Features / What's On

Artspace Lifespace takeover launches at Ashton Court Mansion

By Lydia Melville  Thursday May 17, 2018

Following the news that charity and arts organisation Artspace Lifespace will be taking over the running of Ashton Court Mansion to prevent it falling into disrepair, events at the mansion will kick off with an official launch across the weekend of Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20.

The historic mansion will be free to enter from 11am-4pm across the weekend, with exhibitions inside the house, entertainment in the grounds and food in the cafe.

Ashton Court Mansion, which is now being opened to the public and used for creative pursuits by Artspace Lifespace

On Saturday, the theme is The Arts Mansion Alternative Royal Wedding. There will be a wedding-themed dress code with a prize for the best-dressed person, and on the West Lawn to the front of the house, Brigstowe Village Band will be playing their particular brand of country dancing, jigs and reels for your merriment from 2pm.

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On Sunday, the fun continues with the first of what Artspace Lifespace hope will be a regular Games Sunday event, with visitors able to play a variety of different games. Look out for the spectacular Lost Luggage dinosaur art car around the grounds.

The Lost Luggage dinosaur art car will be travelling around Ashton Court’s grounds during the weekend

Exhibitions continue across the weekend. Inside the house, visitors will find artists exhibiting their works in some of the mansion’s grand rooms, including the Great Hall, Panelled Lounges and Music Room.

Artists whose work will be on display include Les Matthews, Suzy Davis, Anthea K. Matthews, James Starr, Sophie Long, Tim Munson, Doug Francisco, Alana Ashley and Island tenants Brook Tate, Jennie Cave and Toby Ross.

Picnics are welcome in the Music Room, and the Stable Cafe will be open to provide refreshments alongside local social enterprise Food without Borders, who will be selling handmade salads, juices and falafel wraps.

For more information about future events at the mansion, visit www.artspacelifespace.com

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