Appreciating art at Kenwood House
Sitting proudly at the top of a hill with views over Hampstead Heath and for miles beyond, this fabulous 17th century manor house has been recently renovated and is now open, free of charge, for everyone to explore and appreciate. Entrusted to the English Heritage, this grand house boasts historic links to Robert Adam (the neo-classical Scottish architect), Lord Mansfield (the 18th century English Chief Justice who campaigned for the abolition of slavery), Dido Bell (Britain's first black aristocrat) and Edward Guinness (member of the Guinness brewery family) later known as the 1st Earl of Iveagh. But more remarkable than the beautiful interiors and furnishings is a truly impressive collection of fine art that once belonged to Lord Iveagh including original pieces by Gainsborough, Constable, Turner and a Rembrandt self portrait. We visit many stately homes but this is the first time, the kids really took an interest in the art. This was mainly down to the laminated copies of the pieces of art in each room and their kids 'trail'. The cards and trail sheet asked thought-provoking questions and give the paintings more attention so that they could spot details that might otherwise have been missed or appreciate the story being told. Questions such as what they would smell, feel or hear in Constable's 'Hampstead Heath with Pond and Bathers', what three words they would use to describe their favourite painting in the room, the story of Dido Belle and her cousin Elizabeth Murray as portrayed in Zoffany's painting of them both together. I found it fascinating and I loved that the kids really immersed themselves in the art too. Following our tour around the house, we then took a stroll around the lake and vowed to come back in the summer when better weather would allow you to really appreciate the wonderful landscape surrounding this striking house. There is a small pay and display car park (£3 for up to 2 hours and £5 for up to 4 hours) but there is also plenty of free parking on the nearby roads as well as local buses, trains and tubes within reasonable reach.
