The Munnings Art Museum

Castle House dates back to the late 15th century. It was extended around 1600 and again in the early 19th century when the drawing room was added. The house was purchased by Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) in 1919 for £1,800. Munnings wrote at the time: 'I had indeed found my dream house, river and all ...'. The house has been open as a museum since 1961.

Arranged thematically, the rooms of Castle House showcase pictures from Alfred Munnings's six decade career. Sketches and preparatory works hang side by side with finished oils. Personal items and ephemera remain in situ from when Sir Alfred and Violet Munnings were in residence.

In 2024, the Dining Room, Drawing Room and Morning Room feature a display of important pictures, ephemera and objects illustrating Munnings's stellar career from humble beginnings in Suffolk to President of the Royal Academy. His relationships with friends and acquaintances are explored from village folk in Suffolk, bohemian friends, such as Laura Knight, in Cornwall and later to the lords and ladies with whom he dined and debated including Winston Churchill.

Outside In the garden stands Munnings’s former Studio which houses his painting materials and props. It also presents a display of the Belle Époque poster designs Munnings created as an apprentice commercial artist during his teenage years in Norwich.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:

1100

Friday 13 September:

1100

Saturday 14 September:

1100

Location & directions

Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AZ

Directions:

You can reach the museum by exiting the A12 at Junction 30. Then take the B1029 into the village of Dedham. Turn left at the T junction in the village centre (Royal Square) and stay on Brook Street merging into Crown Street for 1 mile. The museum is painted bright yellow and is on the left hand side as Crown Street turns into Castle Hill. Turn left as you reach the museum, into East Lane, for the main car park.

Contact on day:

Reception

Telephone number:

+441206322127

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please make online bookings via the museum's website www.munningsmuseum.org.uk

Booking website:

https://www.munningsmuseum.org.uk

Booking opens:

03 Aug 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

All ground floor rooms are accessible. There is a step up into the Courtyard gallery and a ramp can be provided. Both first floor rooms are only accessible via the main staircase. A light-weight wheel chair is available upon prior request. The grounds are accessible directly from the car park at ground level though there uneven and gravelled paths and grassed surfaces.

Additional information

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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