Please see 'Lectures and VIsits' page for a provisional list of autumn lectures
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OPENING HOURS
Summer Opening Times
Please note the Estate will re-open on
Wed 27 May at 7am
The Steward's Room is open from 8 June for takeaway snacks and drinks
The House is still closed at present
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'ROUND THE WORLD WITH REMBRANDT' PUZZLE!
Please click here for the picture solution and here for the museum key
WELCOME
Kenwood and its beautiful grounds adjoining Hampstead Heath, was bequeathed to the nation in 1927 by the Earl of Iveagh. This outstanding neoclassical house holds one of the most important collections of paintings ever given to the nation. Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough all hang against a backdrop of sumptuous rooms, including the richly decorated library; one of Robert Adam's masterpieces. The landscaped grounds and lake are enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year and form the backdrop to films, open air concerts, plays and other events.
The Friends of the Iveagh Bequest, more well-known as the Friends of Kenwood, was formed in 1979. Our purpose is:
"to inspire visitors of today and tomorrow to promote and preserve the special qualities of Kenwood House, its collection and estate"
Our AimsTo achieve the above,our specific aims are to:
- Provide a forum and voice for friends and supporters, and act as advocate for the Kenwood estate and the terms of the Iveagh Bequest
- Support English Heritage in their management of the Kenwood estate
- Provide for members a range of social, educational, and fundraising activities, publications and events
- Stimulate public interest in, and care of, the beauty, history and character of Kenwood, and ensure that this character is maintained
- Raise funds for acquisitions, conservation work and other relevant projects or activities related to Kenwood
- Encourage high standards in, and appropriate development of, all areas of activity at Kenwood, including architecture, planning, estate management, conservation, and the visitor experience.
NEW STRUCTURE FOR ENGLISH HERITAGE
From 1 April 2015, English Heritage changed into two
organisations
Historic England
This is a statutory Government service championing England’s heritage,
giving expert, constructive advice on the wider historic environment
and giving grants.
The English Heritage Trust
The Trust is a charity caring for the National Heritage Collection of
more than 400 historic properties and their contents. The
Trust
has been given a one-off payment by Government to address the backlog
in conservation work and the charity has committed to become entirely
self-funding by 2023.
Kenwood will come under the care of the Trust.
The Friends were consulted about the proposed new structure.
Securing support for Kenwood will continue to be a priority
for English
Heritage and working closely and effectively with the Friends of
Kenwood is integral to this. The Friends are looking forward
to
co-operating with English Heritage as a fund raising partner.
OUR AMBASSADOR
We are delighted to have the support of our Ambassador, Lord Melvyn Bragg, CH.
Melvyn is a Broadcaster and Author, best known for his work with ITV and Sky Arts as Editor and Presenter of the 'The South Bank Show' and as Presenter of 'In Our Time’ on Radio 4. He has won several awards for his novels.
VERMEER
AND REMBRANDT FRIENDS
The Friends would like to extend grateful thanks to the following for
continuing to support us as Vermeer and Rembrandt Friends:
Chris Carter; Elizabeth Meek; Kip Meek; David Pears
CORPORATE BENEFACTORS
The Friends would like to thank the following for supporting us as Corporate Benefactors:
Julius Baer is the international reference in Private Banking, based on a solid Swiss heritage.
Killik and Co for investment and wealth management
Pentland
Group plc is a manufacturing business owning some of the
world's leading brands
