15 Dec 2020
There is always something to look forward to in a new year. In 2021, for the Isle of Thanet and the resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate this includes new exhibitions at Turner Contemporary during its 10th anniversary year, plus new accommodation with a Dickens theme, 'Fagin's Den'. The quirky Crab Museum will open and the first Murky Margate guided tour will take place.
Turner Contemporary - 10th Anniversary Year and new exhibitions
Turner Contemporary opened on 11 April 2011 and since then the gallery has welcomed 3.6 million visits, hosted the Turner Prize 2019 and is featured on the new £20 note. Exhibitions for its10th anniversary year include:
The Tourists - February 2021 – June 2021
This is the first UK solo exhibition by British, New York based artist, Ellen Harvey paired with JMW Turner. Harvey works with traditional media, painting and etching, to create large-scale multi-media installations, and has selected a group of works by Turner to show alongside her work.
Steve McQueen's video installation 'Ashes' (2002-2015) - February 2021 – June 2021
The gallery will also be exhibiting Steve McQueen's video installation 'Ashes' (2002-2015), a powerful work about place, memory and loss, set against a backdrop of the Pacific ocean.
Barbara Walker's 'Place, Space and Who' - ongoing
In the Sunley Gallery, 'Place, Space and Who' explores identity and belonging, featuring sound and portraits of five women and girls from the African Diaspora living in Margate and Kent.
Antony Gormley's 'Another Time' - until 2030
Antony Gormley's sculpture 'Another Time' will be staying in Margate for another 10 Years. The cast iron figure that was installed on Fulsam Rock beside Turner Contemporary in summer 2017 has been granted an extension and will remain in situ until 2030.
Turner Contemporary contact - Moya Stirrup, Head of Communications, mstirrup@turnercontemporary.org
England's Creative Coast 2021
As part of England's Creative Coast and working with Turner Contemporary, Michael Rakowitz will be producing a specially commissioned artwork for Margate.
England's Creative Coast is a ground-breaking new cultural tourism experience. It aims to connect outstanding galleries and arts organisations across the Kent, Essex and Sussex coastlines. This will be via seven new site-specific artworks by leading contemporary artists and the world's first ever art digital geocaching tour.
Turner Contemporary leads on the project with Visit Kent (Go to Places)
Press contact - gair@picklespr.com
www.turnercontemporary.org/whats-on/englands-creative-coast/
Fagin's Den, Broadstairs - new Dickens themed accommodation
Fagin's Den is a new, Dickensian themed holiday cottage named after the character Fagin in Oliver Twist. Families and Dickens enthusiasts will step back in time with furniture, memorabilia, books, games and artwork creating the ambience of the era. Dickensian costumes are supplied to make the experience even more authentic.
To add to the fun, there are two treasure hunts, one for adults and one for children, where the aim is to find Fagin's hidden stash.
This unique experience will be both fun and educational, with guests discovering more of Dickens' life, work and his strong connections to Broadstairs.
Charles Dickens visited Broadstairs in 1837, aged 25, and he returned frequently for the next two decades. He described the town as, 'the freshest, freest place' and wrote both 'Our English Watering Place' and 'David Copperfield' whilst staying in the town. The character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield is based on Miss Mary Pearson Strong, who lived in what is now Dickens House Museum.
www.holiday-cottages-broadstairs.co.uk/fagins-den
Contact: Beverley and Phil Dennis (owners) - 01843 601996 or 07977 715 221
Murky Margate - new guided tour
A new, guided historical murder town trail in Margate launching in February/March 2021.
Join Johanne Edgington on a guided tour, in and around Margate's Old Town, to hear tales unfold about the darker side of Margate's history. Tales include:
- Murder at the Metropole
- Margate's link to the Chocolate Cream Killer
- A suspicious death off Margate's jetty
- An unusual discovery in The Parade cinema
- The murder of Mary Ann Bridger
www.murky-margate-tours.business.site
Contact: Johanne Edgington on 07784 471 110
Crab Museum, Margate - new museum opening in 2021
Crab Museum is a totally new and unique, all-ages visitor attraction opening in the heart of Margate Old Town in 2021.
Beyond just the science of the seas and the scandalous, forgotten story of the Margate crab, a visit to the Crab Museum will baffle and delight with it's combination of philosophy, humour and critical thinking. As well as their quirky, interactive exhibits, they invite the public to enjoy their cafe and gift shop, and sample their flat whites and lobster repellent!!
Contact: Ned Suesat-Williams on 07762 891 836
Bicentenary of the 'Royal Harbour' Ramsgate
In 1821 King George IV set off from Ramsgate with the Royal Squadron en route to Hanover. He was so impressed by the hospitality he received at the Kent port that he decreed it be declared a 'Royal Harbour' - a status that's unique in mainland Britain.
Events and activities are being planned to celebrate this anniversary.
Dates mentioned in this release may change due to the impact of Covid-19.
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate can be reached in under 75 minutes from London on Southeastern's high speed rail service (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk).
For further information on Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, including events, attractions and accommodation go to www.visitthanet.co.uk
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General press enquiries:
Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism - julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577671
Assistance can also be given with digital images, reader competitions and press trips - and bespoke packages can be arranged, including accommodation and sightseeing, for journalists with commissions.
