Haddon Hall and QEST announce collaboration to celebrate UK craftsmanship

Haddon Hall and QEST are delighted to collaborate on celebrating the rich history of craftsmanship in the UK, shining a spotlight on the talented makers of today.

With 900 years of history, Haddon Hall is one of the most significant and oldest heritage destinations in the country, and one of the only houses in England to have remained in one family’s ownership for its entire existence. It is unique in that it remained empty for nearly 200 years, allowing it to remain unaltered during the modernising period of the Georgians and Victorians. It features a remarkable tapestry collection; an early English furniture collection reputed to be the best of its kind in England; exquisite and very rare 15^th century freso seccos and stunning Elizabethan Walled Gardens, redesigned by Arne Maynard.

The first in a series of collaborations between the two organisations will be a showcase of contemporary works which resonate with the history and architecture of the Hall and surrounding grounds, demonstrating how traditional skills are employed and evolved by modern makers. Showcase 1 will open to the public on Tuesday, 25 June and remain on display until Sunday 15 September.

A Grade I listed medieval building, Haddon Hall stands as a testament to Britain’s rich history of craftsmanship, from the very fabric of the hall to the furnishings and fittings, such as the magnificent bombee glass in the Long Gallery, the ornate plasterwork in the Great Chamber and the beautifully painted ceiling in the Parlour. The grounds have provided further inspiration and even resource to fuel this artistry, from the biodiversity of Haddon’s Medieval Park to the Verdure and Mortlake Tapestries, inspired by nature.

The following QEST Alumni have been selected to feature in an exhibition in the Showcase Room:

Pewtersmith Fleur Grenier, whose contemporary pewter homewares will juxtapose with Haddon Hall’s own pewter collection – one of the largest, oldest and earliest collections of pewterware in the country (as so much in London was lost to the Great Fire of London).

Nottingham-based silversmith Harry Forster-Stringer, who designs and crafts exquisite jewellery and objects d’art using centuries-old techniques of silversmithing and engraving, enriched with vibrant enamel colouring to bring the intricate detailing to life.

Textile artist Valérie Wartelle who, from her studio in Halifax, employs wet felting – potentially the world’s first form of fabric-making – and takes inspiration from the rural environment to create semi-abstract landscapes rich in climate and light.

Glass artist Effie Burns who, since her childhood living in a museum (Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire), has been fascinated by collections and how things are protected, curated and displayed. She uses traditional skills including casting and gilding to transform botanical treasures foraged from parks and woodlands into delightfully small, contemporary sculptures.

Stoke-on-Trent based ceramicist Natalia Kasprzycka, who explores the relationship between ceramics and site through found materials. Her featured bellarmine or witch bottles are an ode to British Medieval pottery, having been made in the UK and Europe since the Middle Ages.

Works by Rutland-based ceramicist and painter Hannah Tounsend have been reimagined for display in the Earl’s Apartment at the Hall. ‘A Record of Sorts II’ continues Hannah’s resolve to bring to prominence the careful, ordered investigations that invisibly underpin ceramic surfaces. Arrayed along one of Haddon’s medieval refectory tables and positioned alongside one of the Verdure tapestries; this artwork of small vessels presents a visual catalogue of subtly graded colour and amorphous, drifting tones.

Lady Edward Manners, chatelaine of Haddon Hall since 2016 and visionary of its creative future, says,

“Haddon was hewn from stone, glass and wood and is truly one of the most remarkable demonstrations of ancient craftsmanship. One only has to look at the wood panelling in the Banqueting Hall or Parlour, or the bombee glass in the Long Gallery to see the level of intricacy in the work and the skill required to achieve it, which is why this collaboration with QEST is so appropriate. I’m acutely aware of how important it is to ensure the continuation of craft skills in the UK and we’re delighted to provide a platform to promote this fantastic charity which funds craft training and education, and to shine a spotlight on some of the talented makers they have supported.”

Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST, says,

“We are so excited to work in partnership with Haddon Hall as it cements its reputation as a home for British craftsmanship – both past and present. We hope this will be the first in a series of collaborations, which may include opportunities for artist residencies, site-specific creations, workshops and more; bringing together the traditional and the contemporary for visitors and the local community.”

For visitor information, head to: www.haddonhall.co.uk/visit