From June 1 to June 8, 2025, Save Venice patrons journeyed to London, Norfolk, and Shropshire for the Venetian Reflections excursion, exploring the crucial themes of the English country house and the Grand Tour, while raising important funds for Save Venice’s mission.

Accompanied by experts Frederick Ilchman, Jonny Yarker, Gareth Williams, and Thierry Morel, guests enjoyed superlative art collections and examples of historic architecture through museum and house visits, often encountering artistic masterpieces inspired by Italy or created by Italian artists. Venetian art was a constant feature.

The week began with a cocktail in the London home of Save Venice board member Andrew Jones and Laura Hodgson, followed by dinner in a private club. Other highlights included the outstanding exhibition at the National Gallery, Siena: The Rise of Painting,1300–1350, before the museum opened to the public. In the afternoon, guests examined Turner watercolors of Venice at Tate Britain. The next day guests toured the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, famous for its Titians and other Venetian pictures. Next on the itinerary was a string of visits to stately homes, often accompanied by the owners. A highpoint was dinner hosted by David George Philip Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, at Houghton Hall. Two grand houses, Wolterton Park in Norfolk and Weston Park on the Staffordshire-Shropshire border, provided accommodations and served as the bases for daily explorations. The latter’s extraordinary setting, amid a nearly 1000-acre park designed by Capability Brown, offered a fitting conclusion.

Save Venice thanks the individuals and institutions for generously sharing their treasures, the experts who enlivened each visit, Patron Travel for their connections and keen organization, and the guests whose good cheer and curiosity made traveling together an inspiring experience.