Winter Weekends 2026

Thursday 3 December – Saturday 12 December
Our annual Winter Weekend programme will take place across two weekends from Thursday 3 December until Saturday 12 December with lots of exciting exhibitions, events and workshops taking place.
In addition to the Ceramic Exhibition of works by Olga Siruk and Anna Milgrom which will run from Thursday 26 November to Saturday 19 December, we will also be hosting the artists from Kingston Artists Open Studio for a pop up market in our first floor modelling studio over the two weeks. Here, ten artists from the network will be selling their work with items ranging from paintings, Christmas cards, handmade notebooks, glass works and ceramics. The perfect opportunity to buy some unique Christmas presents.

Christmas Music Concert with Kingston University Music Students
Thursday 3 December | 1pm – 2pm | Free/Drop-in
We will be joined by the talented music students from Kingston University for a lunchtime concert with a set list of songs ranging from classical to pop including an assortment of Christmas songs. Featuring instruments and vocals, this is the perfect afternoon activity to get you into the festive spirit.

A Morning of Russian Folktales, Friendship and Performance
Friday 4 December | 11am – 12:30pm | Book here
Hear art historian Dr Lousie Hardiman tell the fascinating story of the friendship between Russian illustrator Elena Polenova and British arts journalist and translator Netta Peacock, their unsuccessful attempt to publish a book of Russian folk tales and illustrations in Britain in 1890s, and Hardiman’s realisation of this project in 2014. Following the talk, Belarussian artist and performer Irena Mihalkovich will deliver a reimagined episode from the tale of The Princess Frog using classical Indian dance and shadow puppetry. Certain to be a rich cultural exploration, this one is not to be missed.

Stars, Snow & Firelight: Evening Music Concert
Friday 4 December | 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Book here
Acclaimed British jazz singer Nette Robinson and phenomenal saxophonist Tony Woods invite you to join them for a special evening of music – perfect for a cold December night. Together they will present a beautiful and evocative programme of songs from Russia, the British Isles and beyond, conjuring wintry scenes of snow and ice, vast starry skies, little robins and the warmth of a cosy fire.

Mythical Beings Tin Embossing Workshop
Saturday 5 December | 2pm – 4pm | Book here
In connection with her exhibition, artist Anna Milgrom will lead a creative workshop using tin embossing to explore mythical beings, focusing on an exploration of creatures from Russian folklore such as the Baba Yaga and Alkonost. The embossed tin pieces you will produce will be the perfect gift for a friend to go on their Christmas tree. No prior experience required and all materials are included.

Pop Up Portraits
Saturday 12 December | 12noon – 4pm | Free/Drop-in
On the afternoon of Saturday 12 December Kingston University Illustration & Animation students will be running a pop-up portrait stall. Come by and have your portrait drawn on the spot with inspiration taken from the museum’s collections. A free, fun activity with incredibly talented students not to be missed.

Guided Tours
Various Dates | Book here
Join a guided tour of the museum led by one of our knowledgeable guides and gain a deeper insight into the house, collections and fascinating lives of Dora Gordine and Richard Hare. Or find out more about Dorich House itself on our new architecture tours. Guided tour dates for November and December are available to book now.

