The museum has had an exciting year, with two new acquisitions which are now on display. The lost bronze portrait head of Sir Kenneth Clark (of the tv series Civilisation fame) turned up in Toronto in Canada, thanks to the internet. The University raised the funds to buy it in to the collection, and it is now in the Gallery, with the plaster cast.
Secondly, a plaster model of Gordine’s sculpture known as The Crowning Glory came up for sale, and we were able to buy it. The plaster model was made for the window displays in hairdressing salons, advertising the Eugène Permanent Wave product. Dora was commissioned in 1947 to make the sculpture to launch a competition for fashionable hairstyles using the perm, with £3000 worth of prizes. The competition ran in magazines such as Vogue and in The Times. The new display on our first floor landing tells the story.
On Thursday 24 October we are running an Evening tour at 7pm (£8) which includes a free glass of wine for those of you who need to relax after a hard day’s work. For our younger visitors, we have a Family Workshop (£4 per child, adults free) during the half term week, on Friday 1 November (10am – 12 noon). There are also tours for the general public at 11.30pm and 2.30pm.
Once again we will be running our popular Christmas Café event (£6.50) on Friday 6 December, when you can bring your friends to the museum and enjoy refreshments and a mince pie. Our Christmas decorations will be up, the house warm and welcoming as usual. Guided tours will be at the usual times of 11.30am and 2.30pm. Free parking on site.
Last but not least, students from the Music and Drama schools of Kingston University will be showing off their talents at a Christmas Music and Poetry Evening on Thursday 12 December. Tickets are £15 and include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and Italian cake before the programme which starts at 7.30pm, and finishes at 9.30pm. Tickets are reserved by sending a cheque to Dorich House, made payable to Kingston University. This is a popular event so book early to avoid disappointment. Free parking on site.