Pugin Week, a celebration of one of the greatest architects of the 19th century with firm Ramsgate connections, takes place from September 13-16
Augustus Pugin (1812-52), is best known for the Gothic interiors, furnishings and fittings of the Houses of Parliament. He moved to Ramsgate with his family in 1843, where he designed and built The Grange. As a Catholic convert, Pugin wanted to design and build a church with his own funds and in 1845 began St Augustine’s Church.
After his death in 1852, his eldest son Edward took up his successful practice.
The week of events at St Augustine’s in Ramsgate will include a talk by Dr Phil McCarthy about his new website “Hearts in Search of God” which describes pilgrimages from each Catholic Cathedral in England and Wales.
There will also be talks on Life at St Augustine’s School and Victorian stained glass as well as the chance to spend an afternoon drawing in St Augustine’s with two local artists.
All events are free and at St Augustine’s, St Augustine’s Road, Ramsgate.
The programme:
Wednesday 13th September 7.30 pm – ‘Hearts in Search of God’. A talk by Dr Phil McCarthy on this exciting new website, which describes pilgrimages from each Catholic Cathedral in England.
Thursday 14th September. Midday Mass for Pugin.
Thursday 14th September 3.30pm – Volunteers social and year in review – all welcome – come and here what the volunteers have been doing
Friday 15th September – 11.30am -3pm The Pugin Big Draw. Following in the fine tradition of Augustus Pugin’s own outstanding sketches and watercolours, why not be part of a day of drawing and painting in the splendid interior of St Augustine’s church, led by artists Sian Morgan and Gem Blastock. All abilities warmly welcomed. Relax and enjoy! Limited numbers of sketching materials are available –let the team know you are coming: [email protected]
Friday 15th September 7.30pm School life at St Augustine’s Abbey School A talk by Andrew Sharp from the Old Augustinians … past pupil at this celebrated school, founded in 1865 by the Benedictines of Ramsgate.
Saturday 16th – 7.00pm. ‘Exhibiting Gothic on the World Stage: A.W.N. Pugin and the Great Exhibition’. A richly illustrated talk by Dr Jasmine Allen, Director of the Stained Glass Museum, Ely, and expert on nineteenth-century stained glass.
For more information about the Pugin family and their connections to Ramsgate, visit www.thepuginsociety.co.uk
