Manga to Mural: the Japanese Sketches of John Thomas -Seaside Day Trip and Museum Visit-

Mark the gradual onset of summer with a day trip to one of the UK’s best-loved seaside resorts and visit to one of its quirkiest and most personal museums.

The museum’s founders, Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes, were lovers of Japanese art.  As owners of the Royal Bath Hotel, they employed the artist, John Thomas, to decorate the hotel in Japanese style.  Many of the Japanese objects eventually ended up in the Russell-Cotes’ home, East Cliff Hall – now this museum.  John Thomas’ work can be found on ceilings, walls, covings, and even stained-glass around the house.

While in Bournemouth, Thomas also produced a Portfolio of Japanese Sketches.  This provides vital clues to the origins of the decoration in the house, and is the main exhibit in Manga to Mural.

9:05     depart London Waterloo by train

12:00   introduction to the exhibition and guided tour of the house by
             Shaun Garner, Collections Development Manager

13:00   lunch in the café (we will book seats, but you will be able to order  individually)

Afternoon free to explore the house further, to visit the Russell-Cotes’ mausoleum, enjoy Bournemouth’s famous pier or, weather permitting, to wander along some of the 7 miles of beaches

16:59   return to London by train 

Cost: £20.85 – £32 adult  / £1 – £16 child (final cost will depending on total number travelling (see below)

Deadline for booking: Wednesday, 31st March

The cost of the day will depend on the number travelling. We hope to take advantage of group tickets, which allow 4 adults and up to 4 children to travel together for £20.85 and £1 (return fares per person) respectively. We will confirm the cost before making firm bookings.