Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will be closed on Wednesday 17 June for a private event. There will be no public access to the site on this date. Thank you for your understanding.
Six fascinating facts that illuminate Tim Bret-Day’s creative talents behind the lens.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is excited to present Tim Bret-Day: Echoes & Idioms. Delve into the remarkable career of the Acton-based photographer Tim Bret-Day. Segmented into two distinct spaces, this exhibition promises to offer a rare glimpse into the photographer’s world, weaving a tapestry of personal photography and vivid public imagery.
Here are six fascinating facts that highlight Tim Bret-Day’s creative talents behind the lens:
Bret-Day draws his inspiration from a variety of different sources, from surrealist masters like Max Ernst (a pioneering Dada and Surrealist artist) to the fantastical visions of Hieronymus Bosch (a leading Northern Renaissance artist, famous for creating imaginatively complex compositions). He finds equal fascination in the everyday, from passers-by in his local Acton community to fellow travellers on the number 207 bus.
Bret-Day’s work encapsulates the soul of the 1990s. His black-and-white photography embraces simplicity, illuminating the connection between the photographer and his subjects. Each image tells a story — a candid shot from his travels, an outtake with a celebrity, or even a test shot with16-year-old Kate Moss. For Bret-Day, spontaneity was key to capturing the essence of his subjects in their most authentic light.
Bret-Day has photographed numerous illustrious luminaries throughout his career, including Grace Jones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Lennox Lewis, Jodie Kidd, and Bryan Ferry. Each photograph captures the essence of these celebrated figures, revealing their humanity and vulnerability in a profound and elegant manner.
While working in the commercial realm of photography, Bret-Day was not afraid to embrace the evolution of technology. Moving from film to digital, he found new ways to construct narratives and push creative boundaries. This landed him big-brand commissions, such as Issey Miyake, Harper’s Bazaar, The Sunday Times, and more.
Whilst commercially successful, Bret-Day’s artistic spirit yearned for something more personal. Returning to a more art-based approach, he experimented with unconventional methods, creating striking images using acrylics and a broken scanner. This return to a more intimate and expressive form of art marked a new chapter in his career.
Bret-Day’s work is collected for both public and private collections. Most notably, his innovative work for the Harvey Nichols campaign, featuring fantastical worlds and surreal scenes, showcases his mastery in crafting visually striking stories. This campaign not only won awards but also found a permanent home in The Louvre.
So, are you ready to experience Bret-Day’s captivating work? Mark your calendars for 11 November 2023, and see the Tim-Bret Day: Echoes and Idioms exhibition at Pitzhanger. Your ticket is included in general admissions.
Secure your spot today!
Categories Pitzhanger News
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All the latest happenings in and around Pitzhanger
As summer begins at Pitzhanger, discover Clare Woods’ upcoming exhibition, celebrate the people who care for our gardens, and explore events and creative projects across the site.
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This May, discover family workshops, contemporary exhibitions and stories from across Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery — from messy play and clay making to the final weeks of Phoebe Collings-James and the hand-printed world of Marthe Armitage.
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Discover a major new exhibition celebrating one of Britain’s most iconic artists.
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Effective from 10 March 2026.
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Featured in The Sunday Times and RA Magazine — meet “the queen of wallpaper”.
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This Spring, the artist Phoebe Collings-James (b.1987) will bring new sculpture and ceramic work to Pitzhanger, the first time these works will be shown in the UK.
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Visit our critically-acclaimed exhibition in atmospheric winter light.
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Two leading artists explore nature, pattern and still life.
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Enjoy the festive season at Pitzhanger with markets, music and making.
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Largest display of Hodgkin’s prints, praised as “art to pierce the heart.”
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Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
Retail Enquires: retail@pitzhanger.org.uk
Reception: 020 3985 8888
Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
Curator Tour: Phoebe Collings-James
Join us on Thursday 4 June at 6.30pm for a special curator tour of Phoebe Collings-James: a rose, a bridge, a house.
The tour is included with general admission as part of our Thursday Late opening. Simply book your general admission ticket for the evening to attend.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Pitzhanger Plant Sale: 7 June
Join us for the Pitzhanger Plant Sale 2026 in the Front Garden on Sunday 7 June, 10am–2pm. No ticket is required to visit the Plant Sale.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will remain open as usual with general admission. If you would also like to visit the historic manor and our exhibitions, please continue to book your tickets as normal.
Pay-what-you-can admission for Ealing Borough residents is also available as usual from 10am–noon. Proof of eligibility required.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Important Visitor Information: 17 June
Please note that Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will be closed on 17 June for a private event.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Main Gallery Closed: 17 June – 26 July
The main gallery will be closed from 17 June – 26 July for exhibition changeover following the close of Phoebe Collings-James: a rose, a bridge, a house.
Pitzhanger Manor and Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker (closing on 19 July) remain open as usual during this period. The café and shop also remain open and can be visited without a ticket.
Discounted admission is available on dates when the site is open to the public during this period.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Important Visitor Information: 24–25 June
Please note that Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will be closed on 24 and 25 June for a private event.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Main Gallery Closed: 17 June – 26 July
The main gallery will be closed from 17 June – 26 July for exhibition changeover following the close of Phoebe Collings-James: a rose, a bridge, a house.
Pitzhanger Manor and Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker (closing on 19 July) remain open as usual during this period. The café and shop also remain open and can be visited without a ticket.
Discounted admission is available on dates when the site is open to the public during this period.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closures & Discounted Admission: 8–19 July
Parts of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will be temporarily closed from 8–19 July due to filming activity. The main gallery, café, shop, Monk’s Dining Room and Wonder Room will be closed during this period.
Discounted admission is available for access to the remaining areas of the Manor, including Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker. A temporary pop-up shop will be available inside the Manor.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Main Gallery Closed: 24 July
The main gallery will remain closed on 24 July during exhibition changeover.
Pitzhanger Manor remains open with discounted admission. The café and shop also remain open as usual.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Main Gallery Closed: 26 July
The main gallery will remain closed on 26 July during exhibition changeover.
Pitzhanger Manor remains open with discounted admission. The café and shop also remain open as usual.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 1 August, 10am–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 10am–5pm on 1 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 8 August, 12.30–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 12.30–5pm on 8 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 22 August, 2–4pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 2–4pm on 22 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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