Arts and crafts in Kent
(including Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells) is in the South East of England. It has a population of around 1,728,000 and covers approximately 374,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: East Sussex, London, Surrey
Kent has a coastline on the North Sea and the English Channel, and its proximity to the continent has helped to shape its history, with the White Cliffs of Dover being famed as the first sight seen by travellers returning to England from across the sea in France. Sometimes referred to as The Garden of England, Kent has a long history of human settlement, which is reflected in the Neolithic Medway megaliths and the many archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Anglo Saxon periods, and the centuries since then. Performing arts venues in Kent include the Stag Community Arts Centre in Sevenoaks, the Theatre Royal in Margate, The Woodville in Gravesend, The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, The Winter Gardens in Margate and Tunbridge Wells Forum.
The county town of Kent is Maidstone, where you can visit Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, which as well as exhibits reflecting local history, has large collections covering natural history and the arts, including ceramics, costumes, prints, paintings and sculpture. Other attractions in Kent include Turner Contemporary, located on the seafront at Margate, which was inspired by the work of the artist JMW Turner, and offers a range of arts events and exhibitions. You could also visit Red House in Bexleyheath, which William Morris both designed and lived in, and which retains original arts and crafts features, furniture, paintings and stained glass. Other attractions in Kent include Hever Castle, Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Chartwell near Westerham, The Shell Grotto in Margate, Guildhall Museum in Rochester, Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle in Maidstone.
Knole in Sevenoaks has a wonderful collection of art works including paintings, cartoons, sculptures, furniture (including what is believed to be the oldest royal bed in Europe), tapestries and exceptional architecture. Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, has a wonderful Henry Moore statue in the garden and many works of art in the castle. Ightham Mote in Ivy Hatch, has wonderful stained glass windows, bible spine wood panelling, paintings and painted vaulted ceilings.
