Suffolk - WHAT TO DO

Gainsboroughs House in Sudbury: Permanent exhibition to one of England's greatest Portrait and Landscape painter, plus a constant roster of interesting exhibitions of local contemporary artists and the famous print workshop.

Further details at www.gainsborough.org . tel 01787 372 958

The river Stour which is navigable from Sudbury to The sea was where another of England's greatest artists was born and painted many of his most famous paintings: John Constable, painting like the 'Haywain' have defined the English countryside and this is where it all is. At The Grove Cottages I have 2 lovely canoes which guests can persuade me to lend out for a days paddling through all of Constables paintings of The river Stour.

There is a National Trust area dedicated to the artist at Willy Lotts Cottage (the location of the 'Haywain') and an exhibition and lovely riverside walks.

The Wildlife Gallery in Lavenham is an exciting gallery which is bringing out the first book of the works of Harry Becker, a very vibrant country-life artist working at the turn of the century, who is at last getting the recognition he justly deserves.

Further details at www.wildlifeartgallery.com or tel 01787 247 356

There are a number of other exciting Galleries in the area near The Grove Cottages , such as the Chappel Gallery at Chappell near Bures. tel: 01206 240 326 . We have been to some exceptionally good modern artists exhibitions there.

Bury St Edmunds has a very good gallery right in the centre of this beautiful 'Grand' little market town, see: www.burystedmundsartgallery.org . Tel 01284 762 081

The Suffolk Craft Society With over 170 craft members working in all major craft disciplines from textiles and ceramics to sculpture and glass, the Society represents the very best in design-led contemporary crafts. To view their work and find out a little about their working practices, please visit www.suffolkcraftsociety.org

Blackthorpe Barn often has exciting exhibitions and Installations in their magnificent barn at Rougham, more details of their program at www.blackthorpebarn.co.uk

Aldeburgh

MUCH, MUCH, MUCH Too Much to mention here, please visit the website at www.aldeburgh.co.uk or call 01787 687 110 for this fantastic Music & Arts program

Crooked House Gallery, Lavenham. Built around 1425 as part of a Medieval Hall House; now home to unusual and original arts/crafts from all over the UK. Sampling items such as contemporary sculpture, textiles, pottery, jewellery, stained glass, paintings and prints.
For further information, visit www.crookedhousegallery.co.uk or 01787 247865

Lime Tree Gallery, Long Melford. Contemporary fine art and glass. Holding regular exhibitions/ Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Further info, see www.limetreegallery.com www.limtreegallery.com

Head Street Gallery Halstead - fine art and hand crafted gifts to suit all tastes and budgets. Also, home to a coffee bar with free access to books and publications about arts and crafts. Visit www.headstreetgallery.co.uk or call 01787 472705

I will get some more details up soon but I have to get the bantams in now...

My Bantams as illustrated by one of our guests: Susan Beresford 4.10.2002

Mark. The Grove Cottages