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Handel Hendrix House

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Handel Hendrix House

Separated by a wall and 200 years are the homes of two musicians who chose London and changed music. See how they lived at Handel & Hendrix in London.
(203)

17/08/2024

“The live music brought the house to life”

“I felt transported to the 18th Century and back to the 1960's”

“Not just a museum, but a creative space”

15/08/2024

Our Fireworks Trail is Here! 🎇

Explore the iconic homes of Handel and Hendrix with our self-led tour, perfect for kids!

In Handel’s time, fireworks were a spectacular and rare treat, often reserved for royal celebrations. He even composed the famous ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ for a grand event in Green Park in 1749.

Can you spot a different historical firework in every room? 🎆 Visit our learning studio on the first floor to design your own firework and pin it onto our night sky!

Starting this Saturday, 17th August, the Trail is included with your general admission ticket. See you there! 👀✨

08/08/2024

Ever wonder what music Jimi Hendrix listened to? 🎧 Well, look no further!

We've chosen one track from each record that Jimi Hendrix owned while he lived at 23 Brook Street.

For the full experience (pun not intended), we recommend listening to each track's album—you'll be transported back to the late '60s! 🌟🎸

Jimi Hendrix's Record Collection: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xcudNiCH9LIzbMMXRmT4Z?si=x0OkOG4zTOqNgRB98jbBFQ&pi=e-S3FHxVKJQci6

05/08/2024

The Handel House Trust Collection: An Esther (HWV 50) original score, dated 1732 🎼📜✨

Esther is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel, generally recognised as the first oratorio written in English. Handel adapted the libretto from Jean Racine's Old Testament drama, originally composing the work in 1718 and later revising it into a full oratorio in 1732. In this score, you can clearly see Handel's handwriting, with even a few words visibly scratched out, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.

This item is part of Handel House Trust's stored collection and is not on public display for preservation purposes.

03/08/2024

The Fireworks music was first performed on a grand stage built in Green Park especially for the occasion, decorated with statues, paintings and – of course – the fireworks themselves 🎇✨

Fireworks themed arts and crafts activities will run throughout the summer, all designed to be attached to our temporary installation in the studio. By the end of the summer our Fireworks stage will be fully decorated just like the original, covered in the artwork of visitors from all over the world!

(Included in your General Admission Ticket until the end of August)

02/08/2024

A Style Icon! 🕺🏽🎉

Hendrix's deeply unconventional fashion style fascinated London. He was a supremely confident man, unafraid to wear 'feminine' shirts or silk scarves as they offered the bright colours he preferred.

Clothing was Hendrix's way of breaking away from previous generations of musicians, and he made no distinction between his everyday attire and his stage outfits.

01/08/2024

Experience live music EVERY DAY this August! 🎵

Step into Handel’s dining room and enjoy exquisite performances on the harpsichord and other historical instruments. Then, immerse yourself in Jimi's bedroom with guitarists recreating the 1960s vibes.

Don’t miss out on performances by musicians like Nathaniel Mander, Laurent Judson, Kevanie and many more! 🎸✨

(Included with your General Admission Ticket)

01/08/2024

GUITAR DAY - Saturday, 3rd August 2024!! 🎸🎶 (12pm - 3pm)

This month, it's all about festivals... Jimi, the band, the lead-up to the show, and the timeline. We'll dive into how Woodstock changed the world, explore Jimi's tones, the setlists, and of course, the guitars.

Plus, enjoy the added bonus of live music filling the House this weekend.

Book your tickets now! (Included with your general admission ticket)

31/07/2024

Today is 'Uncommon Instrument Day', a celebration of odd, rare and uncommon musical instruments (and boy, do we have a few!) We have 10 historical instruments in the House, including an 18th-Century harpsichord and a playable Spinet! 🎼

We pride ourselves on offering our spaces to performers who play these unique instruments, providing them with a place to rehearse for their upcoming performances.

