From winding clocks to cleaning our many windows and maintaining our 112 acres of parkland, it’s a testament to our dedicated staff that Kenwood always looks its best.
But it is our seasonal events that support the upkeep of our beautiful English Heritage property and keep it as a precious local amenity.
Kenwood is a special place in summer and this year we have some special treats in store with something for everyone from art lovers, jazz fans, history buffs or those looking for intellectual stimulation.
We got off to an exciting start with the opening of a major art exhibition from renowned artist Stephen Farthing - Strike a Pose: Stephen Farthing and the Swagger Portrait.
Farthing’s ‘Swagger’ pieces, beautifully hung inside the House alongside the Suffolk Collection, capture the essence of peacockery with a unique blend of classical and contemporary styles and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the gift of the Suffolk Collection to English Heritage.
The exhibition runs from July to November and is a free event.
Emma Hills enjoys the Adam Library in Kenwood (Image: English Heritage)
With Kenwood’s spectacular art collection being such a huge part of its appeal, this year we have embarked on an exciting trial called Connect with Culture. By offering workshops with local artists, we want to encourage more creative interaction with the collection.
Meanwhile, outside, there’s still time to enjoy our elegant and serene Summer Soirees, which are running Friday evenings throughout July.
Guests can unwind on the garden terrace with a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying live musical performances from talented jazz musicians.
Also,The Lord Chamberlain’s Men: Outdoor Shakespeare Theatre will return with a one-off performance of Hamlet on August 18.
The all-male theatre company, which boasts direct links to William Shakespeare, is renowned for bringing the Bard’s classics to life in beautiful open-air settings. Is there really any better way to contemplate the play’s great question than on a picnic rug watching the sunset?
On September 7, we will be welcoming back the popular FT Festival, a premier event for lovers of literature and journalism.
Featuring a diverse array of speakers including renowned authors, journalists, and public figures, the festival offers insightful discussions and panels on a variety of topics from current affairs to literary criticism and is always a rich and engaging experience for all who attend.
The How The Light Gets In Festival promises to be a celebration of philosophy, music, and art. This unique event, which runs from September 21 to 22, features a line-up of thought-provoking talks, lively debates, and inspiring performances. Attendees can engage with leading thinkers and artists, exploring ideas that challenge the status quo and illuminate new perspectives.
It’s also worth remembering that the elegant house sits in more than 100 acres of parkland, offering a haven for families looking to tire kids out during the school holidays.
From July to September, we’ve got The Children's Summer Quest.
Guided by Noble, the friendly dog mascot, young adventurers embark on a quest around the estate, discovering historical facts and solving puzzles and encouraging learning through play.
For more information on all our events, visit the English Heritage website: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/events/
- Emily Hills is general manager at Kenwood.
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