COUGHTON Court is set to open its doors next Thursday, March 3, for a new season with an events programme for all the family to enjoy, say organisers.
The National Trust treasure also has a new theme in the house planned to begin later in the year, plus its award-winning gardens.
That new theme is Creatures of Coughton, an exhibition which will focus on the various ways animals are woven into the court’s fascinating collection.
“The theme will reveal how individuals of the Throckmorton family, and more generally past society as a whole, perceived and benefitted from the natural world,” said conservation assistant Miriam Andrews.
“Included within this retelling of the collection are stories of animal companionship, heraldry, farming, scientific interest, as well as more difficult topics, like hunting, and the use of animal-derived materials.”
Even now, animals play an important part within the Coughton estate, with its historic herd of sheep grazing in the front park and the family’s two beloved dogs.
To kick start the new season, the popular pop-up Jigsaw Festival will return from Thursday, March 31 to – Sunday, April 3 from 11am to 4pm.
This will be its ninth year and during that time it has raised more than £35,000 for conservation projects at Coughton.
Marketing officer Abi Cole said: “The team at Coughton would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated or bought jigsaws over the years. Every penny raised has gone straight back into the care and conservation of Coughton and by contributing to our Jigsaw Festival you’re helping us to care for this beautiful place for everyone, forever.”
To donate a jigsaw, call 01789 400777.
