Strawberry Hill Newsletter

From terrifying tours to wondrous workshops, Horace’s House of Horror has a plethora of events to capture the imagination  of children and grownups alike.   Young wizards and witches can create ghoulish gargoyles,fashion their own hats and broomsticks or conjure spectacular spells. Dragon Drama invite children  to join them  on a spooky tour . Discover what lies behind the hidden doors of Strawberry Hill in "Thrills, Spills, Spooks and Scares". Sponsored by Waterstones, torches and costumes are a must, with a  price for the best costume. Adults haven't been left out of Horace’s offering either.  A horror tour led by Raymond Daniel Davies will have you checking over your shoulder as who know what’s lurking in the shadows. Tickets have already sold out for one spooky tour, so to avoid disappoint book now!    News in Brief... We have launched two new fundraising initiatives. The Dining Club,  will allow members to enjoy four evenings at Strawberry Hill including a meal and wine, followed by a talk given by a prominent public figure. The first of these will take place on 17th October with Trevor Bayliss. You can also help us meet a £1 million fundraising challenging by donating to the new Peacock Appeal. Any donations made to this fund will be matched by the HLF Catalyst Endowment Fund, doubling your donation and helping to keep this unique historic house in tip top condition!

Wallpaper History Study Day Thursday 3rd October This is an exciting opportunity to learn about the history of wallpaper and the development of materials and techniques of production used in the early 18th century through to the 20th century. There will be a behind the scenes tour of papers recently discovered at Strawberry Hill, illustrated lectures and handling sessions where historic wallpapers can be examined in detail. Get Arty! Children  aged 9 to 12 years can gain a qualification by completing the Explorer Arts Award at Strawberry Hill House using Horace Walpole’s “Little Gothic Castle” as inspiration.  Working with practising artists, skills can be developed in ceramics, painted glass, papier-mâché and gold leaf gilding. This qualification, awarded by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England, offers an opportunity to develop creativity and leadership skills as well as linking young people to creative art professionals. The gold level of this award is recognised on the UCAS tariff. Classes will run 4pm until 6pm, every Tuesday over 12 weeks starting 8th October. The £192 course fee covers assessment as well as materials and refreshments For further information or to book a place please contact Claire Leighton atClaire.leighton@strawberryhillhouse.org.ukor telephone 02087441241   2013 Gothic Film Season Tickets Released By popular demand, this year's gothic film season returns starting on 10th October with the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera accompanied by Wendy Hiscocks live on piano.  Film goers have opportunity to dress up as Magenta or Dr. Frank-N-Furter from the cult musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show on 31st October. The last showing will be a double bill on 14th November. A short film of The Castle of Otranto will be shown first, based on the gothic novel written by Horace Walpole and inspired by Strawberry Hill House. The second will be Tim Burton’s The Nightmare before Christmasjust to get you in the mood for the fast approaching festive season. Films will be shown in the beautiful Waldegrave Suite of St Mary's University College. £8 per ticket or £20 for all three screenings.