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Prospect Cottage

Prospect Cottage is the former home and sanctuary of artist, filmmaker, gay rights activist and gardener Derek Jarman (1942 - 1994). Following a successful campaign to save the cottage for the nation, you can now step inside the home and workspace of one of Britain's most iconic creative figures. 


As custodians of Prospect Cottage, we are proud to be able to offer limited visits to this inspiring place. We have been tasked with looking after the cottage, garden and contents. In the coming months we will also be announcing a residency programme to continue the legacy of Jarman and Prospect Cottage. 

Jarman moved to Dungeness and Prospect Cottage in 1986. The cottage soon became a source of inspiration to all who visited and a creative hub where his artistic practices and collaborators came together.

Prospect Cottage continues to represent the most complete distillation of his pioneering creativity. It was here that Jarman worked across film, art, writing and gardening: from his 1990 film The Garden starring Tilda Swinton, to his journal, Modern Nature, to poetry etched in the glass, to driftwood sculptures and the remarkable garden he created on the shingle beach.

More than 25 years after his death, Prospect Cottage remains a site of pilgrimage for people from all over the world who come to be inspired by Dungeness, Prospect Cottage and by Jarman’s legacy. The cottage remains an inspiration thanks to Keith Collins (1966 - 2018), Jarman’s close companion in his final years, to whom he bequeathed the cottage.

Scroll down for more information about visiting Prospect Cottage. 

 

Visit Prospect Cottage

Visits for 2024 are on sale now. Step-inside the cottage and view artworks, gain greater insight to the life and work of Derek Jarman and reflect on the profound importance of this special place. 

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Prospect Cottage was, and continues to be, a place that inspired artists, queer icons, and creative minds of all varieties. By booking one of the limited places you can step-inside the cottage and soak up the atmosphere like never before. 

Visitor guides will accompany you inside the cottage and be in hand to answer any questions. Entry is by timed ticket and pre-booking is essential. Visits will last 40 minutes. 

Discounts for Creative Folkestone and Art Fund members, and students are available. 

For full visitor information please click here

 

Residencies

Through our residency programme, we can open the doors of Prospect Cottage for you to think, reflect, make and create. Inspired and energised by Derek Jarman, Prospect Cottage and Dungeness.

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The Garden

Dungeness is a private estate. A place of quiet beauty and solitude. Please respect this, our neighbours and their property during your visit.

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Prospect Cottage and its contents were acquired for the public following the 2020 campaign supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, the Linbury Trust, the Luma Foundation and the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust as well as those who gave anonymously and the contributions of over 8,000 members of the public.

For any enquiries please contact ProspectCottage@CreativeFolkestone.org.uk

For press and media please contact OwenKimm@CreativeFolkestone.org.uk 

For information regarding filming and photography in Dungeness please contact the Dungeness Estate. Click here for more information

Donate and support

Creative Folkestone needs you. Help us to enable more people to be inspired by Prospect Cottage through an inclusive residency programme. There are a number of ways you can help us:

Membership

Become a Creative Folkestone Member and enjoy 50% off tickets to visit Prospect Cottage and exclusive offers, special events and discounts in Quarterhouse, the Creative Quarter and more.

Donate

Donate and help us to make inspiring things happen. Click here to donate online or text PROSPECTCOTTAGE to 70560 to donate £10*

*Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text PROSPECTCOTTAGENOINFO instead.

Become a member!