I went to Sudbury today, to see Gainsborough’s house and art gallery. It was a very good day, we all enjoyed it. I am absolutely tired out now though and I want to go to bed – it’s not even 7.30, so I’ll regret it if I do – which may not stop me. I really can hardly stay upright.
Tim and I had a few days in Lavenham, a month or so after we got married. We didn’t have time for a honeymoon until then, so this had to suffice – the Great House was absolutely lovely and we’d meant to go back, but lockdown intervened and so on… We drove to Sudbury one day and wanted to park and go to the house, but it was hopeless. I couldn’t walk far as I was in need of a hip replacement (I phoned to arrange it as soon as I got back) and we followed the signs for the town car park, until there wasn’t a sign and there wasn’t a car park. We did several sweeps of the town and went over a lot of speed bumps and never did find a car park, so we gave up and went to Long Melford instead.
Everything I do reminds me of Tim or of Russell and, I tell you, it gets no easier. However much I put my best foot forward, it still sucks.
Would a cyber hug help? I can’t mend the hole, but have hugs a-plenty.((Zoe))
Thank you Di, yes it does xx
We used to go to Sudbury a lot. It’s one of the few things down south I miss. The market is one of the few in those parts that is still a proper market. The one-way system and hidden parking take some mastering though.
Gainsborough’s house is always interesting, and their exhibitions change frequently. I want a mulberry tree like theirs.
Fabulous tree, I have mulberry envy too. They’ve recently built on a big new extension, replacing a 60s dull council building. The council gave the site to the charity. There’s a fine exhibition lent by the Duke of Bedford at present. The other new room, full of Gainsboroughs, has a wonderful backdrop on the walls made of local silk and donated by (I think) Humphries silk manufacturer.
Wow, I had no idea this was finished! (actually, started, it must have been done very rapidly as it’s only 2 years since we last went, having Art Passes, we went to almost every temporary exhibition. I can’t quite work out where it is? In the sidestreet, perpendicular to the frontage street, where the old entrance/gift shop used to be?
And the upcoming Maggi Hambling is now on my calendar: https://gainsborough.org/event/origins-maggi-hambling/
Thank you!
I am such a fan of Maggi Hambling, thank you for that! Let me know if you’re going, in case I can arrange the same (or you’re welcome to stay here).
I don’t know if the entrance to the shop has changed, but the main entrance is in the side street, a bit further on from the shop. You go in and there’s a new gallery to left and right. Go left and, past the Gainsborough gallery, you go outside into the garden, past the cafeteria and into the house.