modern meets stately

June 30th, 2010

Trust New Art

Tatton Park (left) and Jeff Koons’ Cracked Egg at Waddesdon Manor.

The National Trust is going modern with its new contemporary art initiative, Trust New Art. Pairing up with Arts Council England, the Trust is introducing a three-year contemporary arts and crafts program at selected historic houses across England. For members of the Royal Oak Foundation – the U.S. affiliate to the National Trust – entry into these historic houses is free, so sign up before you go to avoid entrance fees. Some Trust properties are already involved. Jeff Koons’ Cracked  Egg is showcased alongside an exhibition of new lighting pieces by Brazilian designers, the Campana brothers, at Waddesdon Manor, and newly commissioned work by over 20 artists will be scattered around Tatton Park for its second contemporary art biennial. The juxtaposition of the refined historic houses and modern works of art will bring new crowds together and really spice up the English countryside.

Other events include the following:

Croft Castle – “Tell it to the Trees” is running until September 15, showcasing nine works of art with a dramatic backdrop of ancient woodlands. Croft Castle sits on a 1,500 acre estate surrounded by woodlands, farms, and parkland.

Calke Abbey – This charming property is working with Beacon Arts to display the works of artists such as Mark Fairnington and 2009 Turner Prize nominee Roger Hiorns. This runs through July 11. Calke Abbey has been little restored, left in its state of gentle neglect and showcasing a time when grand country houses were struggling to survive. Mark Fairnington is a painter who has been Sargent Fellow at the British School at Rome and has held residences in the Serpentine Gallery and the Natural History Museum. Roger Hiorns is known for using unusual materials in urban settings, such as covering an entire apartment in blue crystals.

Kedleston Hall – Susie MacMurray is creating a temporary installation entitled “Promenade,” a shimmering structure of gold threads. This will run from July 19 through the end of September. Kedleston Hall is a Neo-classical mansion and home to the Curzon family since the 12th century. Susie MacMurray is known for her sculpture and installations in historic settings.

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