If you're interested in hearing a number of these fascinating instruments live, join us for our Handel Concert series starting next season (September - November) - see our website for more info.

29/07/2024

Ben Knight

A Lecture-Recital with Ben Knight 🎶✨
18:30 Monday 2nd September

HANDEL - GIVING LONDON SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

Join us in our studio for a captivating 45-minute lecture-recital where Ben Knight will delve into the challenges Handel encountered while bringing Italian opera to London. Discover how Handel navigated these obstacles and ultimately captivated London audiences. With musical excerpts from "Rinaldo," "Acis and Galatea," and other notable operas, this event promises to be both enlightening and enchanting.

Includes exclusive viewing of Handel's Home, underscored by Aidan Phillips on our 18th- Century harpsichord.

For more details and to book your tickets, please visit our website

26/07/2024

This is Hendrix's sofa!

This Victorian-style sofa belonged to Jimi and Kathy Etchingham during their time at 23 Brook Street! Originally upholstered in wine-coloured fabric from an antiques market, it has been re-covered many times over the decades. The sofa was kept in the smaller room next to the main bedroom, often covered with clothes and quickly cleared for late-night guests.

Sit on it and transport yourself back to January 1969 🛋️🎶🕰️

23/07/2024

Join us 6th August from 10am - 4pm for an immersive learning and jam sessions, where you'll not only enhance your guitar skills but also tap into the magic of Jimi Hendrix!

Use the code 'GUITAR' for £15 off your tickets! (available this week only)

Let's rock and roll! 🎸✨

22/07/2024

Who do you listen to 🤨⁉️

19/07/2024

The Handel House Trust Collection: A letter from George Frideric Handel to Charles Jennens, dated 19th July 1744 — exactly 280 years ago today! ✉️✨🎼

In the letter, Handel enthusiastically acknowledges receipt of Jennens' libretto for Act 1 of 'Belshazzar' and urgently requests the remaining acts. He also asks Jennens to point out the passages in 'Messiah' that he thinks need altering. The expressions of respect squeezed into the signature lines, clearly added as an afterthought, suggest he is anxious to retain Jennens' goodwill.

*This item is part of the Handel House Trust's private collection and is not on public display for preservation purposes

14/07/2024

An Evening with Mark Padmore 🎶✨
18:30 Saturday 7th September

HANDEL'S DRAMATIC RECITATIVES

Mark Padmore has established an international career in opera, concert, and recital. Renowned for his performances in Bach Passions, he was Artistic Director of the St. Endellion Summer Music Festival, voted 2016 Vocalist of the Year by Musical America, and appointed CBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

"Handel was, above all, a theatre composer who had a tremendous sense of the dramatic. In this programme, we explore some of his greatest recitatives—the Handelian equivalent of the Shakespearean soliloquy."

The evening includes a complimentary drink, the chance to talk with Mark after his performance, and exclusive access to the House.

For more details and to book your tickets, please visit our website

12/07/2024

Looking for us? It's simple! We're located between Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations 🚇🇬🇧

From Bond Street:

* Head down South Molton Street
* At the end, turn left onto Brook Street
* Handel Hendrix House will be on your right!

10/07/2024

Hendrix flipped and restrung right-handed guitars to suit his left-handed playing, making several hardware modifications that contributed to his unique sound 🎸🔊

Some suggest this was due to limited access to left-handed guitars, while others believe it was a deliberate effort to forge his distinctive style. Regardless of the reason, this quirk became one of the many things that set him apart from other guitarists of his time 🤘🎶🔥

07/07/2024

On this day, Handel’s Utrecht Te Deum was premiered in St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1713 to celebrate the peace marking the end of the twelve year-long War of the Spanish Succession. It was his first work written in the English language and is an important milestone at the beginning of his London career, helping him to establish himself as a composer of prestigious music for the English Royal Family 🎼🎻🪶

Built between 1675 and 1710, St. Paul’s Cathedral stands as an iconic landmark in London, holding the title of the city’s tallest building until 1963. It is well-known that Handel loved improvising on the organ here, and he is said to have often met with choral singers in one of the nearby taverns.

06/07/2024

🎸🎶 Calling all young rock stars! Join us this August for a jam-packed Guitar Summer School!

Dive into Hendrix’s blues, master the pentatonic, and experiment with groundbreaking effects alongside guitarist Nigel Jones. End the day with an epic blues jam open to all family and friends.

Perfect for secondary-age guitar enthusiasts ready to rock! 🌟🎸

For more info or to book your tickets, visit us at: https://handelhendrix.org/events/guitar-summer-school

04/07/2024

You might think you've never heard any music by Handel, one of Brook Street's famous residents... but you may be surprised.

Handel's music is very present in pop culture, and you may have listened to and loved some of his pieces without even knowing it.

The 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah has been featured in numerous television shows, often in moments of great joy or divine intervention (I can only imagine what happens in Baywatch..!)

Here are just a few recent examples we've found, but we’re sure there are many more.

How many more can you think of? 🤔📺

02/07/2024

On July 4th, 1968 (55 years ago today!) Jimi Hendrix flew from New York to London and visited the Brook Street flat for the first time

01/07/2024

Looking for us? It's simple! We're located between Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations 🚇

From Oxford Circus:

* Head north on Regent Street.
* Turn right onto Hanover Street.
* Continue past Hanover Square onto Brook Street.
* Cross the intersection.
* Handel Hendrix House will be on your left!

30/06/2024

Guitar Day 🎸 Once a month, resident guitarist Nigel Jones hosts a talk from 12pm to 1pm, followed by a jam session from 1pm to 3pm. Bring your guitar or use one of ours to play your favorite Hendrix songs!

Here’s one of our lucky visitors jamming with Nigel in Jimi's bedroom during last month's Guitar Day.

Upcoming Sessions:

6th July
Talk, 12pm - The ‘Hendrix Sound’
Join us for a deep dive into how Jimi played the changes. Nigel will demonstrate how Hendrix elevated the guitar, transforming music and influencing countless artists.

3rd August
Talk, 12pm - The Festivals
Explore the iconic festivals where Jimi performed. We’ll discuss the band, the lead-up to the shows, and the timelines. Special focus will be on how Woodstock changed the world.

(All included with your General Admission Ticket)

29/06/2024

"For a time, the Isle of Wight Festival transformed a sleepy English island into the rock 'n' roll capital of the world." 🌞🎸🌈

It all began with a series of festivals between 1968 and 1970, widely acknowledged as the largest musical events of the era, surpassing even Woodstock in attendance with an estimated crowd of over 600,000 people.

In 1970, the festival's five-day line-up included legendary acts such as The Who, Joni Mitchell, The Doors, Supertramp, Joan Baez, and, of course, Jimi Hendrix. Jimi's iconic set was performed in the early hours of August 31st. Tragically, this was his last planned public performance in the UK before his untimely death three weeks later. The set was released as an album the following year to honour his passing.

There was no Isle of Wight Festival between 1970 and 2002, until John Giddings, an established music promoter, saw an opportunity to revive it. And so began the festival we know and love today.

Photo credit: My Parents! Who were lucky enough to attend this year ( - they had an incredible time) 📸🍻

28/06/2024

This summer, our learning studio transforms to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Handel’s iconic Music for the Royal Fireworks! 🌟

Step back in time to 1749 as we recreate the grand stage from Green Park, complete with statues, paintings, and of course, fireworks!

Get crafty with fireworks-themed arts and crafts all week long and help us decorate our 18th-century stage installation. By summer’s end, it’ll be a masterpiece covered in artwork from visitors around the globe!

(Included in your General Admission ticket)

27/06/2024

Fun fact: Jimi Hendrix gave his phone number out to everyone. Girlfriend Cathy had a second phone installed at Brook Street because it got so bad he had to leave the first one off the hook most of the time. Then he started giving everyone the second number ... 🎸📞

26/06/2024

Handel Concert Series September - November 2024 🎶📜🤘🏼

We showcase the crème de la crème of baroque performers, curating memorable performances in the intimate setting of Handel’s own house.

Tickets are available now on our website! ✨

25/06/2024

Experience live music daily this summer! 🎵

Step into Handel’s dining room and hear exquisit performances on the harpsichord and other historical instruments. Then, immerse yourself in Jimi's bedroom with blues guitarists recreating the 1960s vibes.

Don’t miss out on musicians like Bridget Cunningham, Angela Hicks, Laurent Judson, and many more! 🎸✨

(Included in your General Admission Ticket July to August)

24/06/2024

The Handel House Trust Collection ✨🎼
Introducing a new series unveiling some of the hidden treasures from our stored collection here at Handel Hendrix House.

Our first highlight is an exquisite watercolour painting of 25 Brook Street by John Buckler, created in 1839. This piece is the earliest known depiction of Brook Street and beautifully imagines a serene moment with Handel resting at the first-floor window.

Beneath the image, Buckler inscribed a brief description: "The House in Lower Brook Street (at present 1839, numbered 57), in which Handel lived and died; - as it appeared before the front of the Attic Story was raised."

Fun fact: This watercolour was a crucial source for the recent restoration of the House during the Hallelujah Project.

*This item resides in the Handel House Trust's stored collection and is not on public display for preservation purposes.

Address

25 Brook Street
London
W1K4HB

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Website

https://handelhendrix.org/

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Videos

A chat with The Portrait Players 🎻🎶 SOOTH’D TO PLEASURES 13:00 Monday, 2nd September 2024 “It was actually Handel that brought us together as The Portrait Players. We just loved his music! Handel was writing for these amazing singers during his time, and we find the vocal lines have so much emotive power behind them. We also like to find out about the musicians that played with Handel—they wrote individual pieces for each instrument as well. We like to explore these as well as his own work, seeing how they link, while getting a glimpse into Handel’s community in London.” Join us in Handel’s fore parlour for their exquisite programme featuring music written for or by cellist Andrea Caporale, oboeist Johann Ernst Galliard, and singers Margherita Durastanti, Anna Maria la Strada, Élisabeth Duparc, and John Beard. For more details and to book your tickets, please visit our website.

Ben Knight A Lecture-Recital with Ben Knight 🎶✨ 18:30 Monday 2nd September HANDEL - GIVING LONDON SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT Join us in our studio for a captivating 45-minute lecture-recital where Ben Knight will delve into the challenges Handel encountered while bringing Italian opera to London. Discover how Handel navigated these obstacles and ultimately captivated London audiences. With musical excerpts from "Rinaldo," "Acis and Galatea," and other notable operas, this event promises to be both enlightening and enchanting. Includes exclusive viewing of Handel's Home, underscored by Aidan Phillips on our 18th- Century harpsichord. For more details and to book your tickets, please visit our website

Looking for us? It's simple! We're located between Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations 🚇🇬🇧 From Bond Street: * Head down South Molton Street * At the end, turn left onto Brook Street * Handel Hendrix House will be on your right!

Looking for us? It's simple! We're located between Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations 🚇 From Oxford Circus: * Head north on Regent Street. * Turn right onto Hanover Street. * Continue past Hanover Square onto Brook Street. * Cross the intersection. * Handel Hendrix House will be on your left!

Guitar Day 🎸 Once a month, resident guitarist Nigel Jones hosts a talk from 12pm to 1pm, followed by a jam session from 1pm to 3pm. Bring your guitar or use one of ours to play your favorite Hendrix songs! Here’s one of our lucky visitors jamming with Nigel in Jimi's bedroom during last month's Guitar Day. Upcoming Sessions: 6th July Talk, 12pm - The ‘Hendrix Sound’ Join us for a deep dive into how Jimi played the changes. Nigel will demonstrate how Hendrix elevated the guitar, transforming music and influencing countless artists. 3rd August Talk, 12pm - The Festivals Explore the iconic festivals where Jimi performed. We’ll discuss the band, the lead-up to the shows, and the timelines. Special focus will be on how Woodstock changed the world. (All included with your General Admission Ticket)

We would like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all our amazing volunteers this Volunteers' Week! 💜🎼 Your invaluable support preserves these cultural treasures and ensures the legacies of Handel and Hendrix continue to inspire future generations.

We're celebrating our 1st Anniversary since reopening to the public! And what a remarkable year it's been... 🎉 We look back on all we have accomplished this year: - The completion of the Hallelujah Project - Reconnecting with our cherished visitors and Friends - Hosting an array of events, including exclusive concerts and weekly live music in our beautifully restored rooms - Introducing 'After Dark' evenings, offering intimate performances in Handel and Hendrix's homes - Monthly Guitar Days with the incredible Nigel Jones and his Hendrix themed jam sessions - Showcasing the stunning artwork of talented artist Iona Rowland, including her commissioned Hendrix pieces - Unveiling Freddie Mercury's owned Hendrix posters - Preserving our exquisite 18th-century Kirkman Harpsichord with the expertise of specialist Ben Marks A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us this past year – our dedicated visitors, hardworking staff, amazing volunteers, and generous donors. Your support is invaluable in preserving these cultural treasures and ensuring that the legacy of Handel and Hendrix continues to inspire future generations. 🎶✨ Thank you.

Come along to Handel Hendrix House this weekend and join us in celebrating our 1st Anniversary since reopening to the public! 🎶✨ Experience live music while exploring the historic homes of the two iconic musicians: - Friday 17th May: we're joined by the very talented Kevanie in the Hendrix Flat (who can be seen in the video!) - Saturday 18th May (our anniversary!): we're thrilled to host Flutes and Frets in Handel's Home - Sunday 19th May: join us for a stunning performance from Harpsichordist Nathaniel Mander in Handel's Home Don't miss out — book your tickets now! (all included in your general admission ticket) 🎟️ Also, seize the opportunity to win 2 tickets to one of our upcoming exclusive events! Stay tuned for more details on how to enter and win.

Handel's Salon Monday 6th May 🎶✨ Join Endelienta Baroque as they explore solo works, trios, and re-imaginings by J.S. Bach and his musical contemporaries, featuring pieces by Böhm, Erlebach, and Abel. At 6:00pm, join our Assistant Curator for a pre-concert talk exploring the stories behind the fascinating objects in Handel's parlour where this evening's concert will be held. 📸🎶: Handel - Trio Sonata in Bb, Op.2 No.3 i.Andante For more details and to book your tickets, visit our website!

Monday Matinee in Handel's Fore-Parlour 🎶✨ 13:00 6th May Join Beth Stone and Aidan Phillips as they present an array of flute and harpsichord sonatas from baroque composers linked to the life of George Frideric Handel. Featuring music by the “Swedish Handel”, Johan Roman; Michel Blavet and Henry Eccles. See here behind the scenes, as Beth and Aidan rehearse here at Handel's House! For more details and to book your tickets, visit our website

SEPARATED BY A WALL & 200 YEARS! The homes of two musicians who chose London & changed music🎵🎶

Behind the scenes! Ensemble Molière rehearsing for their concert in Handel’s Salon on the 8th April 🎶📜 “Kate & Cat started exploring French Baroque writing for bass duo and found Treizième concert from Les Goût-réünis by Couperin. We enjoyed the combination so much that we decided to create a whole programme around it!” - @ensemblemoliere Book now: https://handelhendrix.org/events/handels-salon-with-ensemble-moliere

"Kate & Cat started exploring French Baroque writing for bass duo and found Treizième concert from Les Goût-réünis by Couperin. We enjoyed the combination so much that we decided to create a whole programme around it!" Ensemble Molière Book now: https://handelhendrix.org/events/handels-salon-with-ensemble-moliere

Handel’s London : His Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket 🎭🎶 Today, we travel to His Majesty’s Theatre, the historic venue where Handel’s opera ‘Rinaldo’ made its debut. This captivating masterpiece not only mesmerized audiences but also played a pivotal role in solidifying Handel’s enduring musical legacy. #HandelLondon #HisMajestysTheatre #MusicalHistory #lwtheatres #Handel #Rinaldo #Opera #baroque #visitlondon

Handel’s London : Westminster Abbey 🇬🇧🎻🎶 Explore the profound ties between the esteemed baroque composer and this historic landmark, from composing timeless anthems to his final resting place among distinguished British figures. #HandelsLondon #WestminsterAbbey #Baroque #Coronation #handel #musichistory #visitlondon #londonhistory #zadokthepriest

Handel’s London : The Foundling Museum 🎶📜 Step into the rich history of this 18th-century institution dedicated to caring for abandoned children. Discover Handel’s pivotal role in championing the hospital’s cause, from captivating performances to generous financial contributions. Explore the artifacts and archives at The Foundling Museum, including Handel’s will and a copy of “Messiah,” showcasing his enduring legacy. #FoundlingHospital #HandelLondon #LondonHistory #MusicHistory #VisitLondon #Handel #TheFoundlingMuseum

Handel’s London : Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens 🍃🎶 Today we step into the elegant world of Georgian London as we explore Handel’s connection to one of the city’s historic cultural hubs. More info on Handel’s connection to Vauxhall Gardens: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens presented the first public performance of the ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’, a grand musical display in celebration of the treaty of ‘Aix-La-Chapelle’ and the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. This came as a great inconvenience and expense to Handel. It is published that the rehearsal attracted an audience of over 12,000 people and caused a traffic jam on London bridge that took over 3 hours to clear! 🎆 #HandelsLondon #Vauxhall #MusicHistory #Handel #HandelHendrixHouse #Thames #VisitLondon

Welcome to Handel’s London! 🎻🎂🎈 In this series, we celebrate George F. Handel’s 338th Birthday by embarking on a journey through the very places he once roamed beyond his Mayfair abode. Come along as we explore the vibrant streets of London, diving into the daily life and experiences of Handel. 🎼🎶 ‘Happy Birthday’ on the Harpsicode is performed by the wonderful @covalique #HandelsLondon #ExploringHistory #BirthdayCelebration #Handelhendrixhouse #Mayfair #London #Visitlondon #Handel #Musichistory

Handel Hendrix After Dark🎻✨🎸 Open Friday evening 6pm to 8pm, join us for an exclusive visit of Handel Hendrix House by candlelight. Immerse yourself in this unique experience with exclusive performances in Jimi’s bedroom and Handel’s Dining Room. Tickets are now on sale on our website! See here some snippets of last week’s dazzling performances from Incantati and @adannay.music

Saturday, 6th January Talk, 12pm: The blues and Jimi Brook street Jam, 1-3pm An open call for anyone that plays an instrument. Bring your instrument and help us fill Brook street with music. Book your general admission ticket now! @nj_guitar

Shortcuts

About us

In a single street in London, separated by a wall, are the homes of two of history’s most significant musical artists: George Frideric Handel & Jimi Hendrix.

25 Brook Street is the house that belonged to Handel and the place where he composed some of the world’s most enduring Baroque music such as Zadok the Priest, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Messiah. Visit the rooms where he ate, slept, rehearsed and entertained in a modest mid-terraced house for the last 36 years of his life and understand the man behind these incredible works.

The top floor of 23 Brook Street is the flat where Jimi Hendrix lived with his girlfriend, record player and guitar from 1968-69. Step back in time to 60s London and visit the room where he slept, partied, worked and relaxed. Come and see Hendrix’s only recognized home in the world.

See them together under one roof at Handel & Hendrix in London. Find out more - https://handelhendrix.org/