We are a multi-award-winning visitor attraction offering an unforgettable day out in Northampton.
Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, 78 Derngate has been meticulously restored and opened to the public.
On-site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions.
78 Derngate was the architect's final major commission; his visionary patron, Northampton model engineer, W.J Bassett-Lowke. It is the only place outside Scotland in which Mackintosh's mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting. As such, the house has drawn many thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Now you can follow in their footsteps and see this unique work from one of Britain's most influential and celebrated designers. Famed, not only for its Charles Rennie Mackintosh design but now also as an elegant and special venue. Afternoon tea, fabulous food, stylish shopping, inspirational art exhibitions, business meetings and corporate events.
A warm welcome awaits you!
Take a look at around 78 Derngate, including photos of our stunning new atrium.
In collaboration with MWK Architects, we are celebrating this great town in a special way during Heritage Open Day week 9th - 13th September inc! By running a series of architecture-led talks about heritage, culture, business and sustainability, we aim to open guests' eyes to the beauty of Northampton and all its positive attributes! Do come and join us! One of the events, to be held on Wednesday 11th September is free of charge and simply called A Northampton 'Love Affair'.
Mackintosh in Northampton: Explore the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House - Monday 9th September 18:00 - 20:30 - Guests will have the opportunity to explore the house at their own pace before the Talks begin. Incorporating the transformation of 78 Derngate by the addition of the new extension and the importance of re-imagining our heritage buildings.
Landscape Design - Tuesday 10th September 12:00 - 14:30 - Explore the world of landscape design, featuring the work of multi award-winning landscape architect and garden designer, Lucy Bravington. With over 12 years' experience, Lucy's designs are celebrated for their geometry and timeless appeal. Following this, Matthew Plowe will showcase how Millboard - a leading company renowned for its innovative and sustainable outdoor flooring solutions - can elevate your landscape designs. So, join us for an inspiring event, filled with insights, ideas and practical tips from two of the most outstanding professionals in landscape design.
Women in Conservation - Tuesday 10th September 18:00-20:30 - 3 panellists will share their unique journeys within the realms of Conservation Architecture followed by Sarah Hollis, Chair of the Women in Planning group who will chair the discussion on the role women play in preserving heritage sites in a traditionally male-dominated sector. The house will again be open for guests beforehand.
A Northampton 'Love Affair': Celebrating our Town - Wednesday 11th September 18:00 - 20:30 Attendees can enjoy a chance to embrace, celebrate & appreciate Northampton as invited speakers introduce themselves, highlighting the importance of local people helping to create a vibrant and thriving town! (Sponsored by Yellow Bourbon Coffee)
Towards Net Zero; but How? - Friday 13th September 18:00 - 20:30 - Discover the future of sustainable architecture during an inspiring evening with industry experts. Robert Bizley of Prewett Bizley Architects will unveil cutting-edge techniques and real-world examples showcasing the transformative power of retrofitting. Dominic Kramer, Director of MWK Architects will share practical strategies for revolutionising energy efficiency and comfort in existing buildings. Don't miss the chance to gain exclusive insights and be part of the conversation helping to shape tomorrow's architecture.
Drinks will be available for all events
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Running for the month of September as part of the hugely successful Northants and Rutland Open Studios event, 78 Derngate is pleased to present Nine at 78 – an eclectic exhibition of work from nine prominent Northamptonshire artists encompassing work in an array of styles and mediums. From paint, mixed media and collage, to glass, jewellery, ceramics, woodwork and textiles; there is something for everyone to appreciate and all the work is for sale.
Taking part are: Katy Dynes (painting and illustration), Nadege Honey (handcrafted jewellery), Sarah Luke (glass),Claire Mycock (painting and mixed media), Joy Norman (textiles and paper),Colin Proctor (painting), Mark Puryer (wood), Emma Saul (painting and ceramics)and Katrina Solano (painting). These artists and makers' creations will fill all our galleries and there will be pieces to view in the gardens, too! A great way to spend half a day (or longer!) in Northampton, why not combine this with a visit to the heritage house and shop followed by light refreshments in The Dining Room!
The exhibition opens on 31st August and runs to 29th September. Free entry to all galleries, closed on Mondays. For more information on Northants and Rutland Open Studios including individual artist profiles and linked events, please visit www.nros.co.uk
Online booking available (Guided tours not always guaranteed).
Telephone 01604 603407 for enquiries
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: THE DINING ROOM'S LANDLINE IS TEMPORARILY FAULTY - PLEASE PHONE 01604 603407 TO BOOK, until further notice.
Standard Admission:
£
10.00
Dining Room bookings - landline currently unobtainable, please call 01604 603407 until further notice
The Mackintosh-designed interior and exterior of 78 has been sensitively restored to the original 1916 scheme. The whole of 80 is completely remodelled to create a new visitor centre and exhibition space.
From a coffee to a light lunch, full afternoon tea or a delicious meal - The Dining Room is sure to delight. Combine with a visit to the Mackintosh House for a fabulous day out.
We can offer a number of stylish and beautiful spaces for hire within our buildings - all of them designed by leading architects. Our on-site team can offer catering for your event.
Take a virtual wander through our buildings or use the buttons to jump to specific places.
The view can be panned and zoomed using your pointer and the on-screen controls.
Entrance
Shop
The Atrium
The
Bassett-Lowke
Rooms
Gallery
The Dining Room
The Deck
For further information about visiting us, please click here.
Though 78 Derngate is but a small terraced house in the English midlands it has been the subject of much comment over the years. Its remodelling by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916 -17 created something that has fascinated people for a century.
Dan Cruickshank
Art historian and broadcaster
"78 Derngate is dazzling."
Simon Calder
Travel Editor The Independent
"78 Derngate is one of those places you have to shout about. It is a textbook example of how to do tourism."
John McAslan CBE
Restoration Architect 78 Derngate
"An extraordinary riot of colour and pattern, mitigated by textural subtlety and attention to detail. 78 Derngate is a house of drama, richness and depth."
Eric Knowles
BBC Antiques Roadshow
"An ordinary street in an ordinary town but behind one of these front doors lies one of the most important interiors of the entire twentieth century."
The Telegraph
Newspaper
"To the great museums of the world, there must now be added one other. No 78 Derngate, Northampton. Just opened, this is the most delightful museum you will ever see."
Roger Bilcliffe
Noted authority on Charles Rennie Mackintosh
"A masterful reconstruction - sets the bar high for other owners of Mackintosh buildings."
Jonathan Foyle
Architectural historian and broadcaster
"Northampton has some architectural gems and 78 Derngate is a bright one."
