. BOOK NOW

NEWS: As part of the Pride Month celebrations this June, we welcome architectural designer and drag performer Kleanthis Kyriakou to install his sculpture A Monument to Strawberry Hill in the House. The installation is included as part of the general admission.

FILM: Curator, Silvia Davoli talks with Emanuela Tarizzo, Gallery Director, Tomasso and Board Member, London Art Week on the return of the group portrait of Catherine de’ Medici with her children which now hangs in The Gallery. WATCH NOW

NEWS: Queen Catherine returns to Strawberry Hill House – A group portrait of Catherine de’ Medici with her children, first bought by Horace Walpole, is returning to Strawberry Hill House 247 years later, thanks to the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, administered by the Arts Council.

NEWS: Discover the fascinating history of what Horace Walpole, creator of Strawberry Hill House & Garden, called his “enchanted little landscape” by joining our NEW Garden Tour, starting April 13th.

GARDEN BLOG: In this new Garden blog, Head Gardener Alfonso Moreno takes a look back at the winter season and the incredible work the team has achieved ready for our full garden reopening on 12 April.

NEWS: As a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, only a few visitors were able to experience our beautiful Lockdown Letters to Horace: An Art Installation. A look back on the full project is now available on our website.

BLOG: As part of International Women’s Day 2021, Strawberry Hill House interviewed Dr Caroline Gonda about Anne Damer, Horace Walpole’s niece, challenging gender stereotypes and representation of female artists.

BLOG: To mark International Women’s Day 2021, our Outreach Manager Claire Leighton writes about Lady Waldegrave and her independence at a time when this was not at all usual and nearly 60 years before women would have the right to vote.

NEWS: As part of LGBTQ+ History month, Strawberry Hill House hosts a series of online talks which explore the House, its occupants and our cultural understanding of LGBT+ history during the 18th century. Exploring LGBTQ+ in the 18th century: a series of online talks, commences on Wednesday 17th February 2021 at 7pm.  BOOK NOW

NEWS: In response to over 250 letters received from the local community, as part of our ‘Write to Horace’ project. Richard E. Grant introduces just some of our letter writers in a special short film. WATCH NOW

NEWS: Over 250 people responded to our #WritetoHorace letter writing campaign, sharing their unique observations and experiences during this time. All of the letters sent to us whether by post or email have now been collated into a digital catalogue of letters.

NEWS: Lockdown Letters to Horace: An Art Installation, curated by Charmaine Stimson, Judith North, and Kate Proudman opens 5 November 2020 – 5 January 2020, Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 4pm. The installation is included in the general admission to the House.

NEWS: Strawberry Hill House featured in The Times in September, the article highlighted the House, its previous owners and our involvement in the Jewish Country House Project with University of Oxford. READ MORE

NEWS: Strawberry Hill House is seeking a local Visual Artist to help build an installation of letters at the House in late October. Deadline Friday 25th September, 2020: READ MORE

Blog: Visiting-the-house-under-covid-19. Written by Nevil Tomlinson, Volunteer Guide and Membership Newsletter Editor.

NEWS: We are delighted to announce that Strawberry Hill House will reopen its doors from Sunday 26th July, 2020 and Booking is Now Open. Our team and volunteers have been working incredibly hard to ensure we offer the safest environment and experience for visitors.

NEWS: ‘Write to Horace’ and join our new Letter Writing Campaign.

NEWS: The Strawberry Hill Flower Festival Goes Online – offering a range of floral and growing-related sessions across a two-day festival.

BLOG: Horace Walpole’s Curators. Written by Nevil Tomlinson, Volunteer Guide and Membership Newsletter Editor.

BLOG: ‘Horace’s House’ – Written by Carole Tucker, Librarian and volunteer guide

BLOG: Sewing Bees complete replica Bed

BLOG: Katie Sollohub’s ‘Blue Bedchamber’ Wins Derwent Art Prize

BLOG: Local Artist Peter Jarvis completes House artwork