In March 2023, during a visit to the Cowper & Newton Museum and the town of Olney, musicians Angeline Morrison, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Jon Bickley of Invisible Folk creatively explored the words, tunes, meanings and experiences of the hymn Amazing Grace, as well as researched the life of Rev’d John Newton, the writer of the … Read more
We are excited to hear the news that writer Rommi Smith has now finished creating the words for the new composition to mark the 250 anniversary of the hymn Amazing Grace and now composer Roderick Williams is setting them to music. Currently there are creative communications and discussions flying between Roddy, Rommi, the Chineke! Ensemble … Read more
A new music commission (link to the announcement of the new commission in the Observer newspaper) created in response to the 250th anniversary of Amazing Grace has just been announced and we are delighted to share with you the story so far. Back in October 2019 when the Cowper & Newton Museum held the first … Read more
‘I am absolutely thrilled to be part of AG250: working in collaboration with celebrated composer and musician, Roderick Williams, the renown Chineke! ensemble – and dynamic project partners: The Stables and Cowper & Newton Museum. This project is my third collaboration with Williams. Previous collaborations include: Not Yet Here – a creative response to Beethoven’s … Read more
Join Dr Martin Clarke for this one-off lecture recital opportunity. Through “Amazing Grace”, Dr Clarke will highlight some important points in the history of congregational singing in British churches. This event promises to be a fantastic learning opportunity though lecture, performance and singing participation from the audience!
In late December 1772, Rev John Newton prepared his sermon in the attic study of his Vicarage home in Church Street, Olney. During his New Year’s Day morning service on the first of January 1773, the congregation at Newton’s parish church of St Peter & St Paul will have heard him give his sermon based … Read more
Charity Christmas Concert at St Peter & St Paul Church. Including an arrangement of Amazing Grace to commemorate the 250th anniversary.
The Cowper & Newton Museum is excited to welcome Californian based production company Haven Film, to film a new documentary about the story of John Newton and Amazing Grace. Professor Bruce Hindmarsh from Regent College in Vancouver, Professor Mathew Williams, Professor John Coffey from the University of Leicester and Historian Marilyn Rouse from The John … Read more
With thanks to the National Lottery Fund and the current owners of the old Vicarage in Olney, the Cowper & Newton Museum now features a recreation of Newton’s study. The Museum was kindly granted access to the Vicarage by the current owners to film short clips in their attic room – formerly Newton’s study and … Read more
Amazing Grace: Legacies & Reflections at 250 Conference at St Peter & St Paul, Olney co-hosted by The Open University’s Music Department, the Cowper & Newton Museum and St Peter & St Paul, Olney
Our Museum building remains CLOSED. We are opening our gardens on limited entry. The Cowper & Newton Museum gardens will be open to welcome you on Wednesday 5th August 10.30 – 12.15 and Saturday 8th August 10.30 – 12.15
(Follow our social media accounts or check back here for further opening days & times as they become available)