Ipswich Institute

12/06/2026

August at the Institute - our ‘summer sessions’ - is making a welcome return this year, with many of the Institute’s favourite tutors and some fine guest speakers, coming together for a month of special one-off talks, workshops, guided walks and more.

The events of this special programme are open to all, members and non-members alike, and it is a great way to get a taste of what the Institute is all about.

The programme is being worked on at the moment and should be ready for distribution and booking towards the end of this month - watch this space!

10/06/2026

We are looking forward to welcoming University of Suffolk lecturer Dr Hannah-Rose Murray to the Institute at 1.30pm today for the next in our series of day talks.

Dr Murray will be examining the story of Black American freedom fighters in 19th century Ipswich, including one particular activist, Charles Freeman, who lectured right here at the Institute in 1850!

Just seven tickets are left so grab yours quickly! The talk is taking place in Admiral's House, but you can pop into the library before it begins to book on, or reserve in advance online via our website: https://tinyurl.com/DayTalks

09/06/2026

This time last week, 40 members and friends enjoyed a trip to the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace to discover the life of Queen Elizabeth II through a fantastic exhibition of clothing worn in all ten decades of her life.

We have received so many positive comments about this exhibition and it has recently been extended to April next year, so there is still plenty of time to visit if you are able!

Our next trip is to Wrest Park, in Bedfordshire on Thursday 9 July and there are a handful of spaces remaining - £40 for members and £50 for non-members (English Heritage members save £10).

Book in person at the library or online via our website: https://tinyurl.com/Institute-Day-Trips

08/06/2026

Can we tempt you in out of the rain with our freshly baked Mediterranean vegetable quiche?! 😋 Available in Page's Café in the library, but be quick - it won't last long!

Our two cafés are open to members and their guests only.

06/06/2026

In two weeks time, on Saturday 20 June, we have a standalone Creative Printing workshop led by local artist, Steve Joyce

This full day workshop (9.30am-3.30pm), which is open to members and non members alike, will explore a variety of printmaking methods, including lino, mono-printing, stencils and texture methods, or combinations of these. Arrive with nothing, or bring ideas or projects to develop - it's up to you 😊

The cost for members is £45 and for non-members it's £55. All materials (except lino sheets) are included.

For more information and to book onto any of our Saturday sessions, speak to someone in the library or visit our website: https://tinyurl.com/InstituteSaturdayWorkshops

04/06/2026

Here he is, back in his natural habitat - for now at least! 😆💙

A few weeks ago we posted some pictures of the lovely entrance hall of Admiral's House, but without David's familiar face behind the counter - so we thought we should rectify that...

As well as being the friendly and welcoming face you see on arrival to Admiral's House, David is our education officer, which means he is responsible for creating our varied leisure learning programmes and liaising with all our tutors.

02/06/2026

The inaugural draw for the new Lottery Club took place last month with a prize pot of £105 being won by the holder of ticket number 79 - big congratulations to them! 🎉

Pictured are Institute Treasurer Mike Chapman, drawing the winning number and Institute General Manager Jo Rooks, witnessing the numbers being added to the draw.

Tickets for future draws are still on sale; members can join the scheme at any point by submitting an application form.

01/06/2026

The Ipswich Tourist Guides Association are out again tomorrow exploring the 'Northern Highlights' of our town, before discovering the 'Brewers of Ipswich' on Thursday.

Both walks leave from Admiral's House on Tower Street at 2pm. Tickets can be booked in advance via our website, or on the day from the library.

Our next guided walk is Tues 2nd June - Northern Highlights. See 2 magnificent churches and a Tudor gatehouse. Hear about engineer Robert Ransome and the Withipoll, Fonnereau & Cobbold families. Starts 2pm at Admiral's House, 13 Tower St, IP1 3BE. Tickets £6 from ipswichinstitute.org.uk/ipswichtourist or purchase 10 mins before start of walk.

29/05/2026

Next Friday (5 June), we are pleased to welcome author and historian Robert Pearson to lead our second day talk of the term, 'Norwegian Gold'; a fascinating insight into the "greatest gold sn**ch of the war", which occurred as Germany invaded neutral Norway in 1940.

For any of members who are keen to do some preparation or homework, Robert's book 'Gold Run' is also available to borrow from the library!

Places are still available - book in person at the library, or online via our website: https://tinyurl.com/DayTalks

28/05/2026

Every day this combination of our beautiful old calendar and our thriving prayer plant brings us joy💕...and how well the colours complement the library decor! What a peaceful place to pass the time.