God’s House Tower, one of "Southampton's historic treasures" (SO14 2NY), has reopened until October 30 ahead of refurbshment work, as part of Southampton's first fringe festival, with a programme of exhibitions and events – including a takeover by #700 women on Saturday – one for each year the building has stood.
Wikipedia explains: "God's House Tower is a late 13th century gatehouse into the old town of Southampton, England. It stands at the south-east corner of the town walls and permitted access to the town from the Platform and Town Quay. It has served as the town gaol and housed the Museum of Archaeology. The building is Grade II listed and a scheduled ancient monument".
It's the first time the building has opened for an extended period since it closed its doors as the Museum of Archaeology in September 2011, and this will be one of the last opportunities to visit before it closes for an extensive refurbishment programme led by ‘a space’ arts.
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Over the last couple of years the Southampton-based arts organisation has successfully been awarded extensive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England to transform it into a new arts and heritage venue for Southampton.
Organisers say "God's House Tower will become culturally reanimated" during the week, with events "responding to the historic and unusual nature of the building".
They include an exhibition by Arches artists,Southampton In Conversation,Knit the Walls,700 Women, Tower House Creative Trade Showand ‘Responses’, a live reading by the Nuffield Theatre with responses by ‘a space’ artists. You can book free tickets for the events througheventbrite.
The week will be rounded off on Saturday 29 by '#700 Women', as Southampton women take over the building:
"700 hundred women will process through the building throughout the day, one women for each year the building has stood. Alongside the procession there will be entertainment including all female DJ’s playing an all female soundtrack as well as discussions, singing and knitting taking place across the building. This will be a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women and how they contribute to the creative landscape of Southampton."
More information on what's happening is summed up here.There's also more on '700 women' on our What's On page.
Pic under CC2 by Alexander P Kapp