Signed Watercolour (c.1880) of the Gateway
After the festive but hectic holidays you may be looking for something relaxing to do. Why not visit an interesting little exhibition nearby? The Architects and Craftsmen of Fulham Palace is located in the Bishop Sherlock’s Room. Something is sure to spark your curiosity, and you may even learn something about the Palace you never knew before. For instance, did you know that neo-Roman statuary known as "terms" or "boundary sculptures" were used as markers in 18th century gardens? The base of one has been found close to the moat. The exhibition curator Miranda Poliakoff also confirmed the architects who built the Gatehouse and Head Gardner House.
Well-researched themes are arranged around the perimeter of the room: “Stained Glass”, “Plaster”, “Wallpaper”, “Bricks & Timber” and Tiles, Inlaid Stone & Mosaic (“Revived Medieval Crafts”). The exhibition covers these represented applied arts from the Georgian and Victorian eras through to the mid- 20th century. It describes the architects and their patrons who transformed the Palace with ornate stained glass, plasterwork, and mosaic. Throughout the exhibition opinions are requested for proposed future changes, so now is a chance to have your say.
The East window of the Chapel (in 1956 and today)
Beautifully highlighted with paintings, drawings, plans, old photos, building material and letters, used from the collection and borrowed from elsewhere, this exhibition reminds us of how decorative fashions changed even for those in the clergy.
Wallpaper samples on display
Don't miss the complementing craft exhibition by our young Bronze Arts Award artists (aged between 11 and 15). It sets out to imagine how Fulham Palace might look if the past bishops of London had left some of their personal belongings behind for the next generation of bishops to inherit. The objects and furniture in the exhibition have been inspired by ideas about decoration and craftsmanship that made ordinary items extraordinary.
These exhibitions are open during regular museum hours until 20 April 2017 - so please help spread the word! Follow this link for more information about related talks in January, February and March to learn more about the creation and conservation of the plasterwork, stained glass and woodcarving around the Palace.
Miranda would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped make it such a success – those who helped put it together as well as those who continue to steward.
Nancy - Vol Comms Asst