Wentworth Woodhouse, the magnificent stately home in Rotherham, is once again opening its doors to a remarkable collection of priceless artworks, but with a unique twist designed to captivate visitors of all ages. Breaking away from traditional art presentations, this exhibition aims to transform the appreciation of historic masterpieces into an engaging and accessible experience for families, ensuring that the rich tapestry of history and art is explored through fun and interactive discovery.
The highly anticipated “House of Fun: Parties, Play and Portraits” exhibition, running from August 5 to November 16 in the majestic State Rooms, marks the triumphant return of renowned portraits by artistic giants such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Anthony van Dyck, and Daniel Mytens. Curated by the Wentworth Preservation Trust, this display promises a refreshing and playful perspective on historical narratives and artistic legacies, inviting a new generation to connect with the past.
Among the exhibition’s star attractions are six exquisite works by the 17th-century Flemish master, Sir Anthony van Dyck. These significant pieces, dating from the 1600s, were originally owned by Thomas Wentworth, the 1st Earl of Strafford, and include intimate portraits of the Earl himself, his children, his close confidante the Countess of Carlisle, and Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. The royal portrait, a personal gift from the King, symbolizes the profound loyalty that ultimately led to Strafford’s tragic execution in 1641, imbuing these canvases with powerful historical resonance.
Further enriching the collection is a masterful painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a preeminent figure of 18th-century European art, depicting Charles, the 2nd Marquess Rockingham, resplendent in his Order of the Garter robes. These returning artworks, part of a magnificent centuries-old collection that resided at Wentworth Woodhouse until the 1940s, are now back on loan from a private English collection, allowing them to be viewed once more in their original, historically significant setting.
Despite their immense historical and artistic significance, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s culture team has meticulously crafted a truly family-friendly exhibition. The objective is to make learning about history and art an enjoyable adventure, dispelling the notion that such subjects must be solely for serious connoisseurs. Victoria Ryves, the Trust’s Head of Culture and Engagement, emphasizes this unique opportunity to witness works by celebrated portrait artists in their original home, highlighting how the van Dycks will revitalize the room named in their honor.
Beyond the celebrated brushstrokes, the exhibition delves into the captivating personal stories behind the portraits. Visitors will uncover the intriguing life of Jeffrey Hudson, a court dwarf whose dramatic escapades included a duel, flight from justice, and even capture by Barbary pirates. Similarly, the portrait of Lucy Percy, The Countess of Carlisle, a trusted friend of the Queen, hints at romance and intrigue, with whispers of a shared affection between her and the Earl of Strafford fueled by their reciprocal gifting of van Dyck portraits.
As a key component of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture Festival Year, the exhibition reimagines Wentworth Woodhouse as a “stately House of Fun,” featuring a pervasive play-focused, interactive theme. Activities, co-designed by Rotherham’s young people, ensure that the historical context is presented in an accessible and engaging manner, fostering a deeper connection with the past through play. Contemporary sculptures further enhance this interactive environment, including “Friendship Follies,” a huge hang-out den in the Whistlejacket Room, and a scaffold reinterpretation of the Rockingham Monument, collaboratively created by Leeds play artist Pippa Hale with looked-after Rotherham children.
Adding a modern artistic flair, “Final Boss,” a striking inflatable art installation by Nottingham artist Bruce Asbestos, whose work has been showcased at the Tate Modern, commands the Marble Saloon. An accompanying trail of artwork, collaboratively created by Asbestos with pupils from Rockingham Junior School and Kiveton Park Meadows Junior School, guides visitors through the State Rooms, seamlessly blending historical art with contemporary creativity and local community engagement.
The success of this ambitious exhibition owes much to generous support from various organizations. Victoria Ryves expressed profound gratitude for public funding received from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and extended deepest thanks to the owner of the private collection for the loan of these invaluable historic artworks. Crucially, the exhibition’s realization was also made possible by the Government’s provision of Government Indemnity, arranged by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England, without which the Trust could not have afforded to house such significant pieces.
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