Spring Term

Wednesday Afternoon Talks

Wed 18 January

Anna Lea Merritt: Wall Paintings in a Surrey Church FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Olive Maggs

Olive Maggs is a local art historian who has taught and lectured on the subject in addition to being a part-time educator at the Watts Gallery. This talk will concentrate on her recent book and exhibition at the Lewis Elton Gallery at the University of Surrey, which celebrates the beautiful, freshly restored murals by artist Anna Lea Merritt in the church of St. Martin’s in Blackheath, Surrey. This talk will consider the interesting iconography of the murals whilst also explaining the little known water-glass technique used in their making.

Wed 25 January

Jack Phillips & the Titanic FULLY BOOKED

A talk by John Young

As we approach the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic we welcome a talk by John Young, the history librarian at Godalming Museum, on local Titanic legend Jack Phillips. Jack was born in Godalming in 1887 and went on to a successful career as a wireless officer with Marconi, which led him to be stationed on the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic in 1912. John’s talk will feature many notable personalities who had a key role in the events of 14 April, including; the captain of the Titanic – Edward Smith, Lord Pirrie – Chairman of shipbuilders Harland and Wolfe who also owned nearby Witley Park and Bruce Ismay – the Manager and Chairman of the White Star Line.

Wed 1 February

A Potted History of British Museums – From Stuffed Owls to Afghanistan

FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Felicity Wood

Felicity Wood has volunteered in various museum environments and has recently completed a Masters degree in Museum Studies. This talk is an interesting whistle-stop history of British museums, from their origins to the present day. This illustrated talk will consider the evolving role of museums and how this has affected exhibitions and the display of objects. By looking at the different ways in which museums convey meaning and information to their visitors, Felicity will question where museums will go next.

Wed 8 February

Freiburg: Guildford’s Twin City FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Peter Slade

Guilford has been twinned with the city of Freiburg in Germany since 1979. For the past 5 years Peter has been Chairman of the Guildford-Freiburg Association which works to promote relations between the twinned cities. In this talk he will explore the political, cultural and architectural background of Freiburg, and compare and contrast the city with Guildford. He will also explain why Freiburg is world-famous for its environmental achievements.

Wed 15 February

The Warm Arctic FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Norman Price

Norman Price has led a fascinating life working in such diverse occupations as airline pilot, barrister, and professional photographer. The circumstances of his early life led him to live in a number of far-flung locations such as Japan, Australia, Malaysia and Kenya, which perhaps explains his resultant passion for travel. His self-confessed obsession with travelling the rim of the Arctic Ocean has led to the recent writing and publication of his first book ‘The Warm Arctic’ (2008). This talk will describe some of the amazing sights and experiences of Norman in the Arctic. From Finland to Alaska, to the borders of the Russian Far East, he will share his passion for these northerly countries, known as the ‘land of the midnight sun’.

Wed 22 February

The Launching of Dickens of Portsmouth FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Professor Tony Pointon

Professor Tony Pointon is the Chairman of the Portsmouth Charles Dickens Statue Fund and in this talk he will consider the turbulent ‘launching’ of the career of the young Dickens. After his birth in the naval port of Landport, Portsmouth in 1812, the family relocated several times, eventually settling in London in 1822. Charles’ education was somewhat erratic and when his father and the rest of his family were imprisoned in the Marshalsea Debtor’s Prison in 1824, 10 year old Charles was left in the care of a family friend in Camden Town. Professor Pointon traces how the unlikely trajectory of Dickens’ success came about, what the consequences of this were, and considers why he is so affectionately remembered.

Wed 29 February

The Foxenden Quarry Deep Air Raid Shelter FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Carol Brown

Carol Brown has worked at Guildford Museum for over twenty years and specialises in history focused on women and the military respectively. This illustrated talk will reveal the story of one of Guildford’s hidden secrets – a purpose-built air raid shelter concealed under the York Road Car Park. The shelter was built in 1941 to accommodate a thousand people, and included a First Aid post and a block of lavatories. Following the end of the war the shelter was locked and forgotten for over fifty years. Carol will trace the history of the shelter, from its construction to its recent re-discovery, providing images to accompany her talk.

Wed 7 March

The Lost Lady Found: The Life & Work of Lucy Broadwood (1858–1929)

A talk by Irene Shettle

On the day before International Women’s Day we are happy to welcome Irene Shettle, a local singer who is a member of the Music Institute Folk Club. Irene first spoke at the Institute in 2005 and this talk will be an update of her research findings into the pioneering female folksong collector of the late 19th and early 20th century – Lucy Broadwood. Lucy was a resident in Surrey for the early half of her life and her influence was such that she affected both collectors and composers of the time and became a founding member of the Folk-Song Society. This engaging talk will provide information on her life and work, using extracts from her diaries, correspondence and various publications.

Wed 14 March

Isambard Kingdom Brunel FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Peter Bosomworth

As part of this year’s National Science and Engineering week, we are pleased to present a talk on the eminent engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This illustrated talk will be delivered by Peter Bosomworth who trained as a mechanical engineer and worked on the design of locomotives and power equipment before moving to the research and development department of the Ministry of Defence. Peter is a lifelong railway enthusiast with a strong interest in the history of the development of engineering technology and its associated figures. This presentation focuses on the wide achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel during his dynamic career, looking at his few mistakes as well as his undoubted successes.

