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Newmarket transforming historic home to event space, art gallery

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The historic Mulock house is undergoing a transformation to become an art gallery and event space.

Additions including hanging features, geothermal heating and accessibility ramps are all in the plans for the building, according to an update from Town of Newmarket planners and consultants who presented to the town’s heritage advisory committee May 23 about the future event space and exhibition site for the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Heritage committee member Pamela Vega complimented the more sustainable heating system, along with efforts to respect the heritage aspects of the building.

“It’s great to see so many of the interior finishes and elements are going to be retained,” Vega said. “I’m just excited to see what’s coming forward.”

The historic house owned by Sir William Mulock is set to become the central part of the town’s new Mulock park, including food services. Last summer, the town announced the adaptive reuse of the building would feature a site for the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Partner for +VG Architects David Ecclestone told the committee that the project is a renovation rather than a restoration to allow the new uses. But he said heritage would still be respected, with many features of the building maintained. There will be a rehabilitation of the building, as well.

“We’re seeing this as a balanced approach between the new public use and the heritage fabric,” Ecclestone said.

Accessibility ramps will ensure the public space meets accessibility standards. A fire sprinkler system will added throughout the building to protect the building, including the valuable art installed by the Art Gallery of Ontario.

A new HVAC system is also being added utilizing ground-source geothermal heating. Ecclestone said it’s all part of meeting standards for the interior environment of the building from the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The kitchen space is being expanded, with the parlour area set to become a bistro for patrons of the park. But other rooms in the building will be kept as is.

Committee member Joshua Campbell asked about the use of a bar area on the lower level of the building. Ecclestone said it would potentially be available for lease for events, though other options are being considered.

“It is an interesting space in its own right,” project manager Bill White said of the bar area. “We’re hoping to make the most of that.”

The town plans to bring forward a heritage permit application in the fall.

In addition to providing multiple levels of food service and an art gallery, White said a guiding principle is to have the house be a place for residents to enjoy as a public space.

“A place for people to meet and interact, possibly a place to take your laptop on a Saturday afternoon,” White said. “A real broad range of opportunities, and closely linked with the whole park around it.”

 

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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