We welcome registrations for a summer Study Day on foot in Greenwich, on 28 June, to celebrate the area’s maritime history and Sir Christopher Wren’s rich legacy.
This year marks the 450th anniversary of Inigo Jones’ birth, and 300th anniversary of Christopher Wren’s death. As part of the Wren300 commemorations, you’re invited to explore Maritime Greenwich, a World Heritage Site described by UNESCO as the ‘finest and most dramatically sited architectural and landscape ensemble in the British Isles’. We will be joined by eminent scholars, curators, and conservationists who will illuminate this key site in the evolution of classical architecture in England.
The day will be led by specialist in Wren’s architectural legacy, Dr David McKinstry, Lecturer in the History of Architecture and Design, Imperial College London, Conservation Officer London Borough of Camden, and former Secretary of the Georgian Group. David will introduce buildings across the site, by Webb, Wren, Hawksmoor, and Stuart.
In this busy year for him, we are lucky to have the expertise of drawings expert and Jones authority Dr Gordon Higgott, who will introduce England’s first fully realised classical building, Queen’s House (1616-35) including its Great Hall and the Tulip Staircase. Dr Allison Goudie, Curator of Art Pre-1800, Royal Museums Greenwich, will discuss her current exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea.
Wren’s Hospital for Seamen design comprises matching pairs of courts separated by a grand visto the exact width of the Queen’s House. Our understanding of the hospital will be enhanced there through detailed notes and general discussion addressing the complex design and building sequence. Inside at the dining hall, William Palin, CEO of Bart’s Heritage Trust will introduce James Thornhill’s extraordinary baroque Painted Hall (1707- 26) recently the subject of an award-winning conservation project, led by Palin.
The Grade II listed Trafalgar Tavern (des. Joseph Kay, 1837) on the bank of the River Thames, is our spot for lunch. The entire pub is adorned with artefacts and paintings telling the story of Britain’s naval history, and Curator Emeritus of the National Maritime Museum, and maritime historian Pieter Van der Merwe, MBE, DL, will introduce some key pieces of the drawings collection.
In the afternoon we’ll experience James Athenian Stuart’s neo-classical remodelling of the Royal Hospital Chapel before walking to the Church of St. Alfege. The first church to be built by the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches (1712-14) to designs by Hawksmoor, St Alfege will be introduced by their expert guides. Finally, we will enjoy the 19th century Greenwich streets, and those who wish are welcome to come for a drink at the Gypsy Moth Tavern before returning home.
Please register by 23rd June, 12pm, as catering must be confirmed in advance
Accessibility
The tour will include several areas approached by stairs. The Queen’s House and Painted Hall have disabled access and there are disabled accessible lavatories across the site. However, there are several flights of external steps which are not wheelchair accessible.
Walking distances are moderate but periods of standing will be numerous. Please also note that this is a walking tour which includes periods outdoors, whatever the weather conditions. Clothing appropriate to this is strongly recommended. Those with specific access needs are strongly advised to inform the Society in advance so that arrangements can be planned, via info@sahgb.org.uk
The Painted Hall: All photos copyright Dr. Stephen Gage
Registration Form
Please process payment only once and look out for an email that confirms your booking. There is no instant pop-up window that follows the payment page.
Registration will be closed at 12pm on 23rd June, to allow confirmation of the catering for the event.