Life on Watership Down
Original oil paintings chosen by Watership Down author Richard Adams for the 40th anniversary edition of his novel are on display at the National Trust’s Sandham Memorial Chapel in Burghclere.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Life on Watership Down, which runs from 21 March to 23 June features artworks by Hampshire-based artist Aldo Galli.
The author Richard Adams commissioned Galli to illustrate the 40th anniversary edition of Watership Down, which came out in 2012. It was first published in the United States, then in Britain and all over the world.
Sandham Memorial Chapel sits on the edge of Watership Down in the village of Burghclere - the Down can be seen from the Chapel’s orchard and Adams grew up just a few miles away. Artist Stanley Spencer whose First World War murals decorate the interior of Sandham Memorial Chapel incorporated the same much-loved landscape into his piece, Resurrection of Soldiers.
Visitors to Sandham can follow the story through the paintings and literary quotations from the book, while an audio recording plays interviews with Richard Adams from a documentary filmed by enthusiast Stuart Robinson. Inspired by the paintings, a free family spotter trail runs in the garden outside the chapel.
Life on Watership Down is open 11am-3pm, Thursdays to Sundays between 21 March and 23 June, also Bank Holiday Mondays on 1 April, 6 May and 27 May 2024.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Inspired by the paintings, a free family spotter trail runs in the garden.
- Accessibility
Accessible parking available on site and entrance to exhibition is on the ground floor with wheelchair accessible access.
Upcoming events
Service at Sandham
A religious service led by Rev Mark Christian including references to the paintings of Stanley Spencer in Sandham Memorial Chapel.
Highlights Tours
Get beneath the surface of Sir Stanley Spencer’s paintings on a 45-minute bespoke tour of the chapel.
Morse Code Trail
Stepping into the world of secret intelligence, this May half-term, families are invited to put their skills to the test on this trail in the gardens. Runs daily 25 May - 2 June, 11am-3pm. Closed 28-29 May.