A program of displays and events will uncover Ightham Mote’s Jewish connections this Autumn.

Ightham’s Jewish story dates back to the late nineteenth century, with links to the Anglo Jewish Cousinhood and ground-breaking research on Anglo-Jewish families and their genealogies.

There’s a new exhibition with unseen objects from the collection, a chance to see musical artwork created by internationally acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor and composer Brian Elias, and a series of talks and concerts. Objects from Ightham’s own collection, including new acquisitions, letters and a piano, will also bring this Jewish story to life.

'Country Houses, Jewish Homes'

Monday 18 September – Tuesday 31 October
11am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Free with admisson

Join us for an exhibition exploring the role of Jewish country houses in Britain, the prejudice Jewish people encountered and how they fought for the right to acquire land and play a full role in British society.

'Country Houses, Jewish Homes' is a touring exhibition that has been curated by Jewish Country Houses – Objects, Networks, People, a 4-year research project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council commencing in October 2019.

Spanning four centuries, displays tell the complex story of “Jewish” country houses; of prejudice and integration, difference and belonging. Of how Jews arrived in Britain, how they fought for the right to acquire land and the political rights and social status that came with it.

By posing important questions about Jewish experiences of country life in Britain through history, this exhibition illuminates what it means to be British, and the changing place of both Jews and the country house in British life.

Echo - Anish Kapoor and Brian Elias

Monday 18 September – Tuesday 31 October
11am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Free with admission

We are also thrilled to display sculptures by internationally acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor this autumn

The musical artwork, entitled Echo, is a collaboration between Anish and composer Brian Elias. Anish and Brian are cousins, born to Iraqi Jewish families.

Echo consists of five intricate music boxes, each with a piece of specially-composed music and sounds.

The music boxes are made from a variety of materials including patinated bronze, acrylic and gouache, ceramic and wood. Measuring up to 20cm tall, the work is intricately designed, with contrasting styles and colours.

Each element of Echo has an aperture or opening, an iconic motif of void space in Kapoor’s work, from which the music within them reverberates.

The music for each sculpture can be played separately or in any combination. This means the collective sound is always changing, making for a unique 'performance' every time.