Wed 21 March

The Prison at Norman Cross – A Time Team Investigation FULLY BOOKED

A talk by Paul Chamberlain

Paul Chamberlain is a scientist by profession but a historian by nature with specialist knowledge of prisoners of war in Napoleonic times. He is currently working on a study of Norman Cross prison depot near Peterborough and was a consultant to the Channel 4 Time Team investigation of the Norman Cross Prison site, which was screened in October 2010. During the Napoleonic Wars Norman Cross was one of the largest prisons in use with up to 7,000 prisoners of war. The dig uncovered a vast amount of material providing a fascinating glimpse into life at the site 200 years ago. This talk will give a behind the scenes look at the making of the programme, including the difficult search for the prisoners’ burial ground.

Wed 28 March

Guildford Past & Present in Old Photographs FULLY BOOKED

Philip Hutchinson

Philip is Custodian of Guildford Castle Keep and has written several books on the history of Guildford. This illustrated talk takes us on an engaging virtual tour of the town, comparing many of the old buildings with their current replacements. Examples will include The Connaught Hotel, which was demolished in the early 1940s and replaced by the Farnham Road Bus Station, the Lion Hotel (originally The White Lion) demolished in 1956, which has now become Marks & Spencer, and the history of notable buildings including the Guildhall, Guildford House and the Angel Hotel.

Special Events

Guildford Institute Patron’s Evening at The Guildhall

Thurs 19 April

7.45pm

Members free, non-members £5

Refreshments included

‘Seventy Years in the BBC’: The Mayor of Guildford Terence Patrick, Patron and past Trustee of the Guildford Institute, presents a fully illustrated lecture on the work by two generations of his family during their 70 years with the BBC. To book please contact Guildford Institute reception on 01483 562142.

Visits

An Enlightenment Tour of the British Museum

Tues 24 January

11.30am – 1.00pm

Members £12, non-members £15

In this specially arranged themed tour a British Museum guide will lead you through the museum to discover the ways in which the world was understood by Europeans in the 18th century. The journey will trace the beginnings of the British Museum and the origins of its collection whilst linking this to the Enlightenment movement of the time. The tour will last approximately 1 hour after which you will be free to lunch either in the museum or in one of the many cafés and restaurants in the local area. In the afternoon you may wish to further explore the interesting exhibits of the British Museum or investigate the many attractions within the area. You will be free to choose your own leaving time.

A Make Your Own Way Visit. Meet at the front desk of the British Museum at 11.30am. Nearest tube: either Holborn or Russell Square followed by a short walk of 10–15 minutes. Alternatively take a bus from Waterloo station.

The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory & Ham House Guided Tours

Tues 21 February

9am – 4.00pm

Members £20, non-members £25

The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory in Richmond, not normally open to the public, will welcome us at 10.30am with tea and biscuits before we are given a private tour. We will learn how poppies were deliberately designed so that they could be easily assembled by those with the use of only one hand to ensure that the factory could employ injured ex-service men and women. When this tour finishes at midday, the coach will make the short journey to Ham House. The house, built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour, Knight Marshal to James I, is rich in history and atmosphere. Upon arrival, lunch will be available from the Ham House café (at own expense). Following this, a private tour of the house will give us exclusive access to some of the sumptuous rooms whilst we hear something of its fascinating history.

Coach trip: The coach will depart North Street, Guildford at 9am and will leave Ham House at 3.30pm.

Exclusive Private Tours of Dennis Severs’ House & 19 Princelet Street

FULLY BOOKED

Tues 13 March

11.55am – 4.30pm

Members £20, non-members £25

This visit offers an exciting opportunity to have private access to two of Spitalfields early Georgian silk-weavers’ houses. The first tour is at Dennis Severs’ House, a beautifully recreated Huguenot home designed by former occupant Severs to be a time-travelling sensory experience. Usually open at set times to the public, this is an exclusive opportunity to view the property as a private group. Afterwards you will be free to explore the Spitalfields area and have lunch in one of the many eclectic cafés or restaurants.

The group will reconvene at 2.45pm at 19 Princelet Street for the second unique tour of the day. Princelet Street is being developed as the only cultural institution in Europe dedicated to themes of immigration and diversity. The tour will uncover the stories of waves of newcomers – Huguenots, Irish, Jewish peoples among many others – who have shaped this area and this nation. Not normally open to the public, this specially arranged visit will include talks and a private view of the buildings and exhibition, including access to the hidden Victorian synagogue contained inside. The tour will end at approximately 4.30pm.

A Make Your Own Way Visit. Meet outside Dennis Severs’ House, 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields at 11.55am. Please note: Warm clothing is required for the tour of Princelet Street. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street followed by a 15 minute walk. Alternatively bus 26 from Waterloo Road outside Waterloo station will take you to Primrose Street, 5 minutes walk from Dennis Severs’ House.

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