Keats and Henry VI Part 2 3.2

Abstract

In April the experts at Eagle Heights Wildlife Park brought some beautiful birds of prey to the Keats House garden. This family activity day also included bird-themed poetry and crafts. The Director and members of the Poetry Society were filmed for You Tube dancing the twist on the steps of the house to promote a Sixties Festival in July. In May we hosted a Vogue photo shoot with Bond Girl Gemma Arterton and a whippet, and the launch of a new ‘Romantic’ fragrance for Jo Malone. The House has also just achieved full Museum Accreditation status and this will aid us in seeking further grant aid so that we may continue our work. We have welcomed help from our new group of volunteers. Over the coming months they will be assisting us as poetry ambassadors, conservation cleaners, tour guides, and front of house stewards. A new reader-in-residence, Diana Bishop, has been appointed. Diana has already been involved in several workshops and she is mentoring our poetry ambassadors in their programme. She has now been joined at the house by our poet-in-residence Rommi Smith, who will be working through the summer alongside composer Ivan Stott. In May and June The Keats House Festival, a vibrant week of interactive literature, art, and music will take place to celebrate the completion of the Magic Casements restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. There are many events including a series of lectures about Regency design which have already attracted a large audience on Saturday mornings. Finally, our play ‘Keats in Hampstead’ will make a welcome return to the garden in July — so why not plan a trip and a picnic and enjoy the sounds and sights of a Keats House summer? The garden is looking magnificent due to the hard work of our dedicated gardeners and the volunteers from the Heath Hands. All news and events are updated regularly on our website: .