Dame Vera Lynn: An Extraordinary Life

April 4, 2022

Exhibition and Director’s talk with Tea, Coffee and Cake
optional pre-booked lunch in the village of Ditchling

Dame Vera Lynn: An Extraordinary Life showcases over 100 objects from the estate of the ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’, including numerous previously unseen personal items. An Extraordinary Life offers unparalleled insight into both the public and personal life of the singer, whose songs were crucial in maintaining morale during the Second World War. The exhibition also reveals artworks by Dame Vera, who was an enthusiastic painter for much of her life. There are 20 works on display, comprising portraiture and still-lifes painted at her London home, following the Second World War, and at Ditchling, where she owned a home from 1944.

The exhibition chronicles the nine decades Dame Vera spent in the public eye, from her early days as a singer, to her wartime service in the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), through to her extensive post-war entertainment career and charitable works.

Dame Vera’s treasured secret diary from her three-month tour through Burma is being shown to the public for the first time. The Burma Star she was awarded in 1985 for her efforts is also on display. Visitors can also see the military shorts she wore when performing to the Allied troops on her tour of Burma in 1944, alongside gold discs, photographs and 20 costumes from her incredible 90-year career. Her wartime wedding suit and the cardboard cake from her marriage to Harry Lewis in 1941 are also on display.

A new portrait of the entertainer by Neil Gower commissioned by Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft sits at the heart of the exhibition.

Included in our day is a Director’s talk, giving us more background to the exhibition. Tea, coffee and cake is also included at the museum. Following our time at the Museum, join us for a pre-ordered lunch at The White Horse Inn in the village itself (menu options to follow) or find your own option for lunch as you see fit. After some time to walk off lunch, we aim to arrive back in Dorking around 5pm.

Offer Price £45.00

per person to include return coach, exclusive entry to the Exhibition, Director’s talk, tea/coffee and cake and free time in the pretty village of Ditchling.

Optional pre-booked lunch, payable on the day. Menu options to follow nearer the date.

Pick-up 9am
Location: Dorking Halls