Events & Conference
Important Announcement: Gimson Conference
Unfortunately, De Montfort University were unable to secure any external funding and have decided not to go ahead with the conference. We regret any disappointment and inconvenience this may cause and do hope that you will be able to visit the exhibition and take part in one of the other linked activities.
Special Events
Please return to this page on a regular basis – it will be updated with new events as soon as we receive them.
Unless otherwise mentioned, all events take place at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Please note that most of the events have limited capacity so advance booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. For bookings, telephone 44 (0)116 225 4920.
2009 Special Events
A Craftsman at Work: Chris Vickers
Sunday 18th January 2009
11.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Demonstration of metal working techniques as seen in the Gimson exhibition and discussion about plasterwork and furniture making.
A Craftsman at Work: Lawrence Neal
Saturday 14th February 2009
11.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Demonstration by chairmaker Lawrence Neal, who makes the original Gimson design rush seated chairs.
Ernest Gimson & the Arts & Crafts Movement
Sunday Lunch & Gallery Tour
Sunday 1st March 2009
11.00am
A unique opportunity to experience a personal tour of the Gimson exhibition with Mary Greensted, exhibition curator and author. Hear the stories behind the objects and gain an incredible insight into the life of Gimson and the Arts & Craft Movement. Afterwards, enjoy a two-course Sunday lunch with Mary at the Belmont House Hotel, part of which was the former family home of the Gimson family, and just a five-minute walk from the museum. Tickets: £25.00 per person (includes tour and two course Sunday lunch, excludes drinks). Limited places available, advance booking recommended. To reserve a place, contact the Belmont Hotel on 0116 252 9602 / info@belmonthotel.co.uk
Lunchtime Talks
A series of illustrated talks providing a variety of perspectives on the exhibition. Bring along your sandwiches, or buy them in the museum café, and prepare to be entertained and informed! Talks start at 1.00pm and last approximately 45 minutes. £4.00 / £3.50 concessions. For bookings, telephone 44 (0)116 225 4920.
William Morris and the Gimson Family
Monday 19th January
Speaker: Mary Greensted, author and curator of the exhibition.
The designer, poet and socialist, William Morris, visited Leicester in the
1880s staying with the Gimson family. This talk will look at his ideas and the
influence he had on the young Ernest Gimson.
Country Living: At Home with the Gimsons
Monday 26th January
Speaker: Barley Roscoe, freelance curator and member of the BBC Antiques
Road show team.
This talk will use archive photographs and family recollections to draw a
picture of the Gimson family's daily life in the Charnwood Forest cottages
during the early 20th century.
Ernest Gimson: A Leicester Architect
Monday 2nd February
Speaker: Richard Gill, local historian and author.
Gimson began his architectural training in Leicester and many of his most
important buildings are in this area.
Good Habits and Hobbies
Monday 9th February
Speaker: Jane May, Curator of Decorative Art, Leicester Arts & Museum Service.
The Arts & Crafts Movement had a strong impact on craft education and on
the growing interest in hobbies through the 20th century.