*** PRESS RELEASE ***
Bishop’s Palace announces first ‘Artist-in-Residence’
Local artist William Balthazar Rose will take up a position at the first ever Artist-in-
Residence at The Bishop’s Palace at the end of March.
Rose, who lives in Wells and works from art studios in Somerset and Tuscany, was a
boarder at Wells Cathedral School in his youth and recounts his time there as one of
his happiest memories of childhood. He later headed off to California to continue his
studies at the University of California and subsequently to launch his professional
career.
Art historian and critic Peter Davies has described Rose’s work as ‘sumptuous
paintings…both distinctive and idiosyncratic, yet art historically eclectic.’
An exhibition of Rose’s work will take place in the Conference Room of the Palace
from 28th March until 26th June 2015. His subjects range from a series of religious
allegorical ‘cooks’ to luminescent landscapes and metaphysical still lives. His
preferred media are oil paint and fresco. All works in the exhibition will be available
for purchase.
The Bishop’s Palace will be offering visitors the chance to take part in a variety of
sessions as part of Rose’s post as Artist-in-Residence, including a portraiture
workshop, talks about his work and the opportunity to watch the artist at work, all
included in the standard admission price.
ENDS
ABOUT THE BISHOP’S PALACE
The Bishop’s Palace is the 800 year old home of the Bishops of Bath & Wells. The medieval palace is
also home to the wells and ancient springs that give the City of Wells its name, the world famous
mute swans that ring a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want their food, and 14 acres of
stunning gardens. Within the gardens are an Arboretum, formal planted gardens, the ruined and
romantic Great Hall, waterfalls and well pools, a Community Garden and the new Garden of
The Palace buildings open to the public include a medieval undercroft, a striking Long Gallery, hung
with portraits of former bishops, exhibition space and the beautiful medieval Chapel.
There is a modern, family and dog friendly café, serving produce from the gardens, drinks, cakes and
light meals and a gift shop. The site is accessible for wheelchair users, with new, even pathways in
the gardens and a lift in the Palace building.
The Bishop’s Palace is managed by The Palace Trust, registered charity number 256356.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2PD
T: 01749 988111
OPENING TIMES
Summer (29 March – 24 Oct): 10am - 6pm
Winter (25 Oct – 28 March): 10am – 4pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
The Bishop’s Palace is closed over Christmas every year.
• All activities and events are included in the price of admission unless stated otherwise and
children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Palace Water Walks daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm* (*2:30pm tour only available in summer
hours)
• Children’s trails are available.
ADMISSION CHARGES
Gift Aid
Standard
Adult
£7.95
£7.20
Concession (60+, unemployed,
disabled, student)
£6.85
HOW TO FIND US
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens is situated in the heart of Wells, Somerset and can be easily reached
from Bath – 21 miles / Bristol - 21 miles / Glastonbury - 8 miles.
Bus: 29, 126, 161/162, 173, 375, 376, 377 all stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Market
Place.
Bike: The Bishop’s Palace is situated on Sustrans cycle route 3. Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for further
information and maps. Cycle racks available over the drawbridge and in Market Place.
Train: The nearest railway stations are Castle Cary (9 miles from Wells) and also Bristol Temple Meads
and Bath Spa (both 21 miles), where you will find bus links to Wells.
Coach: Follow signs to coach dropping off point, continue down one way system to bus station coach
park.
Car: The main routes to Wells are the A371 and the A39. The Bishop’s Palace is a short walk from all
central car parks, use Whiting Way car park (long stay) which is located just off the A39 or Market
Place (short stay, 1 hour maximum) is just outside the palace Not available Wednesday or Saturday
(market days).
Map: http://www.bishopspalace.org.uk/location_map.php
Children (Under 5 years)
FREE
FREE
Children (5-18 years)
£3.30
£3.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children)
£19.20
£17.40
Essential helpers assisting
disabled visitors
FREE
FREE