Saturday 13 September 2008 - one day event - 10am to 4pm

 

Mr and Mrs Childe, the original owners of Guildford House played by costumed interpreters from Past Pleasures Limited.

Heritage Open Day is a national event coordinated by The Civic Trust and supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.  It aims to stimulate public awareness of England's rich architectural and cultural heritage by allowing free access to properties normally closed to the public or which usually charge admission.

As part of Heritage Open Day 2008, Guildford House (a grade 1 listed building) was again allowing access to the second floor of Guildford House to rooms not normally seen by the public. The second floor includes the Painted Closet, which may have been used as a private space for the lady of the house to use for her prayers and private contemplation or even as a powder room, literally to powder your wig!

Visitors were able to meet the original 17th century owners of the House, Mr and Mrs John Childe, played by costumed interpreters, who chatted throughout the day to visitors about life in 17th century Guildford.

Visit the Past Pleasures website (this page opens in a new window)
for information on other periods of history covered by these re-enactors.

In the Brew House, Charles Brooking displayed some of his collection of Domestic Architectural Artefacts. The 12 winning paintings from the 2009 Guildford Calendar Competition were also on display.

For details of Heritage Open Days all around the country, visit www.heritageopendays.org (this page opens in a new window).

Guildford House Gallery
155 High Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3AJ

Tel: 01483 444742
Fax: 01483 458563
Email: guildfordhouse@guildford.gov.uk

Open Tuesday to Saturday.  10am to 4.45pm.  Admission Free