The House of Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge

Busy day today, first Kettle’s Yard House as its normally called (I just wanted to make sure no-one confused this review with that of Kettle’s Yard itself.), then off to the folk museum around the corner.

Kettle’s Yard I will review at a later time, my first concern here is the museums of Cambridge.  To point out though Kettle’s Yard is fantastic Modern Art galley and very welcoming and part of the community.  It has grown gradually since its first opening and plans to continue with that growth.  Part of the complex (of a sort) is the church connected to in the same lane.  This is the famous Cambridge St. Peters, the key to which is available from Kettle’s Yard for curious visitors.  Famous for its mere-man font.  And I will go into that more at a later time too!

The house itself is a unique time capsule.  The founders of the Gallery complex, Jim Ede and his wife Helen, first moved to Cambridge to renovate a series of four cottages on Castle Street.  Jim Ede had acted as a curator to the Tate Gallery in London, preferring to be known as a ‘friend of artists.’  To this end he gathered all forms of art, sculpture, furniture and natural curiosities.  In the 60’s the house and its contents were given to Cambridge University, who still run Kettle’s Yard today.  In 1970 the exhibition gallery, the main wing of the present complex was added.

The first little cottage building downstairs, as you enter, as Zoe put it  resembles a gran’s cottage.  Out of time.  Seasidey.  Quaint.  Picturesque.  Yet nothing remarkable that would truly strike a chord as to being anything peculiar.  The paintings, two in my opinion, do stand out fantastically.  There are some treasures I found in the house which reside right in that small few rooms, a wireman in the first bedroom attached to the blinds and the light switch fittings which each of have small picture behind them.

Upstairs, which is the largest area hosts the library proper, which is specially stocked about the collection, as well as art in general.  There are many plants in the windows as well as lots of glass engravings and furniture to catch the eye.  Another one to watch for are the Japanese silk light hangings, the silk now decayed I believed them to be bird cages at first, one hanging just above the plants.  Well over one hundred years old.  One of the two grand pianos is here and every so often plays a piece from Orlando Gough or David Ward.

The upstairs attic is a floor full ok sketches and is such a fantastic setting for such a cosy small display.  Downstairs the new addition, I believe, is a wide open gallery, many paintings and sculptures and the other grand piano.  My pick for the gallery is David Jones.  Whose paintings grace the entrance building and just above the stairs to your left, some of his books are in the book shelf to the left from those same stairs.  His work is incredibly detailed and multi-layered.  With many of the details incredibly hard to spot as part of the wider picture until the smaller subjects are examined as individuals.

If you consider the house itself one big final work of art you would not be far wrong.  There are many curiosities in the building.  As I heard it described, “a time capsule” and so it is.  For art lovers it shows a collection of art, a permanent collection, of modern art.  Modern art of the 1920’s – 30’s with some pieces stretching to the 50’s.  This is a museum to modern art and traces some of its roots.  In particular some fantastic pieces from local St. Ives movement.

While it may be tempting no touching of any objects is requested.  Having said that there are some very unusual features to the museum.  You may sit in any of the chairs, not the beds; and you may peruse through what books you find, do not however replace them at the library rather place them on the table to be re-shelved.

The House is not very accessible for the disabled, as it is as was.  The downstairs gallery is accessible by wheelchair but it is advised to contact ahead so that you can be accommodated as much as possible.  The museum is fitted with a loop system for those hard of hearing and a special pack including Braille maps is available for the visually-impaired is available.  All large bags are to be left by the door, no phones are allowed.  Personal photography, no flash, is allowed for a two pound initial fee.  The museum itself is free in and supported by donation.  Their website is full of fantastic information about the Yard and about the House itself.

I had heard much about this house, a house of curiosities I was told, but nothing could prepare me for the sights I beheld.  Kettle’s Yard house is a treasure trove of art and visual delights.  It is a place of wonder and makes one ask the question, what would it be like to sleep in one of those two little beds and live in a work of art?  Truly Kettle’s Yard House is an experience anyone visiting Cambridge would be foolish to turn down.

 

Address	Kettle's Yard, Castle Street,  CB3 0AQ
Website	http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/
Email	mail@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk
Telephone	01223 748100
Fax	01223 324377
Winter Opening	Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 14:00 – 16:00
Summer Opening	Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 13:30 – 16.30pm