Skip to content
Skip to content

Display of the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling

To celebrate National Poetry Day this year on 1st October, the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling will be going on display at Bateman’s for the first time.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

To celebrate National Poetry Day this year on 1st October, the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling will be going on display at Bateman’s for the first time. This marks the start of a three-year loan of the portrait from the National Portrait Gallery. Sir Philip also created the portrait of Rudyard’s wife, Caroline Kipling, and the portrait of Rudyard will hand next to that of his is wife, in the Study on the first floor of the house.

Sir Philip and Rudyard were cousins and to mark the arrival of the painting and explore the close connections between the two families there will be a Burne-Jones object trail around the house throughout the autumn. Star objects from Kipling’s desk will also be highlighted in the Study alongside the painting.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

The portrait will be located in the Kipling Study.

What to bring and wear

Please wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Accessibility

Kipling's study is not wheelchair accessible. Please see the access page at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans for further information.

Upcoming events

Display of Axel Scheffler's prints from Monkey Puzzle 

Come and rediscover the beloved characters as they were first imaged this half term.

Event summary

on
13 Jun to 1 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 139 other dates or times

Monkey Puzzle trail at Bateman’s 

Swing into a jungle adventure at Bateman’s inspired by the much‑loved Monkey Puzzle story by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Event summary

on
13 Jun to 1 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 141 other dates or times

Rudyard Kipling introductory talks 

Join us for a short introductory talk that offers an overview of Rudyard Kipling’s life, family, and work before you step inside the house.

Event summary

on
13 Jun to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:15 to 11:30+ 419 other dates or times

Summer Calligraphy Workshop 

Be inspired by Kipling’s home and explore your own creativity through a summer calligraphy workshop.

Event summary

on
16 Jun to 17 Jun 2026
at 11:00 to 13:00+ 3 other dates or times