Supporter exclusive: tour & talk at Strawberry Hill House

Supporters are invited to join us for an exclusive visit to Strawberry Hill House!

Step into the enchanting world of Strawberry Hill House for an unforgettable afternoon of history, art and intrigue. This exclusive event for Fulham Palace supporters offers a rare opportunity to explore the Gothic villa, followed by a fascinating talk on the legendary Bianca Capello. Enjoy a guided highlights tour of the house, discover long-lost treasures and indulge in delicious café refreshments.

Fulham Palace supporters have been invited to join the supporters of Strawberry Hill House for their members’ exclusive talk with Dr Silvia Davoli. This spellbinding lecture will reveal the dramatic life of Bianca Capello, the 16th-century Venetian noblewoman who scandalised Renaissance Italy. Discover how her story captivated Horace Walpole, inspiring his gothic novel The Castle of Otranto and even leading to the creation of the word ‘serendipity’. The talk will also unveil exciting new research on recently rediscovered artworks from Walpole’s collection and explore how Bianca’s legend shaped the imaginations of notable figures such as William Beckford and Alexandre Dumas

Before the talk at 16.00, guests will embark on a guided highlights tour of the house, including a rare chance to see Lavinia Fontana’s lost miniature, a precious treasure on display until 23 April. Strawberry Hill House is internationally celebrated as one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic architecture. This tour will offer an insider’s view into its spectacular interiors, hidden stories, and the lives of its past residents.

Schedule:

13.20: Meet at the main entrance to Strawberry Hill House

13.30 – 15.00: Guided ‘highlights’ tour of the house

15.00 – 16.00: Tea & cake in the café

16.00 – 17.00: Lecture by Dr Silvia Davoli

Event details:

• This event is exclusively for Friends and Patrons of Fulham Palace.
• The tour will begin promptly at 13.30 and will last between 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Please arrive at 13.15 to ensure a timely start.
• Hot drinks and cakes will be provided in the café after the tour. There will be approximately an hour between the tour and the lecture, allowing time to relax in the café or explore the house gardens.
• Fulham Palace supporters will be joining the Strawberry Hill House members for the lecture, which is a limited event for their members.
• For further details or any questions, please email Amy Barker at development@fulhampalace.org.