Art UK is delighted to announce the launch of Christchurch Mansion's guide on the Bloomberg Connects app.

The Bloomberg Connects app is a free digital guide where you can explore content from numerous cultural organisations. Wherever you are in the world, you can access a range of content, either to add to your experience viewing the gallery in person, or to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Christchurch Mansion's guide is an exciting addition to the diverse cultural institutions currently represented on the app.

Christchurch Mansion, as the Bloomberg Connects guide explains, is 'one of Suffolk's most treasured buildings, this beautiful Tudor mansion is the jewel in the crown of Ipswich's historic past, boasting over 500 years of history.'

In the History Deep Dive section of the guide, you can explore this rich history. As the guide explains, the mansion was 'built in 1549 on the ruins of the Holy Trinity Priory, which had been removed during the reign of Henry VIII. During its history, it was home to three different families, the Withypolls, Devereux and Fonnereaus and has been a museum and art gallery for over a hundred years.' Download the guide today to delve into Christchurch Mansion's story.

Scan the QR code to download the Bloomberg Connects app

As the About Us section in the guide explains, there are many wonderful things to discover in Christchurch Mansion, such as the kitchen, servants' area, parlours and bedrooms, including part of another merchant's house that was added to the back of the mansion in the 1920s. Throughout the house, there is art by many Suffolk artists, collections of glass and ceramics, notably Lowestoft porcelain, and fine examples of furniture spanning four centuries. In addition to this, there are musical instruments, costumes and toys, including a doll house with furniture made from Winston Churchill's cigar boxes.

The Wolsey Art Gallery, a purpose-built art gallery, is a 1930s addition. With changing exhibitions, it also houses the largest collection of Constable and Gainsborough paintings outside of London.

The current exhibition on show is 'Animals in the Art Gallery' (13th May 2023 to 14th April 2024) – a family-friendly exhibition that explores British wildlife alongside artistic depictions of animals in all shapes and sizes, from the Middle Ages to the present day.