Over the last few months a team of artists have been working with local people to creatively retell the story of the Walter Calverley murders. You are invited to see the result of these artistic interventions, which delve into the background Walter’s family and examine the story with a modern eye.
Thanks to National Lottery Players, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, who have made this project and this event, possible.
The project began with a series of workshops that invited local groups to uncover the mysteries behind the tragic events of 1605. These “Whydunnit Workshops” welcomed over a hundred people to Calverley Old Hall and participants created artwork to sum up their thoughts. People were invited to uncover some of the motivations behind Walter Calverley’s behaviour. Some of these drawings and poems will be on show at this event.
Over the Summer a “core group” of interested participants have worked together to dig a bit deeper and make more creative responses. Participants were particularly interested in the characters that are not often heard about – for example Walter’s wife Philippa and the servants. The group has tried to reflect their experiences through a creative reimagining of the lives of these people. Artists involved in this co-creation project are Kate Woodfield, Tom Bailey and Sarah Oldknow.
Featuring textiles, drawings, creative writing and a series of dramatic monologues that tell the story from different people’s perspective - all using the beautifully restored Calverley Old Hall as the backdrop. Plus the unveiling of other artworks produced throughout our restoration project. Including; a community weaving artwork coordinated by textiles artist Agnis Smallwood; our new stone sculpture inspired by our restoration project carved by artist Pat Walls; hand printed curtains featuring designs by workshop participants and beautifully made by artist Duncan Tattersall.
What’s On
- Stand underneath a textiles installation in the Great Hall.
- Listen to the untold stories of the people involved in the Calverley Murders in the Chapel.
- See images and hear voices that try to uncover Walter Calverley’s motivations in the Solar.
- Investigate the detailed carvings on the stone sculpture in the garden which tells the story of the building, our restoration and the activities and events hosted during the project.
- Meet the artist and see the textile weaving artwork created by members of our local community using traditional floor looms, inspired by the colours found around the building.
- Examine the screen printed curtains featuring handmade designs inspired by Calverley Old Hall.
Admission is free, and leaflets on the building's history will be available on site. Whilst booking is not essential, we would ask that you register for the event via Eventbrite so that we can provide you with updates regarding the event.
Further event information
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, we have a limited capacity for our Open Day events. You may therefore be asked to wait a short time while other visitors finish their visit. Whilst booking is not essential, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance. Thank you for your co-operation.
Getting here
There is no parking on site, the building is in the centre of Calverley, on Woodhall Road, so we encourage visitors to use Leeds and Bradford’s excellent public transport to travel to the event. If you need to drive, there is ample on street parking in the surrounding area. Please park considerately for our neighbours.
Accessibility
Please note that due to the nature of our historic buildings and places, some may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or certain disabilities.
Calverley Old Hall has been designed to be as accessible as possible, although it is still a historic building with restrictions. There is level access into all external doors, the pathway from the road is a combination of gravel and paving slabs.
In the Landmark, a lift is available providing access to all floors. The first floor is unsuitable for non-ambulant guests because the lift does not operate in the event of a fire. Visitors must make sure they can always evacuate themselves safely via the stairs. If you require lift access, please let us know via the registration on Eventbrite. On the day, please alert staff at the front entrance on arrival who will be happy to direct you towards lift access.
In the Community Space there is level access throughout, with a small 2cm metal ridge across the threshold of the external doorway.
We do all we can to enable access wherever possible; if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact our Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or [email protected]. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.
Register for the event
Please register for the event via Eventbrite below. Booking isn’t required, but priority will be given to those who have registered in advance.