After Hours is returning this autumn!

Get ready for an evening like no other. An extraordinary occasion when the historic house and grounds of Compton Verney open at night; revealing a plethora of acts ranging from live music and activities. Sitting between All Souls Day and Bonfire Night, this event explores stories of materials and how we use them to develop ritual, connecting to each other and remembering our loved ones. Think lantern processions, celebratory rhythms and world music and archaeological finds.

View the event line-up below and restaurant menu here.

Jo Gane & Leon Trimble

Jo Gane Artist talk – 6:30-6:45pm & 8-8:15pm 

Leon Trimble performance – 6:45-8pm

Come and experience an experimental AV performance by Leon Trimble in the gallery as Leon activates the sonorous qualities and material structures involved in the production of magneto electro-plate materials in 1840s Birmingham. Accompanied with an artist talk with Jo Gane.

‘Unearthed’

6-9pm

The uncovering of stories, rituals, people, materials and making.

Dana Goodburn-Brown – a conceptual artist and archaeological conservator – has been examining and conserving Compton Verney’s Chinese Bronzes for many years. Her installation will include a close up look at 1st century Roman bronze vessels, ceramics and glass items that were placed in graves excavated in Kent, South East England.

There will be a chance to handle some ancient finds, get close-up looks at the microscope, and weave your observations and thoughts for the future into our replica warp-weighted loom tapestry.  Dana will be joined by Kent based textile artist Georgia Wyver.

Silent Disco

Available throughout the evening

Immerse yourself into our exhibitions and collections with our silent disco. Grab a pair of wireless headphones from the entrance hall and choose from three different channels. Channels will explore Chinese spiritual offerings drumming and celebratory world music used in rituals of remembrance and a unique opportunity to experience ‘The Formless track’ by Arman Ray + Hyon Gak: A modern Zen Master and a UK producer create music to move body and mind through rhythmic Dharma seeds. Head to the entrance hall to collect your headphones.

Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making (talk and demo)

6:45pm & 7:30pm

Author and materials scientist Dr Anna Ploszajski journeys into the domain of makers and craftspeople to comprehend how the most popular materials really work. Exploring Clay, Steel and others, discover the stories behind the materials that shape our world.

Gayle Chong Kwan: ‘Taotie Procession’

Artist Gayle Chong Kwan is developing a new body of work in relation to our Miniature portrait and Chinese funeral bronze collections. Meet the artist and engage in her new site-specific Taotie procession. Drums, fire, lanterns and spiritual offerings.

Chapel – 6:30pm – 8pm

See our chapel at night, meet our artist in residency Gayle Chong Kwan, talk to her about her work and prepare for the procession through Taotie mask making and making paper offerings.

Courtyard – 8:15pm – 9pm

End your evening with a mass procession involving drums, lanterns and masks*. Meet in the courtyard at 8:15pm and offer your well wishes to the spirits.

*This activity involves walking through the grounds at night. In the event of bad weather, this will take place indoors.

Ticket Prices

Adult – £14
Student (19-25) – £10
Child (18 and under) – £7
Under 2s – free

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable