What’s On in Apr ’19

From 1st April new extended summer opening hours: 7 days a week, 9.30am to 5.30pmlast entry 4.45pm; Tearoom 11am to 4pm, last orders 3.45pm.

All Apr:   L S Lowry “Canal and Factories”  Which side of the marmite question are you on?  Do you like stick men?  Incl in House admission.  To Sun 12th May.

All Apr:  “Meet your Maker” This is a collaborative partnership between Craft Scotland, HES and Aberdeenshire Council; senior art and design students from Banff Academy have researched, developed and created new pieces of contemporary art, inspired by Duff House and the Early Silver exhibition.  The students have learnt why silver, not gold, became the most important precious metal in Scotland in the first millennium AD, and the part that silver played in the transformation of society in Scotland.  The project has explored, and expresses, connections between our heritage and the modern world of technology we live in today.  Incl in House admission.  To Sun 5th May.

Sun 7th Apr:  A Day Out at Duff House    A filled Sunday outing:

09.30  Duff House and the “Meet your Maker” Exhibition opens. Time to look around.

11.00  Tearoom opens; just in time for a morning coffee

12.00  Guided tour for an hour around the House

13.00  Time for a spot of lunch in the Tearoom

13.30  Guided tour for an hour around the “Pleasure Grounds” including inside the Mausoleum

14.30  Piano recital in the Grand Salon

15.15  Time for afternoon tea – last orders 3.45pm – and then check out the parts of the House you haven’t had a chance to see yet before the House closes at 17.30!

All except your lunch and tea is included in the normal entrance fee (free entrance if you are an HES member!).  Book your place on the tours (max 12) by calling 01261 818181 or take a chance on the day.

Sat 13th Apr  “Wax Carving Workshop” Two unique workshops (10am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm)  with silversmith Megan Falconer, where you can carve a ring in jewellers wax, and afterwards it will be transformed into silver and delivered back to you.  Good eyesight and hand dexterity are needed.  Max 9 people, 16+ years old. Places must be booked (see www.historicenvironment.scot/whats-on and choose Duff House) and cost £20.

Sun 14th Apr  “Etch a Silver Ring Workshop” Spend the morning (10am to noon) at Duff House looking for inspirational images and patterns, and then in the afternoon (1pm to 5pm) at The Smiddy design and make a silver ring unique to you.  All materials will be provided, but bring a camera and/or a sketch book to capture your favourite images.  Max 5 people.  Must be 16+ years old.  Places must be booked (see www.historicenvironment.scot/whats-on and choose Duff House) and cost £30.

Fri 19th & Sat 20th Apr  “Willow Weaving Workshop” Come and help willow weaver David Powell create a giant sculpture which will be displayed on the lawn of Duff House.  Just drop in 11am to 4pm and lend a hand a first come first served basis.  Included in House admission.

Thu 25th Apr “A tale of international intrigue” The last of the Spring series; all welcome to a 40 minutes illustrated FoDH Talk, followed by a max of 12 minutes of AGM, held in the Grand Salon at 2pm.  A true 11th century tale involving all the modern day expected elements of power grabs, violence and just a bit of sex.  FoDH members and those with House entry have free admission; otherwise £4.40 at the Duff House shop desk on the day.  Please respect the policy of this Talk being a perfume free zone.