Historic Coventry Trust have lined up an exciting programme of events as part of the countdown to the official opening of the £8 million restoration of one of Coventry’s hidden gems.
One of Coventry’s oldest buildings, Grade I listed Charterhouse is currently undergoing major restoration works, including the set of rare wall paintings. It will also be the focal point of the new 70-acre Charterhouse Heritage Park along the banks of the River Sherbourne.
Charterhouse Reveals will give visitors an exciting insight into recent work on site ahead of opening, and with a range of fun, free events on offer there is something for everyone to enjoy!
“Charterhouse Reveals will delving into the history of the building’s rare wall paintings, as well as highlighting the gardens and the wider Heritage Park. We want everyone to enjoy Coventry’s heritage and we hope this initial programme of events will be a great way for residents and visitors to find out more about Charterhouse’s rich history and connect with local green spaces.”
– Sarah Allen, Education and Engagement Manager at Historic Coventry Trust
The exciting programme includes:
Charterhouse Reveals – Crucifixion wall painting
Sun, April 24
10am–4pm
Charterhouse
- Guided tour of the restoration of the crucifixion wall painting for the first time since its restoration by heritage specialists Perry Lithgow
- Heritage craft presentation and recreation demonstration led by Saskia Huning
- Refreshments available – tea and cake
Ticketing: Timed and ticketed entry in two-hour slots – free of charge between 10am-4pm by booking online at https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/charterhouse-reveals-crucifixion-wall-painting/
The Shape of Sound
Anglican Chapel
Sat, May 7– Sun, May 8
11am–4pm
With live performances on Saturday only at 1pm, 3pm and 7pm
Part of Coventry Opens
By collaborators Karen Wood, Lilly Hayward-Smith, Louisa Petts (C-DaRE), Petra Johnson and Vip Artpradid
Explore and interact with this site-specific installation that examines how the inside of the ear works and how movement affects sounds. Drawing from weaving, one of the industries that Coventry is most famous for, dance artists interpret this process in the live performances using a hanging warp of silk threads. This is research and development towards a site-specific installation for Charterhouse later in the year which connects with the idea of living in a silent Carthusian order. For more info see https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/
Charterhouse Reveals: Elizabethan wall painting
Part of Coventry Opens
Sun, May 8
10am-4pm
- Guided tours of the Elizabethan wall painting for the first time since restoration.
- An ‘in conversation’: How will the painting be interpreted and how can we make it relevant to young artists today?
- Refreshments available – tea and cake
Ticketing: Timed and ticketed entry in two-hour slots – free of charge – between 10am–4pm by booking online at https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/charterhouse-reveals-elizabethan-wall-painting/
Charterhouse Heritage Park Reveals
Part of the Wildlife Gathering
Sun, May 22
11am–4pm (free)
Charterhouse Heritage Park
Charterhouse Gardens:
- On the hour walking tours on the past, present and future of Charterhouse Garden
- Picnic baskets by tuttoAPPOSTO
- Live folk musicians, Rosso Music
Volunteer area:
- The volunteer washing line, excerpts from John Whittingham’s diary alongside reflections from Charterhouse volunteers in their first year of planting the Kitchen Garden in partnership with Food Union
- Paper making workshop by local artist Rosie Bolton
- Nature team in action volunteering and volunteer recruitment touch point
Apple Store:
- Slow Stich and natural dying workshop led by local artist Julia O’Connell
Community Orchard:
- Outdoor Theatre performance – Ear Trumpet by Gobbledegook Theatre
Charterhouse Fields:
- Make a seed bomb with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
- Decide where to plant more Blossom Trees with Charterhouse Residents Association and National Trust. Timed walking tours of the community orchard and wider Heritage Park
- Make a nature crown, wand or wings
- Live music and giant bubbles
- Bring Your Own wildflower picnic to enjoy on the lawn
Children’s Playground:
- Roaming outdoor theatre performances – Bee Cart by Piff Paff
Access is currently limited in the garden with uneven surfaces. Accessible toilets are available.
This event is drop in and free of charge. Visitors will be welcome on a garden tour if there is space however garden tours are limited. If you would like to guarantee entry at a particular time, tickets are pre-bookable.
More info: https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/heritage-park-reveals-part-of-wildlife-gathering/
Visit the Historic Coventry Trust website at https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/ for more information about Charterhouse Reveals events and to book tickets.
