Patrons Event: A Visit To David Parr House

On 1 July, the Kettle’s Yard patrons were invited to David Parr House for a special evening visit. Originally home to Victorian working-class artist David Parr and his family, the seemingly ordinary house tucked just off of Cambridge’s bustling Mill Road, has an extraordinary hand-painted interior, a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts workmanship.

The visit began with the group in the tranquil, recently re-designed “climate-resilient” garden. The garden is home to a sculpture by Cambridge artist Adam Bridgland and a newly commissioned pergola structure, soon to be covered in climbing plants. As well as preserving the Victorian and twentieth-century history of the house, DPH have an exciting contemporary programme and strive to showcase local and contemporary art and craft.

We were then led into the house, and given a captivating, guided tour by Bob, the knowledgeable Visitor Experience manager. Starting in the drawing room, the most lavishly decorated room in the house, Bob explained Parr’s process of hand painting the walls, using intricate designs from commissions he had worked on with Leach. The group were particularly inquisitive about the entrance hall, which had been painted magnolia by Parr’s granddaughter, Elsie, but is known to have another ornate design concealed underneath. The DPH team hope to soon uncover the hidden design.

Afterwards, refreshments were served. Nicki, supporter and volunteer of both Kettle’s Yard and David Parr House, shared heartfelt reflections on her experience with both institutions and expressed the importance of supporting the arts and heritage.

As Director Annabelle observed in her speech, David Parr House and Kettle’s Yard “bookend Cambridge”. While both homes reflect different eras, different social classes, different families, they are united by the shared ethos that anyone can live with art and beauty.

Thank you to the David Parr House team for their hospitality, we hope to be back again soon.