this grade I listed mansion designed by Robert Adam houses a wealth of Art treasures.
In particular I had gone to see an exhibition called "The Fabric of Myth" which explores textile myths from classical literature and looks at their influence on historic and contemporary art. It looks at artists who consciously use textiles as their medium. This is very relevant to my Opus course in more ways than one, plus I have to review an exhibition for the current module so it was a useful day as well as fun. The exhibition was brilliant - a diverse range of work to see ranging from this fabulous tapestry designed by Henry Moore to classical artefacts and manuscripts.
There was a particularly poignant set of work produced by people who had been institutionalised either in prison or in hospital for various reasons, again as diverse as embroidery from Mary Queen of Scots to the incredible miniature embroideries of Ray Materson created from recycled thread taken from old socks while he served a long term prison sentence. That's what I call resourceful!
These embroideries are about 3 x 2 inches and amazingly detailed. As well as going round the exhibition twice I also had a superb lunch (grilled vegetables and goat's cheese salad) in the restaurant which served a fabulous range of locally sourced food and spent money in the small but carefully stocked gift shop!
Three new books (including the exhibition catalogue) all relevant to my course so all totally justified of course!
No, you're right - totally justified!
ReplyDeleteWish I could have come too. Glad you had a good day ~ beautiful setting, great exhib, good food and a purchase ~ bliss!
ReplyDeleteHi,I loved the exhibition and was lucky to get on a work shop there.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful place.
What a great day out - even if it was partly for your course work it looks really enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI must add it too our places to visit list.
Celia
It looks like a really good day out - that embroidery from sock wool is amazing - so resourceful. Lucy x
ReplyDeleteAaahh... one of the things I miss most about being a student - day trips. Uninterrupted and without small-fry in tow. I am very envious.
ReplyDeleteJust found you via a link on Hensteeth. Your dolls are fabby. I've done a few "Warning" dolls as well for Mother's Day/60th prezzies. :o)
what a lovely way to spend the day, your pics are great - its so nice to spoil yourself once in a while and the purchases are absolutely justified!
ReplyDeletex
what a lovely way to spend the day, your pics are great - its so nice to spoil yourself once in a while and the purchases are absolutely justified!
ReplyDeletex
Glad to hear you've had a day to yourself Gina. Your photos of the parkland are beautiful and it looks a really interesting exhibition. You can tell straight away that Henry Moore was the author of that tapestry, can't you? The figures look so like his sculptures.
ReplyDeleteThose tiny embroideries are amazing and I love that Henry Moore. It sounds like you had a fabulous day.
ReplyDeleteDid they use Compton Verney as Longbourn in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice adaptation? It looks familiar. Did you see Mr Darcy?
That does look like a perfect day. Hope you didn't roast ...
ReplyDeleteIts always a good day out if you can build a nice cafe into it!
ReplyDeleteCompton Verney sounds a lovely and interesting place. Thanks for posting about the crochet exhibition i might have the chance to go in the next couple of weeks. Jane x
ReplyDeleteLooks great, fab pics and i really like your quilt from Lucy.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Hello and thank you for visiting my blog. What a wonderful setting for such a great exhibition, it sounds very interesting. Glad you got to have a good day out
ReplyDeleteWow. Am smitten with envy, as have been reading so much about this exhibition (Guardian, Selvedge) but it looks even more tempting now!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to spend a day - the exhibition looks wonderful. As it's on the way to my Dad's I could justify a visit, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteThose books look like a very worthwhile investment :)
xxx