WHAT’S ON – September 2023 onwards
A “What’s On at Duff House” is issued from time to time and circulated by FoDH to a wide list; members, local interested parties and accommodation providers. For relevant events please refer to the HES website (searching “Duff House” normally results in HES being the top entry). If you would like to be kept up to date with Duff House events please join (free) Friends of Duff House; email friendsofduffhouse@gmail.com.
Sun 24th Sep Piano playing (2.15pm) and Grounds Tour (3pm)
The excellent volunteer pianist Alan Nairn will play a selection of tunes for about 45 minutes on the 1904 Bechstein piano in the Grand Salon creating a great atmosphere throughout the House. No need to book.
Afterwards a volunteer guide will take you on a round trip through part of the original estate visiting the Ice House, one of the UK’s tallest Monkey Puzzle Trees and inside the Mausoleum. Meet at the front of the House.
Both or either included in House admission.
Similar activities are likely at times during autumn and winter; check local Facebook or become a FoDH member.
Mon 2nd Oct 2pm “The Enigmatic Picts” Talk by John Aitken Hall Church, York Place, Cullen AB56 4UW
If you are missing Talks arranged by FoDH please be aware that Cullen, Deskford and Portknockie Heritage Group hold regular Talks on the first Monday of every month. Non-members cost £5, incl tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome.
Until 24th Mar 24 J.M.W. Turner’s Illustrations for ‘The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell”
The National Galleries of Scotland hold the only complete set of Turner’s finished vignette illustrations which remain together in the same collection; these form his twenty watercolours for The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell, published by Edward Moxon in 1837. This exhibition is the first time these illustrations have been shown as a full set for over twenty years. They will be accompanied by portrait drawings of Turner and Campbell, as well as the bound volumes of The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell and Samuel Rogers’ poem “Italy”. The works on show will demonstrate the full range of Turner’s subject matter, including pastoral scenes, marine views, mountains, architecture and cityscapes, battles, storms and the struggle between man and nature. Included in House admission.
Until 25th Aug ‘24 NGS Masterpiece Loan: Lord Byron by William Edward West, 1822
The infamous romantic poet Lord Byron (1788-1824) had several local connections in Banff, spending some time here in his childhood. Byron’s complicated relationships caused a scandal and in 1816 he left Britain forever. At the time of this portrait he was living in Italy with his lover, Countess Teresa Guiccioli. In 1822 when the painting was being created, the Artist, William Edward West, complained that the poet was a difficult sitter, either restless and over-talkative or silent and self-conscious. Included in House admission. For local info see https://banffmacduffheritagetrail.co.uk/george-gordon-lord-byron/
20th Oct to 28th Jan ’24 “Migrations – A Field Study of Adversity” by wildlife artist Derek Robertson
Wildlife artist Derek Robertson fills the Long Gallery at Duff House with images drawn from the themes of migration, climate change, and the struggle to survive in an adverse world. Robertson realised that the routes of birds and refugees often followed close parallels. He travelled through Europe to the Middle East, sketching, volunteering and teaching art activities in refugee camps and transit points.
DUFF HOUSE OPENING TIMES:
1st Apr to 30th Sep: Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun. Mornings entry only by pre-booked tour (9.30 and 11.15). Closed 1pm to 2pm. Open access from 2pm to 5pm, last entry 4.15pm.
1st Oct to 31st Mar: Fri, Sat & Sun. Mornings entry only by pre-booked tour (10.30). Closed 12.15pm to 1pm. Open access from 1pm to 4pm, last entry 3.15pm.
Toilets and shop are open but there is no café on site. There is wheelchair access to all floors.