Lamport Hall, located off the A508 between Northampton and Market Harborough, was home to the Isham family for over four centuries. Today it is best known for its classical frontage, started by J ohn Webb in 1655 and contains outstanding collections.

The Lamport Hall Preservation Trust and the University of Leicester have announced three study days for 2012, with lectures given by renowned academics in their fi eld.

The fi rst study day is on Tuesday 22 May and will be given by Dr. Sophie Oosterwijk, entitled: ‘Facing the Head: The Art of Portraiture’. The second is on Tuesday 12 June and will be given by Prof. Susan Gordon, entitled: ‘Stone Cold Beauties: Sculpture in the English Country House’. The third is on Tuesday 4 September and will be given by Prof. Richard Wilson, entitled: ‘The Survival of the Country House into the Twenty-First Century’.

The cost of each study day is £40.00, including lunch. For more information and to book, visit www.le.ac.uk/ha/countryhouse or tel: 0116 2522 866.

There is also a number of art and gardening courses at the Hall (see opposite) and many events, including the Festival of Country Life on 3 & 4 June from 10am to 5pm (see opposite) and Lamport Arts Week from 23 to 29 June from 10am to 4pm. Rain or Shine will be performing Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ on Saturday 21 July at 6.30pm (gates open at 5.30pm for picnics) and Traditional Jazz in the Gardens will be on Sunday 22 July at 2pm (gates open 1pm for picnics). Please bring low back seating for both. Discounted tickets are available for advanced bookings.

The Hall and Gardens are open until October 14 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, for guided tours only at 2.15pm and 3pm, and for non-guided tours on Bank Holiday Sundays/Mondays plus May 19 & 20 and October 13 & 14 from 2pm to 5pm with last admission at 4pm. Private
group visits with pre-booked refreshments can be made at certain times of the year by prior arrangement, subject to availability and a minimum charge. For details on the Hall and events visit www. lamporthall.co.uk and/or to book tickets for the Theatre and Jazz call 01604 686272.

Lamport Hall & Gardens

Lamport Hall & Gardens

Lamport Hall & Gardens

Lamport Hall & Gardens